Many teens and adults drink alcohol, but it’s important to know that it can take a toll on mental health. Over time, alcohol use can contribute to feelings of depression, anxiety, and even thoughts of suicide. Understanding how alcohol affects the brain can help you better recognize these challenges and support those who may be struggling. If someone you care about is facing alcohol abuse, learning more about its effects is a meaningful step in helping them. And if you or someone you love is experiencing thoughts of suicide, please remember support is always available—reach out to the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline anytime at 988. You’re not alone.
At Recovery Ranch PA, we’re here to support you if you’re struggling with alcohol use disorder (AUD) and are ready to take the first step toward a healthier, happier life. We understand how difficult this journey can be and the toll alcohol can take, both physically and emotionally. Our compassionate team is here to listen, guide, and provide the care you need. If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol addiction, call 717.969.9126 today to discover what our alcohol rehab in Wrightsville can do for you.
Understanding Abusing Alcohol and the Brain Health
Drinking alcohol can have a significant impact on the brain. When you drink, the chemicals in alcohol attach to cell receptors in your brain, triggering a release of dopamine, serotonin, and other neurotransmitters. These chemicals send signals throughout your body, leading to feelings of euphoria, coordination issues, or even a boost in confidence.
But the relationship between alcohol and the brain is more complex than it seems. Alcohol disrupts the brain’s communication pathways, affecting how different parts of the brain work together. Drinking too much, especially on a regular basis, can take a toll on your brain and body over time—leading to:
- Blackouts
- Thiamine deficiency
- Mood and behavior problems
- Mental health issues
- Dementia
If you’re addicted to alcohol, it can cause several mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, psychosis, trauma, and sleep disorders. Recovery Ranch PA offers co-occurring disorder or dual diagnosis treatment programs that treat both physical and psychological symptoms of addiction at the same time.
The Effects of Drinking on Mental Health
Understanding the effects of drinking on mental health is imperative if you or a loved one is abusing alcohol.
Brain Chemistry
One of the common symptoms of drinking alcohol is the effects that it has on the brain. It disrupts the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain and can cause increased feelings of depression, panic disorders, and impulsive behaviors. It can also cause feelings of anger, aggression, and violence, leading to police being called, possible jail time, and steep fines.
The abuse, if left to continue, can cause permanent brain damage, as drinking can cause brain cells to die and the brain to shrink.
Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome (WKS)
Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome is a condition that has similar characteristics to dementia and is caused by drinking too much alcohol. It’s caused by a severe vitamin B1 deficiency, which can damage your brain. Symptoms of WKS include:
- Loss of coordination
- Confusion
- Difficulty waking
- Drowsiness
- Extreme loss of body heat
- Rapid heart rate
- Low blood pressure
- Other cardiovascular problems
Treating WKS is possible through an alcohol addiction treatment program.
Delirium Tremens
This is a life-threatening symptom of alcohol use disorder and can cause significant harm. Symptoms of this illness include agitation, aggression and irritability, confusion, severe autonomic hyperactivity, impaired consciousness, hallucination, and tremors or seizures. Treating this withdrawal symptom is possible through medication-assisted treatment (MAT). These medications ease withdrawals and cravings as well as any depressive or anxiety symptoms.
Join Recovery Ranch PA’s Whole-Person Alcohol Rehab in Wrightsville Today
Recovery Ranch PA is an addiction and mental health treatment center that welcomes Pennsylvania residents struggling with alcohol use disorder. If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol addiction, begin recovery by calling 717.969.9126 or completing our online form today to schedule a visit.
