“People often choose to drink to modulate their mood, with the aim of temporarily reducing negative emotions and intensifying positive emotions. However, as alcohol affects several neurotransmitter systems, it can result in a variety of emotions, from feeling energized, relaxed, confident and happy, to feeling tired, aggressive, restless, irritable and depressed, “said Dr Willeumier.
The initial negative impacts of being sober can vary depending on how much and how often you drink.
“For those who consume light to moderate amounts of alcohol, one to three drinks a week, when consumption is stopped, the neurotransmitter systems in the brain will try to restore balance (that is, balance GABA, glycine and glutamate), which can have a temporary adverse impact on your sleep patterns and mood. Ultimately, once neurotransmitter systems are back in balance, your mood will be restored and you will sharpen your memory, alertness and focus, “says Dr Willeumier.
Related Stories
“For those who drink more – more than three drinks a day – when alcohol is abruptly reduced or stopped, an withdrawal syndrome, characterized by seizures, insomnia and restlessness, may occur. This is due to the over activity of the excitatory neurotransmitter systems that try to balance the inhibitory effects of alcohol. “
Quitting drinking has many side effects because alcohol has a big impact on your mood.
Quitting drinking has many side effects because alcohol has a big impact on your mood. “Alcohol consumption is linked to cognitive, emotional and behavioral deficiencies”, says Dr. Willeumier. “Alcohol contains ethanol, a drug that works by depressing brain function. While it can initially relax you and improve your mood, it can also cause a hangover, exhaustion or depression. ”Alcohol also affects your cognitive functions.
“Long-term use can lead to neuroadaptations in the brain leading to addiction. From a behavioral point of view, alcohol impairs information processing, which can result in greater impulsiveness (that is, aggression, violence, risky behaviors) and impaired motor control (ie slurred speech, slow reflexes, balance and gait problems) “, says Dr. Willeumier. “Alcohol also affects many aspects involved in cognitive processing – attention, working memory, conflict monitoring, judgment. With long-term use, alcohol abuse can lead to changes in the structure and function of the brain, shrinking the volume of the brain. brain and increasing the risk of moderate cognitive impairment and dementia. “
Because alcohol is often used to make us feel better, cessation can make you have to deal with emotions that you previously suppressed with alcohol. “One of the best ways to stabilize your emotions after drinking is to adopt a brain-healthy lifestyle,” she says.
This includes adequate hydration (3.7 liters of liquids for men / day, 2.7 liters of liquids for women) and the consumption of healthy brain foods such as wild salmon, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, kale, spinach , broccoli, nuts, almonds, avocado, dark chocolate and green tea. She also recommends consuming more omega-3 fatty acids through foods like fatty fish, seaweed, seaweed, nuts, almonds, flaxseed, chia seeds and olive oil. Supplementation of vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids can also help.
Learn more about omega-3 supplements here:
You might want to consider including foods in your diet that help produce the soothing GABA neurotransmitter, says Dr. Willeumier, like cruciferous vegetables, lentils, beans, tomatoes and bananas, along with foods that contain magnesium like avocado, spinach, yogurt , bananas and dark chocolate, to relieve anxiety.
Having seven to eight hours of continuous sleep and moving around daily can also help.
“The practice of daily physical activities will help to maintain healthy cerebral circulation and to elevate the mood, balancing the levels of neurotransmitters and the well-being endorphins,” said Dr. Willeumier. “Even starting a meditative practice that incorporates breathing work can relieve anxiety and stress, helping to stabilize emotions.”
If you find that stopping drinking is more difficult than you would be able to do on your own, Dr. Willeumier encourages you to seek help.
“Chronic alcohol consumption can increase the risk of depression, dementia, liver cirrhosis, cancer, hypertension, seizures and stroke, so be aware of your drinking habits,” said Dr. Willeumier. “Alcohol is a powerful drug, so if you are unable to control your consumption, please seek help from a qualified therapist or addiction treatment center.”
Oh hi! You look like someone who loves free exercise, discounts for favorite cult wellness brands and exclusive Well + Good content. Sign up for Well +, our online community of wellness experts, and unlock your rewards instantly.