Mental andpsychologicalhealth
Women are at greater risk of experiencing negative effects of alcohol on their mental health.
Women are at greater risk of experiencing negative effects of alcohol on their mental health.
Alcohol consumption is often associated with moments of celebration or as a way to unwind after a difficult day. Our state of mind can therefore influence our drinking habits. As alcohol consumption is culturally linked to psychological well-being, psychological states and distress levels can lead to heavy alcohol consumption 1,2. Women are more likely than men to turn to alcohol consumption to soothe negative emotions such as stress3.
People experiencing mental health issues are more likely to develop an alcohol-related disorder . The presence of both a mental health disorder and an alcohol-related disorder is considered a case of co-occurring disorders efer to the various possible associations between a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder.”>. For women, this is especially evident in cases of depression and anxiety3.
Women are also at higher risk than men of experiencing issues related to the combination of alcohol and prescription sedatives , such as those used to help with sleep, depression, or anxiety. Although the effects of this combination do not differ between genders, women are more frequently prescribed sedatives in Canada4. This type of medication, like alcohol, slows down the activity of the nervous system. The use of both substances together can reduce the body’s ability to eliminate alcohol and increase their respective effects4,5.
Several interactions can occur between alcohol and other substances, including prescription medications. Stay informed about potential risks of combining alcohol with other substances, be aware of any contraindications associated with prescribed medications, and don’t hesitate to consult a healthcare professional if necessary!
Mental and Psychological Health Quiz
True or false? There is no link between alcohol consumption and mental health.
True or false? Alcohol is a substance that slows down the central nervous system.
References
[1] Newton S, Morona J, Salinger K, et al. (2018) Systematic literature review on the association between alcohol consumption and mental health disorders, Adelaide, Australie, The Unversity of Adelaide.
[2] Geda N, Feng C (2022) Perceived mental health, work, and life stress in association with the amount of weekly alcohol consumption among Canadian adults who have ever drank. BMC Public Health 22: 1861.
[3] Karpyak VM, Biernacka JM, Geske JR, et al. (2016) Gender-specific effects of comorbid depression and anxiety on the propensity to drink in negative emotional states. Addict Abingdon Engl 111: 1366–1375.
[4] Sédatifs (Sommaire canadien sur la drogue) | Centre canadien sur les dépendances et l’usage de substances Available from: https://www.ccsa.ca/fr/sedatifs-sommaire-canadien-sur-la-drogue.
[5] Cheng C, Mithoowani F, Ungar T, et al. (2018) Interaction between Psychotropic Medications and Alcohol: Perceptions among Patients Attending an Adult Mental Health Day Hospital Program. Can J Hosp Pharm 71: 7–13.
[6] Cochrane Canada (2022) Incidence de la consommation d’alcool sur l’apparition de la dépression, de l’anxiété et de l’idéation suicidaire : mise à jour d’une revue systématique. CCDUS.
[7] Li J, Wang H, Li M, et al. (2020) Effect of alcohol use disorders and alcohol intake on the risk of subsequent depressive symptoms: a systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies. Addiction 115: 1224–1243.
[8] Carbia C, García-Cabrerizo R, Cryan JF, et al. (2022) Associations between Mental Health, Alcohol Consumption and Drinking Motives during COVID-19 Second Lockdown in Ireland. Alcohol and Alcoholism 57: 211–218.
[9] Alcool : substance psychoactive | INSPQ Institut national de santé publique du Québec. Available from: https://www.inspq.qc.ca/substances-psychoactives/alcool/dossier/alcool-effets-psychoactifs.