Alcohol is a depressant, which means it works to slow down the function of the central nervous system. It is also addictive, which means it can rewire the brain, causing it to become dependent on this substance. This issue can lead to a range of changes to mental health. Alcohol addiction amplifies existing conditions and can lead to the development of others. Getting help from Serenity House Detox & Recovery Florida may provide you with the tools you need to avoid this type of damage. For information about our alcohol detox program, please contact our team today at 866.294.5306.
How Mental Health Changes Due to Alcohol
Occasionally consuming a drink is not likely to lead to addiction nor changes to mental health. However, alcohol can be a problem when a person drinks continually or when they consume a large amount in a short period of time.
Some people with depression, anxiety, or other mental health disorders may use alcohol to minimize those symptoms. For example, you may use alcohol to help yourself cope with trauma in your past.
Other times, alcohol use consistently can lead to the development of mental health disorders. For example, consuming large amounts of alcohol can lead to symptoms of depression or anxiety when you don’t drink. Those feelings may worsen over time, making it harder for you to feel “normal” otherwise. In both of these situations, your mental health changes as a result of addiction.
How Do You Know Your Mental Health Is Impacted?
Recognizing the signs of addiction as well as changes to mental health is not easy to do. However, some common symptoms may include:
- Needing a drink to face the day
- Feeling the need to use alcohol after a stressful event
- Drinking daily is a common need, and if you can’t, you want to do so.
- If you don’t drink, you see images or have negative thoughts that are hard to control
- You feel depressed all the time, often without understanding why
Alcohol addiction occurs when a person is compulsively consuming alcohol. That means they cannot control how much they use. It may also lead to dependence. When this happens, alcohol becomes a craving, something you have to have. It may also lead to the onset of withdrawal symptoms and mood swings if you can’t have a drink.
How to Treat the Damage to Mental Health
Having both mental health disorders and alcohol addiction is called co-occurring disorders. Treatment for this requires focusing on both components of the condition to reach a better outcome. This type of support is called a dual diagnosis. It’s one of the most important investments you can make in your health and your future. Treating both conditions at the same time ensures the best possible outcome. Dual diagnosis helps treat the damage caused by the addiction on the brain while also allowing you to get more stability from the underlying mental health disorder.
Call Serenity House Detox & Recovery Florida for Support
When you face alcohol addiction and mental health complications, it’s important not to wait to get help. This situation can be dangerous, and it is nearly impossible to overcome without professional support. The good news is treatment can be effective. At Serenity House Detox & Recovery Florida, we provide a range of tools to help you reach those goals.
Your first step is to learn more about the programs we offer that can help you:
- Residential detox programs
- Medical detox programs
- Holistic treatment programs
- Women’s treatment programs
- Men’s treatment programs
- Dual diagnosis treatment
Your mental health is critical to your overall wellbeing. Don’t let alcohol addiction take that from you. Let our team at Serenity House Detox & Recovery Florida provide the tools you need for overcoming co-occurring disorders. Call us now at 866.294.5306 to speak to our counselors or reach out to us online.
