Our brains rely heavily on a delicate balance of chemicals that become altered each time we drink alcohol. Alcohol is a depressant that can have a long and lasting effect on our mental health. Most individuals who drink alcoholic beverages do so to feel relaxed. Alcohol interferes with the brain’s communication pathways and can change your mood and behavior.
Not only does excessive alcohol use create problems with our mental clarity, it also causes physical damage to our health. Stroke, high blood pressure, cirrhosis, and cancers have all been linked to excessive alcohol use in individuals.
Excessive alcohol use has been linked to depression. Drinking heavily can affect relations with family members, friends, and relationship partners. Some individuals may use alcohol as a way to improve their mood or mask their depression. This is a vicious cycle that can cause more damage than good.
Excessive alcohol use can make people lose their inhibitions and behave impulsively, leading to decisions that they might not have taken otherwise, including self-harm or even suicide.
Symptoms of Excessive Alcohol Use:
- Feelings of guilt or shame about your drinking
- Lying to others about your drinking habits
- Need to drink in order to relax or feel better
- Regularly drink more than you intend to
- Black out or forget what you did while drinking
If you or someone you know is struggling with excessive alcohol use, get help today. Call 727-600-8093 to schedule an appointment.