Alcohol, Stress, and Anxiety

Author: Dr. Neil Nedley

Summary: Alcohol can contribute to long-term stress and depression.

More Resources:

Study: Alcohol Deadlier than Heroin and Crack

Perhaps one of the most common self-treatment approaches for stress is an after work drink. I wonder if this practice has taken on a new legitimacy as the result of what appears to be a strong publicity effort orchestrated by the alcohol industry to establish drinking as a healthful practice. However, according to recent research, nothing could be further from the truth when it comes to combating stress. Alcohol weakens our capability to cope with stress and anxiety by lowering the level of three hormones in the brain that are needed to cope with stress in several ways.

The first two hormones are beneficial in warding off anxiety. Animal studies reveal that heavy drinking can lower brain levels of important hormones like serotonin and GABA that help control anxiety.ⁱ These same chemicals together with another brain messenger, dopamine, when in abundance, help provide a sense of reward or pleasure. Consequently, alcohol may not only interfere with attempts to address anxiety; it may further undermine mood by increasing the risk of depressive symptoms.

Animal researchers discovered that a high intake of alcohol weakens the hypothalamus’ ability to release the key stress-activating hormone called corticotrophin releasing hormone (CRH).ⁱⁱ Research in human subjects has linked low levels of CRH with depressive problems. This has been studied in the relatively common condition called post partum depression, where women sink into a depressive mood following delivery of a child. Greater reduction in CRH following childbirth caused an increased risk for depression in the new mothers.ⁱⁱⁱ

Many may drink alcohol to seek relief from short-term stress. The reality is that the effects of alcohol are detrimental whether the stress is short-term or long-term it can contribute to long-term anxiety and depression, and in the short-term it actually undermines the capability of the body to respond to stress.

i. A. Heinz, K. Mann, et al., "Serotonergic dysfunction, negative mood states, and response to alcohol," Alcohol Clin Exp Res 25:4 (April 2001): 487-495.

ii. S. Lee, et al., "Prolonged exposure to intermittent alcohol vapours blunts hypothalamic responsiveness to immune and non-immune signals," Alcohol Clin Exp Res (January 2000): 110-122.

iii. G. Chrousos G, et al., Annals of Internal Medicine 129 (August 1, 1998): 229-240.

This article is adapted from the book Depression: The Way Out by Dr. Neil Nedley. Visit Dr. Nedley's website

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