Flow Neuroscience
July 29, 2025
A glass of wine to unwind may seem harmless, but when you're experiencing depression, alcohol can do more harm than good. In fact, frequent drinking increases the risk of depression, and depression, in turn, increases the risk of drinking.
Drinking alcohol frequently increases the risk of depression and depression increases the risk of alcohol abuse." – 12 Proven Natural Treatments for Depression
Understanding the risk
Alcohol affects the brain’s chemistry, interfering with mood-regulating neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. While it may feel like alcohol helps in the short term, it often leads to worsened symptoms the next day, particularly anxiety, fatigue, and disrupted sleep.
14 units is roughly equivalent to:
- 6 pints of average-strength beer, or
- 10 small glasses of low-strength wine
It’s also advised not to drink more than 3–4 units on a single day, especially if you're already experiencing mental health challenges.
Alcohol’s hidden impact on sleep and mood
Late-night drinking may seem relaxing, but it reduces sleep quality and shortens restorative sleep stages. Poor sleep then worsens mood regulation, leading to a destructive cycle.
Be careful not to drink too much when going through depression, especially not late at night as it will affect your sleep quality.
Tips to cut down
If you’re looking to reduce alcohol use as part of your mental health care, start small:
- Track your weekly units using a free app
- Choose alcohol-free days
- Swap out evening drinks with herbal teas or alcohol-free alternatives
- Talk to a GP or support group if you’re finding it hard to cut down
Even a modest reduction can have a noticeable impact on mood, energy, and sleep.
If alcohol has become a coping tool for your depression, know that healthier, and more effective, alternatives exist.
Explore more natural, evidence-based depression treatments in our full guide here.