What's Alcoholism's Affect on Mental Health?

Research suggests a close relationship between alcohol problems and mental health. People with mental health problems face an increased risk for alcohol problems and vice versa. Studies show that the overall prevalence of alcohol dependence is almost twice as high among people with mental disorders than in the general population. It is not clear whether mental health problems are a cause or a result of problems with alcohol dependence. People may use alcohol to cope with a variety of mental health problems, including depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. On the other hand, alcoholism can cause a number of problems, such as family conflict, job loss, and financial worries that are likely to result in increased levels of anxiety and depression. Some researchers believe there is a common genetic or early family environmental factor that may contribute to both mental health problems and an alcohol problem in some individuals.

Source: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration