Psychological Impacts of Alcohol Related Harm
The psychological impacts of alcohol use can be immediate or
develop over years of drinking. Below are a selection
of psychological difficulties associated with short term and long
term alcohol use:
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Mental Health Conditions
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Alcohol can increase the severity of depression
and anxiety. Many people believe that alcohol will "calm
the nerves" and help to relax. While the initial effect of a small
amount of alcohol may be sedative, any amount over the
recommended limit will lead to increased physiological arousal and
hightened anxiety. This is most noticeable on the
following day after a "big night out".
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Reduced Ability to Cope with
Stress
- Regular and excessive
drinking significantly reduces the ability to cope with
stress. Excessive alcohol use leads to irritability, impaired
problem solving ability and impaired planning and organising
ability. Consequently at times of increased stress
people are less likely to cope
with situational demands and may resort to drinking
as a form of stress relief. The result is a vicious cycle
of stressful situation >> poor coping >> alcohol
use >> stressful situation ...etc.
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Tolerance and Dependence
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Regular alcohol use can lead to tolerance, the body's coping with
ongoing alcohol use. With tolerance, people can become dependent
on alcohol and experience withdrawal when not drinking, such as
anger, irritability, anxiety and panic.
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Sleep Difficulties
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Immediately after drinking alcohol people may feel relaxed and
fall asleep easier. Few hours after the last drink, alcohol leads
to increased arousal and to a disrupted sleep pattern. People
often wake suddenly, feel tired and restless, but unable to fall
back to sleep.
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Sexual Difficulties
- Alcohol
interferes with physical arousal and reduces sexual
functioning. Excessive and regular drinking can lead to long
term impacts, including loss of sexual desire
and enjoyment.
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