People may use alcohol with an expectation of mental health benefits €“ for example, having an alcoholic drink at the end of a long day to relax or cope with stress or low mood. A pattern of behaviour develops as the person learns that consuming alcohol in small amounts can have positive effects. 

However, once someone begins to use alcohol as a coping mechanism, there is a risk of dependency as they start to believe alcohol is the only way to help them cope. 

While many people report that alcohol increases their confidence, especially in social situations, continued consumption can mean people become over-confident and take extreme risks, such as thinking it is safe to drive.

Other common short-term effects include extreme emotional distress, paranoia, aggression and disorientation. Such thoughts and emotions may lead to people behaving in ways they would not when they are sober. They will often recover from the effects once blood alcohol levels fall, but may then start to experience low mood and guilt linked to their uncharacteristic behaviour.

Delirium tremens  

Delirium tremens may occur if someone stops drinking alcohol after their intake was regularly high. This is an acute withdrawal state involving tremors, anxiety, hallucinations, and disorientation that develops over two to three days. It should be classified as a medical emergency, as more than five per cent of cases result in death. Delirium tremens is largely preventable if the patient receives treatment on initial admission to hospital.

Co-occurring disorders 

Many people are affected by a combination of drinking and mental illness, and when the two co-exist, the prognosis of both is poorer. It is important to treat both together and, unless there are exceptional circumstances, it is unwise for antidepressants to be prescribed to a patient who drinks excessively or dependently.