In addition, those of us exceeding 14 units per week reported significantly lower overall wellbeing compared to never drinkers, with increased consumption linked to worse sleep quality and daily functioning.
Dr Richard Piper, CEO at Alcohol Change UK, said:
“From the TV shows and films that we watch to the adverts we're bombarded with as we go about our lives, the world around us promotes drinking alcohol during good times, bad times and everything in between. This makes it easy for our alcohol consumption to creep up above 14 units per week, which, as our research suggests, can be doing more harm than good when it comes to our mental health. And of course, alcohol can too easily become a crutch that we rely on when dealing with mental health issues, when it’s often making them worse.
“So many people who share their stories about cutting back on the booze are surprised at the wellbeing improvements they’ve experienced in a short period of time – from better sleep and more energy to reduced feelings of ‘brain fog’, stress and anxiety. Cutting back can make a big difference to our daily life. That’s why, if improving our mental health is a goal for us, we should consider taking action on our drinking habits.”
Brian Back at online counselling platform, BetterHelp, added:
"Alcohol can be a subtle yet significant contributor to mental health issues. People drink for many reasons - celebration, socialising or to unwind - and it's easy for our intake to gradually increase, especially with a few extra drinks on the weekend. While alcohol may offer short-term relief, it often worsens anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns in the long run.
“As a depressant, alcohol disrupts the balance of neurotransmitters - chemical messengers in the brain - affecting both thoughts and behaviour. Alcohol Change UK's research shows that individuals drinking more than the 14 units per week report higher levels of depression and anxiety compared to never-drinkers. So, while alcohol may feel like a short-term fix, it’s rarely the friend we think it is when it comes to mental health. By making some simple changes to our drinking habits and finding healthier coping mechanisms that work for us, we can not only protect but supercharge our wellbeing and mental health."
Still got questions? Find out more about alcohol and mental health here: Alcohol and mental health - fact sheet | Alcohol Change UK
Alcohol Change UK Ambassador Lauren White gives her tips on managing trickier moments in life without turning to alcohol: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DJY0HM4N5-B/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
Have a story to share about how alcohol has impacted your mental health, or how you’ve managed to improve your mental health by changing your relationship with alcohol? Submit your story here: Share your story | Alcohol Change UK.