Can drinking cause mental health problems?
There’s a strong link between heavy drinking, depression and suicide. UK studies show that 39% of men and 8% of women who attempted suicide were chronic problem drinkers. Alcohol had been consumed before 70% of attempted suicides by men and 40% of attempted suicides by women. For more information see the right-hand column for helpful links. Is it dangerous to mix alcohol with other drugs? Alcohol can be very dangerous when taken with other drugs, especially other nervous system depressants (barbiturates, minor tranquillisers such as Valium, etc) or with recreational drugs, such as Ecstasy and cocaine. It is an important factor in drug-related deaths. If I have a drink problem, does that make me an alcoholic? Not everyone who has a drink problem is an alcoholic. Some people may not drink all the time, but when they do, they get very drunk. You (or someone you know) could have a problem if: • you get drunk regularly • you can’t stop once you’ve started • you’re drinking more than before
