Can long-term alcohol consumption lead to mental illness?

Generally speaking, whether long-term alcohol consumption leads to psychosis depends on specific circumstances. If related symptoms occur, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly. Details are as follows:

Long-term heavy drinking without control may trigger psychotic symptoms. Prolonged alcohol exposure damages brain nerve cells, leading to cognitive decline, and affects neurotransmitter secretion, potentially causing hallucinations, delusions, and other symptoms. Some individuals have an inherent susceptibility to mental disorders; alcohol stimulation can disrupt the body's balance, triggering the onset of illness or worsening existing mild symptoms into overt psychotic manifestations. In such cases, prompt cessation of alcohol use and professional treatment are necessary.

If alcohol intake is limited and regular, metabolic functions are normal, and there is no personal or family history of mental illness or abnormalities in mood and thinking, long-term drinking typically does not directly lead to psychosis. In these individuals, the body maintains a relatively stable tolerance to alcohol, with no substantial damage to the nervous system or activation of mental disorder mechanisms. However, it remains important to maintain moderate drinking habits.

To prevent alcohol-related harm to mental health, it is advisable to drink moderately or abstain from alcohol altogether, especially for individuals with a family history of psychosis, a personal history of mental illness, or known sensitivity to alcohol.