Learning about how alcohol affects mental health is smart if you know someone who regularly consumes alcohol and you are worried they may be developing an addiction. In the United States, alcohol addiction is very common despite the known dangers and affects over 28 million adults over the age of 18 each year.1 Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to treat alcohol addiction and help people lead healthy and sober lives.
At Arkview Recovery, our alcohol rehab in Mechanicsburg welcomes people from all walks of life who are struggling with alcohol use disorder (AUD) and are ready to make a positive change. We listen to each of our patient’s concerns and work closely to uncover the root cause of the abuse and begin teaching them better ways to prevent their cravings from consuming them. Programs include a mix of group and private therapy sessions using behavioral and holistic therapies along with medication to ease withdrawals and cravings.
If you think our alcohol addiction rehab program can help you or a loved one, call 717.744.0756 today to schedule a consultation.
The Dangers of Abusing Alcohol
When you drink alcohol, it causes a chemical reaction in your body that increases dopamine and serotonin production. This gives you that pleasurable, euphoric sensation that has made drinking so popular. If you drink responsibly and not on a daily basis, your body can recover from the chemical imbalance without any lingering cravings or physical discomfort.
Those who regularly drink or who drink an excessive amount will alter their body chemistry to a point where it stops normal functionality. The natural production of dopamine and other neurotransmitters will stop and only resume when more alcohol is consumed. If you try to stop, your body will begin going into physical withdrawals and create intense psychological cravings that will increase the longer you try to resist.
These mental cravings can completely overtake a person to the point where all they can think about is having another drink. This can cause changes in their behavior and personality and lead to more aggressive and violent mood swings.
At Arkview Recovery, we are well aware of the connection between alcohol and mental health and have personalized programs for each patient who is ready for a new life. We take the time to gain a firm understanding of the reasons behind the abuse so that we can teach you healthy ways of managing your symptoms and triggers.
How Does Alcohol Affect Mental Health
Alcohol has a direct influence on your mental health and will cause significant brain damage if the abuse is left to continue. It has a direct impact on the way your body and brain communicate and can cause permanent brain damage and other mental health complications.
Here are some of the effects of alcohol on your mental health:
Increased Risk of Depression and Anxiety
Alcohol abuse is both a cause and a symptom of depression and anxiety, and millions of people will turn to alcohol to feel better. What they don’t realize is they are only worsening their mental health and creating an unhealthy coping mechanism. It can turn mild depression into a full-blown major depressive disorder if not properly addressed.
Cognitive Impairment
Regular alcohol abuse will cause problems with concentration and focus, retaining memories, and making simple decisions more difficult. Rational thinking goes out the window and will lower your inhibitions and make you do things you would not do sober.
Sleep Disorders
Alcohol is a depressant and, in small amounts, can make you drowsy and fall asleep. Those who abuse alcohol on a daily basis will begin to experience insomnia, which will make it harder to concentrate and resist cravings.
Psychosis
With heavy alcohol use, you can expect hallucinations, paranoia, confused speech, and other symptoms of psychosis. These symptoms are a sign of a severe AUD and will have a significant impact on your ability to continue working, going to school, or caring for personal responsibilities.
Enroll in Our Alcohol Rehab in Mechanicsburg at Arkview Recovery
If you recognize any of these mental health signs of alcohol abuse, the best option is to enroll in an alcohol addiction rehab program. These programs can make the recovery process much safer and greatly reduce the risk of relapse.
Arkview Recovery is a full-service addiction treatment center that supports adults who are ready to stop abusing alcohol. Our programs can support your whole recovery process, from detox and residential programs to outpatient treatment and alumni programs. You will learn healthy ways of managing your symptoms and triggers and other tips for improving your mental health.
Do you need to learn more about the effects of alcohol on your mental health? If so, call 717.744.0756 today or use our online contact form to schedule a tour and meet our dedicated team.
Source:
1. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
Kyle is Lead Therapist at Arkview Recovery Center. He holds a Master of Social Work degree from Temple University and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. He has years of experience working directly with individuals who suffer from addiction and mental health disorders. Being in long term recovery himself, Kyle is very passionate about the recovery process. He is heavily involved in the local recovery community in which he enjoys his commitments to service and giving back. His specialty is in group therapy and developing clinical staff. Kyle brings to Arkview a holistic approach to recovery, specializing in mindfulness, reality therapy, and solution-focused therapy.