Alcohol is a depressant that affects the balance of neurotransmitters (chemical messengers in the brain and nervous system) that influence emotions, thoughts, and behaviour. When you drink alcohol, it can cause problems with your thinking and coordination, like blurred vision or loss of balance. It can also lower your inhibitions and make you more likely to behave inappropriately, such as exhibiting aggression or engaging in risky sexual behaviour. Drinking can even have physical consequences like a hangover, which can be uncomfortable, painful and embarrassing.

Many people rely on alcohol as a way to cope with stress, anxiety or depression. However, it is important to recognise that alcohol is never a good solution to these feelings, and instead you should try to find healthier ways to deal with them.

Using alcohol as a coping mechanism can have long-term negative effects on your mental health and wellbeing, including an increased risk of depression, anxiety, memory impairment and even dementia. It can also increase your risk of developing a range of physical diseases, such as liver disease and certain cancers. In addition, heavy drinking can have a number of short-term adverse effects, such as slurred speech, poor balance and impaired reaction times.

If you’re struggling with both alcohol misuse and a mental illness, it is sometimes known as a co-occurring disorder. Having one condition will not necessarily lead to the other, but research shows that roughly a third of those who struggle with alcohol misuse also have a mental illness. In some cases, this may be because the person has been using alcohol to self-medicate for their underlying condition, but in other cases the drinking can exacerbate symptoms of the condition.

There are a number of treatment options for both alcohol misuse and mental illness, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational approaches and group therapy. Several of these approaches have been shown to be effective in decreasing how much and how often a person drinks, as well as helping them to develop healthier coping strategies.

It’s important to talk to your doctor if you think you may have a problem with alcohol andmental health condition, as they can help you work out a plan for recovery. They may also recommend that you visit a psychologist, who can diagnose and treat any underlying conditions as well as help you develop healthier coping mechanisms. They can also refer you to a specialist treatment centre that will be able to offer both alcohol misuse treatment and support with your mental health issues. You can also get support through texting ‘START’ to 741-741 or by calling 1-800-273-TALK (8255) for free, confidential support. There are also a number of self-help groups for both alcohol and mental health available. Click the links below to find one near you.