Excessive alcohol consumption has a significant impact on brain chemistry. Alcohol is a depressant, and affects the part of the brain that is associated with inhibitions. The impact extends past that, however, to overall thoughts, feelings and actions.
Though alcohol lowers inhibitions and many use it to reduce stress, it can end up causing increased anxiety. After an extended time, heavy drinking changes the neurotransmitters in the brain that contribute to mental health.
Along with anxiety, excessive alcohol consumption can lead to depression. Alcohol reduces the amount of serotonin in the brain, which is a chemical that plays a significant part in regulating your mood.
Some begin drinking because they suffer from depression, while others begin suffering from depression because they drink heavily. There is a strong link between the two conditions.
Constantly being under the influence of alcohol will also inevitably affect your personal relationships – romantic, friendships and familial. Weakened relationships have the potential to increase one’s feelings of depression – and possibly anxiety.