According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) in 2019, 14.1 million adults in the United States aged 18 and older had alcohol use disorder, as well as 414,000 adolescents.
Individuals struggling with alcohol use must become aware of the risks associated with heavy alcohol use, as well as its effects on mental health. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, Phoenix House Florida strives to provide accessible resources and holistic support for those who are struggling with alcohol addiction treatment in Brandon for a successful recovery.
What Effect Can Alcohol Have On Mental Health?
Alcohol is classified as a depressant for the central nervous system, slowing down, impairing, and ultimately inhibiting cognitive functional capabilities. Additionally, heavy alcohol use inhibits the production of both serotonin and dopamine, which are the hormones that help create happy feelings, resulting in mood swings, irritability, and the possibility of worsening negative emotions, including depression and anxiety, among others.
If taken while on medication, especially for mental health conditions, it could negatively interact with it, potentially leading to negative and dangerous side effects that counteract the effectiveness of the medication.
In knowing the bidirectional relationship between alcohol usage and mental health, Phoenix House Florida’s alcohol abuse treatment center in Brandon offers holistic, co-occurring mental health condition treatment plans for patients.
Co-Occurring Mental Health Conditions
The relationship between alcohol use and mental health conditions is complex and co-occurring, with one often negatively affecting the other if applicable. For example, individuals suffering from alcohol use disorder are often more likely to suffer mental health conditions such as bipolar disorder, anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia; individuals suffering from the aforementioned mental health conditions are more likely to develop an alcohol use disorder.
Sometimes, drinking may feel like a self-medicated relief from such difficult mental health conditions for these individuals, however, with long-term, heavy use, alcohol can worsen the symptoms of these conditions and become potentially addictive.
When To Consider Alcohol Usage More Seriously
Heavy alcohol use is defined by the NIAAA, The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, as:
- Consuming more than 4 drinks on any day or more than 14 drinks per week for men
- Consuming more than 3 drinks on any day or more than 7 drinks per week for women
SAMHSA, The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration defined heavy alcohol use as binge drinking – consuming 5 or more alcoholic drinks for males or 4 or more alcoholic drinks for females on the same occasion – on 5 or more days in the past month.
Typically, when your drinking begins to inhibit daily life, including school or work capabilities, then it could signal an issue with alcohol. Another consideration is that an individual has lost a reliable control over their alcohol use and will experience physical and mental withdrawal symptoms if alcohol usage is stopped suddenly.
Alcohol Abuse Treatment Center Programs in Brandon
If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol use, Phoenix House Florida’s outpatient treatment program, located in Brandon, FL, may be the right program for recovery. In outpatient programs, treatment plans are individualized and holistic, incorporating mental health condition treatment into alcohol abuse treatment for increased chances of a happier and alcohol-free future.
If you or a loved one is wanting to, or is currently, recovering from alcohol abuse, discover Phoenix House Florida’s options for alcohol addiction treatment in Brandon. To schedule a treatment consultation with Phoenix House Florida, please give us a call at (813) 957-9639 or request an appointment today.
Disclaimer: The contents of this website are for general educational purposes only. All content and media on the Phoenix House Florida website do not constitute professional medical advice nor is the information intended to replace the services provided by Phoenix House Florida or other qualified medical professionals. If you believe you are having a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.