Alcohol and depression: why a drink can make low mood worse

Does alcohol cause depression?

The NHS lists alcohol among the causes of depression. It says "drowning your sorrows" with a drink is not recommended, because alcohol affects the chemistry of the brain, which increases the risk of depression.

On its page about cutting down, the NHS adds that there is a strong link between heavy drinking and depression, that hangovers often make you feel anxious and low, and that if you already feel anxious or sad, drinking can make this worse. Among the longer-term risks of drinking too much, it lists mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression.

There is rarely a single cause. The NHS says depression can have many triggers that combine, such as bereavement, illness, loneliness, money worries and family history. Alcohol is one of the few on that list you can change.

The downward spiral of drinking to cope

The NHS describes how depression can build from a chain of events. Its example: a relationship breaks down, you feel low, stop seeing friends and family and start drinking more, and all of this can make you feel worse and trigger depression. It also says some people try to cope when life is getting them down by drinking too much, which can result in a spiral of depression.

That is why a drink to take the edge off a bad evening can turn into a habit that makes the next day harder. If the low mood the morning after is familiar, our guide to hangxiety explains what alcohol does to mood the day after drinking.

Heavy drinking, self-harm and when to get help now

The NHS says there is evidence that regular drinking at high-risk levels can make your mental health worse, and that research has found strong links between drinking too much and self-harm, including suicide.

If you are thinking about harming yourself or ending your life, get help now. In the US, call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, which is free and confidential, 24 hours a day. Anywhere, you can call your local emergency number. If drinking is part of the picture, the SAMHSA National Helpline (1-800-662-HELP, 4357) in the US and Drinkline (0300 123 1110) in the UK offer free, confidential support.

Will cutting down help my mood?

The NHS says that because drinking can make anxiety and sadness worse, cutting down may put you in a better mood generally. It also says drinking disrupts sleep, and that cutting down should help you feel more rested, which matters when you are already struggling.

If you drink most days, talk to a doctor before you stop: the NHS says anxiety, difficulty sleeping and shaking can be signs of alcohol withdrawal, and that stopping suddenly can be dangerous if you are dependent. A doctor can look at your mood and your drinking together. Our guide on how to cut down on alcohol covers safe ways to start.

Common questions

When to get help

This site offers self-help tools and information, not medical advice. Talk to a doctor, or call one of the lines below, if:

• you feel shaky, sweaty, sick or anxious when you haven't had a drink;
• you find it hard to stop once you start, or you want to cut down and can't;
• drinking is causing problems with your health, work or the people close to you.

Before you stop: It can be very dangerous to stop drinking suddenly if you are dependent on alcohol. If you get withdrawal symptoms, get medical help before you try to stop drinking.

Sources

1. Causes - Depression in adults. NHS. nhs.uk
2. Tips on cutting down on alcohol. NHS. nhs.uk
3. The risks of drinking too much. NHS. nhs.uk
4. Alcohol-use disorder. NHS. nhs.uk
5. FindTreatment.gov (help resources). Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). findtreatment.gov
6. Alcohol support. NHS. nhs.uk