Battling the Booze Blues: Why you feel down after drinking

Ever experienced feelings of sadness, anxiety, or depression the day after drinking alcohol? Often referred to as the “booze blues,” this is a common experience among drinkers in the UK and around the world.

We will explore the reasons behind post-drinking sadness, anxiety, or depression, and provide strategies for managing these mood changes. Understanding the “booze blues” can help drinkers make more informed choices and take proactive steps to offset these negative feelings.

What is the “booze blues”?

Alcohol consumption is deeply embedded in British culture, with a significant number of adults engaging in regular drinking. According to statistics from the Office for National Statistics, in 2016, 56.9% of adults in Great Britain had consumed alcohol in the previous week. However, the pleasure of drinking can be short-lived, with many experiencing the “booze blues” the following day. This term refers to the feelings of sadness, anxiety, or depression that often follow a night of heavy drinking.

Causes of mood changes from drinking

1. Chemical imbalances: Alcohol consumption affects the brain’s chemistry. It depletes serotonin and dopamine levels, which are critical for regulating mood. The depletion of these neurotransmitters can lead to feelings of depression and anxiety once the effects of alcohol wear off.
2. Dehydration and physical effects: Alcohol is a diuretic, leading to dehydration. Dehydration can cause physical symptoms such as headaches and fatigue, which can exacerbate feelings of sadness and irritability.
3. Sleep disruption: While alcohol may help some people fall asleep faster, it disrupts the overall quality of sleep. Poor sleep can significantly impact mental health, contributing to feelings of depression and anxiety the next day.
4. Guilt and regret: Emotional responses such as guilt and regret over actions taken while under the influence can also contribute to the “booze blues.” These feelings can amplify the negative emotional state post-drinking.

Impact on brain chemistry

Initially, alcohol consumption can lead to a temporary surge in feelings of euphoria and relaxation. Serotonin, which regulates mood, and dopamine, associated with the brain’s reward system, both see increased levels during initial alcohol intake. This surge is what often drives the pleasurable sensations associated with drinking.

However, this temporary boost is followed by a significant decline in these neurotransmitters, leading to adverse emotional states. The brain, attempting to restore balance, reduces the natural production of serotonin and dopamine. This decrease can result in feelings of sadness, anxiety, and even depression after the alcohol’s initial effects wear off.

Dehydration and fatigue

Alcohol leads to dehydration because it inhibits the production of vasopressin, an antidiuretic hormone, which results in increased urine production and significant fluid loss. This diuretic effect causes the body to expel more water, along with essential electrolytes, leading to dehydration. The physical consequences of this fluid loss include symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, and fatigue, while the mental impact can result in impaired cognitive functions and increased lethargy.

Symptoms

Common symptoms of dehydration include:

• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Irritability
• Fatigue
• Dry mouth and lips
• Dark yellow urine
• Reduced frequency of urination

These symptoms are indicators that the body lacks sufficient fluids to function optimally.

Physical discomfort from dehydration, such as headaches and fatigue, can worsen feelings of sadness and anxiety. When the body is dehydrated, it can affect the brain’s ability to produce serotonin, a neurotransmitter that regulates mood. Additionally, the physical stress of dehydration can heighten mental stress, making individuals more susceptible to feelings of depression and anxiety.

Maintaining hydration by drinking water before, during, and after alcohol consumption and avoiding excessive drinking can help offset these effects.

Emotional vulnerability

Alcohol lowers inhibitions by depressing the central nervous system, particularly affecting the brain’s prefrontal cortex, which governs judgement, impulse control, and social behaviour. This reduction in inhibitions leads individuals to act more freely, often engaging in behaviours they avoid. The release of dopamine during alcohol consumption creates a sense of euphoria while simultaneously inhibiting the brain’s regulatory functions, which further diminishes self-control and increases impulsive actions.

Alcohol can induce a reflective mood, making individuals more introspective and emotionally vulnerable. By dampening the brain’s control over emotions, alcohol can bring underlying feelings to the surface. This introspection often leads individuals to confront thoughts and emotions they might typically suppress. The relaxed state induced by alcohol might encourage people to dwell on personal issues, relationships, or past experiences, making them more susceptible to feelings of sadness or anxiety.

For those with pre-existing conditions

People with conditions like anxiety, depression, or psychosis might find that alcohol worsens their symptoms. For instance, alcohol can initially induce feelings of relaxation but ultimately leads to increased anxiety and depression once its effects wear off.

About one in four people in the UK will experience a mental health problem each year, and many use alcohol to manage symptoms of anxiety and depression. However, this self-medication can worsen these conditions. For example, people who are heavy drinkers are significantly more likely to experience symptoms of depression. Studies have shown that heavy drinking can both contribute to the development of depression and worsen existing depressive symptoms. This bidirectional relationship underscores the importance of managing alcohol intake as part of mental health care.

For individuals struggling and experiencing frequent “booze blues” or alcohol addiction, reaching out to UKAT could be a great first step. Their team of experts provides compassionate support and effective treatment options, helping you reclaim control over your life.