Alcohol encourages the brain to release a chemical called dopamine, which is known as a ‘happy hormone’. When we take our first few sips of an alcoholic drink, our bodies produce extra dopamine, which travels to our brain’s reward centres and makes us feel good. 

However, alcohol also depresses the body’s central nervous system – making us lose coordination, become more accident-prone, and less aware of our actions and surroundings. 

Excessive alcohol consumption causes nausea and dehydration, whilst frequent drinking can lead us to become dopamine-deficient and suffer from mental ill-health. 

Relying on alcohol to reduce stress can increase the likelihood of developing alcohol use disorder. 

Grief and trauma can take an emotional, physical and mental toll. Alcohol can temporarily ease feelings of loss and can become a crutch for dealing with challenging times or experiences. 

However, longer-term alcohol use is often detrimental to our overall well-being. For example, a hangover after a heavy drinking session can be a wretched experience, leaving us in a poor mental and physical state. 

Relying on alcohol for emotional support, even for a short time, can lead to dependency. 

Some people are naturally anxious, causing them to worry about social situations. Drinking lowers inhibitions and makes them more comfortable amongst other people. 

When we drink, we may feel less anxious and more confident. But these effects don’t last for long. They can soon lead to more negative feelings, such as anger, increased anxiety, and even depression. 

Many people believe drinking will make it easier for them to make new social connections. However, the opposite outcome is often the case, with excessive alcohol consumption being a leading cause of relationship breakdowns. 

We must remember that despite alcohol being popular for stress relief, as a coping mechanism or temporary mood booster, it’s a toxic, addictive, and carcinogenic substance that negatively impacts many of us.