Can long-term drinking cause mental illness?
Feb 10, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhu Gang
Introduction
Long-term alcohol consumption may lead to mental illness, as prolonged drinking can stimulate the autonomic nervous system with alcohol, causing adverse reactions such as confusion and hallucinations. Continuous drinking allows alcohol levels to gradually accumulate in the body, leading to chronic alcohol poisoning, which typically develops in adults after 10 to 20 years of heavy drinking.
Long-term alcohol consumption may lead to mental illness, as prolonged drinking can stimulate the autonomic nervous system with alcohol, causing adverse reactions such as mental confusion and hallucinations.
Extended alcohol use allows alcohol levels to gradually accumulate in the body, potentially resulting in chronic alcohol poisoning. Adults typically develop chronic alcohol poisoning after approximately 10 to 20 years of heavy drinking, while adolescents may develop it in as little as four years. Alcohol significantly affects the central nervous system, leading to mental disturbances, changes in behavior and personality, reduced intelligence, and in some cases, prominent delusions, perceptual disorders, and cognitive impairments. Therefore, long-term alcohol consumption may result in mental illness.
It is recommended that individuals adopt a healthy lifestyle, especially by adjusting their mindset. One should never resort to alcohol to cope with emotional distress. Moderate drinking, learning effective stress management techniques, and facing life's challenges positively can help reduce the risk of developing mental illness.
