Mental health affects a person’s emotional, psychological, and social well-being, which can impact how they think, feel, and behave. Mental health conditions can increase the risk of alcohol addiction, as people may turn to alcohol as a way to cope with their symptoms. However, using alcohol as a coping mechanism can lead to addiction and make mental health symptoms worse over time. Men are more likely to struggle with alcohol addiction, possibly due to societal expectations around alcohol use and gender norms. Alcohol addiction is a treatable condition, and seeking help is the first step towards recovery, which may involve a combination of therapies, support groups, and medication-assisted treatment.
Below are some early warning sign of a problem:
- Eating or sleeping too much or too little
- Pulling away from people and usual activities
- Having low or no energy
- Feeling helpless or hopeless
- Smoking, drinking, or using drugs more than usual
- Yelling or fighting with family and friends
- Experiencing severe mood swings that cause problems in relationships
- Hearing voices or believing things that are not true
- Thinking of harming yourself or others