What should I do if drinking alcohol has caused mental health problems?

Generally, mental health issues caused by alcohol consumption may result from direct alcohol stimulation of the nerves, neurotransmitter imbalances, alcoholic hallucinosis, alcoholic delusional disorder, or alcohol-related encephalopathy. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and follow a treatment plan under medical guidance, which may include general management and medication. Specific analyses are as follows:

1. Direct nerve stimulation by alcohol: Alcohol suppresses the central nervous system. Excessive drinking can lead to neurological dysfunction, manifesting as irritability and incoherent speech. Immediately stop drinking, rest in bed, and drink warm water and vitamin B complex supplements to promote alcohol metabolism and elimination.

2. Neurotransmitter imbalance: Alcohol interferes with the secretion of dopamine and serotonin, leading to emotional instability and cognitive distortions. Maintain a light diet to reduce gastrointestinal burden, take moderate walks daily, and receive professional psychological counseling to help restore neurotransmitter balance.

3. Alcoholic hallucinosis: Long-term alcohol use can trigger hallucinations, commonly auditory or visual, often accompanied by fear and anxiety. Patients should take medications such as olanzapine tablets, risperidone tablets, or quetiapine fumarate tablets as prescribed to control symptoms, while undergoing enforced abstinence and treatment for alcohol dependence.

4. Alcoholic delusional disorder: Characterized by delusions of jealousy or persecution, with severely impaired judgment. Under medical supervision, antipsychotic medications such as chlorpromazine hydrochloride tablets, haloperidol tablets, or perphenazine tablets may be used, along with cognitive behavioral therapy to correct distorted thinking patterns.

5. Alcohol-related encephalopathy: Chronic heavy drinking causes brain damage, presenting as memory loss and mental confusion. As directed by a physician, neurotrophic drugs such as vitamin B1 injection, mecobalamin tablets, or citicoline sodium capsules may be used. In severe cases, hospitalization and systematic rehabilitation therapy may be required.

In daily life, avoid environments associated with drinking and refrain from contacting friends who encourage drinking. Family members should provide supervision and support to help establish a healthy lifestyle, such as developing hobbies like exercise or reading to redirect focus. Regular follow-up evaluations of neurological function are essential to prevent relapse or worsening of the condition.