You’re finally sober, but why are your moods still all over the place? One moment you’re filled with happiness and hope, and the next, you’re overwhelmed by irritability and feelings of anxiety.
Alcohol can exacerbate mood-related issues, making it important to recognize the signs of mood swings related to alcohol consumption. Unpredictable emotions are normal and will level out over time. But in the meantime, understanding the connection between alcohol abuse and mood is key.
Understanding Alcohol-Induced Mood Swings
Alcohol-induced mood swings are a common phenomenon experienced by individuals who consume excessive amounts of alcohol. These mood swings can range from feelings of euphoria and relaxation to intense anger, anxiety, and depression.
Alcohol affects the brain’s chemistry, altering the levels of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and GABA. These neurotransmitters play a significant role in regulating mood, emotions, and behavior. Alcohol can also affect the brain’s stress response system, leading to increased levels of stress hormones such as cortisol.
In early sobriety, it’s common to experience difficulty managing alcoholic mood swings, with ups and downs that can be both bewildering and challenging. These mood swings often necessitate significant changes in behavior and thought patterns for successful recovery.
Withdrawal Effects
When a person stops using drugs or alcohol, the body and mind need time to adapt to the absence of these substances. Withdrawal symptoms can be physically uncomfortable and emotionally distressing. Common withdrawal symptoms include:
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Bouts of depression
- Insomnia
- Cold sweats
- Headaches
- Nausea
It’s common to experience physical discomfort while undergoing withdrawal from alcohol addiction. In the timeline of alcohol withdrawal, symptoms tend to reach their peak at three days past the last drink of alcohol. However, symptoms may continue beyond this point. If a person is a heavy consumer of alcohol, they may experience extreme symptoms like tremors or delusions. Detox from severe alcohol addiction may result in delirium tremens (DTs), a painful phenomenon wherein the person detoxing suffers from hallucinations and severe physical pain due to the departing alcohol’s effect on the nervous system.
All of these symptoms of alcohol withdrawal can contribute to mood swings as a person deals with the physical discomfort of the process. Certain medications can help reduce symptoms of withdrawal, making the process more manageable. Medical detox programs are centered around medical professionals administering these medications and being on hand to address any medical complications that may arise during the detoxification process.
Emotional Challenges
Recovery is a transformative process, but it’s also emotionally demanding. You may be coming to terms with the consequences of your addiction, dealing with guilt and regret, and facing the challenges of rebuilding your life without relying on drugs or alcohol.
These emotional challenges can lead to fluctuations in mood. Many people experience a “pink cloud” effect when initially entering sobriety, wherein they feel a sudden rush of hope and positive emotion. The future may feel bright and open compared to the difficult past. The pride of quitting alcohol can lead to the illusion that staying sober will be simple. However, alcoholic mood swings (before and after starting sobriety) can strain personal relationships, making it crucial to understand these dynamics during recovery.
Poor Coping Mechanisms
For many individuals, substance use serves as a way to cope with stress. People who suffer from anxiety disorders may become agitated as they lose their primary means of calming their physical symptoms. This transition can be frustrating and may result in mood swings as the detoxing individual learns to manage emotions without relying on substances. It’s essential to develop healthy coping mechanisms in sobriety as part of a relapse prevention plan, emphasizing the need to change unhealthy coping mechanisms to manage mood swings effectively.
Social and Environmental Adjustments
Early sobriety often entails changes in a person’s social circle and daily environment. It’s important to find ways to spend time that don’t depend on alcohol. These adjustments can be stressful and may contribute to mood swings. Additionally, the long-term effects of alcohol on mood can be profound, as chronic consumption can lead to significant emotional issues such as depression and anxiety.
Potential changes in social and environmental factors can cause significant stress that may affect a person’s mood day to day. Not everyone in a person’s life will understand their decision to quit drinking alcohol. Relationship problems that weren’t addressed during the addiction (or were caused by it) may become more pronounced. If alcohol was a binding factor in a relationship, then a person no longer consuming alcohol may result in a falling out.
How Alcohol Affects Mood in the Short Term
In the short term, alcohol can have an uplifting impact on mood (much like marijuana’s effect on mood). The short term effects include relaxation and euphoria, but it’s essential to understand that these effects are short-lived and come with potential consequences. Alcoholic mood swings are frequently not worth the trouble they cause.
Here’s a closer look at how alcohol affects your mood in the short term:
Alcohol acts as a depressant, slowing down activity in your brain and central nervous system. This can lead to immediate sensations of drowsiness or lightheadedness.
Alcohol triggers the release of dopamine in your brain, often referred to as the “feel-good” or learning hormone. This surge of dopamine can create a temporary boost in your mood and energy levels, and may temporarily alleviate feelings of anxiety or stress.
However, the dopamine spike that comes as a result of alcohol doesn’t last forever. This abrupt decline in dopamine can lead to feelings of depression or irritability.
Binge drinking, defined as consuming 4-5 drinks in 2 hours for women or 5-6 drinks for men, can severely impact your mood and mental state. During a binge, you may experience extreme fluctuations in emotion, going from states of excitement and euphoria to episodes of anger, aggression, depression, or withdrawal. These rapid and intense mood swings can have detrimental psychological effects.
In the end, any positive effects that alcohol has on mood are only temporary. It doesn’t produce any lasting positive effects and doesn’t reliably create an uplifting mood. It’s important to develop healthy coping mechanisms that do not include alcohol to build a sober lifestyle that lasts long-term.
Techniques to Manage Mood Swings During Recovery
Managing alcoholic mood swings during the initial detox period can be a significant challenge. It may take time for emotions to stabilize after all the alcohol is out of the person’s body. However, there are several effective techniques and strategies available to help you maintain emotional stability and achieve long-term sobriety.
Psychotherapy plays a crucial role in managing mood swings during recovery, helping individuals understand their triggers and develop essential coping strategies.
Prioritize practicing self-care to enhance your ability to manage mood swings by staying hydrated, eating balanced meals, getting sufficient sleep, and engaging in regular exercise. Your physical health directly influences your mood and overall mental well-being.
Reach out to a friend, or family member, or attend a support group meeting. Support groups can provide valuable emotional support and help improve your mood through social interaction and bonding with individuals who understand your experience.
Incorporate relaxing activities into your daily routine to provide a sense of calm. Consider gentle exercises like yoga or walking, immerse yourself in a good book, pursue a hobby you’re passionate about, or spend time in nature. These calming distractions can shift your mood and alleviate anxiety or restlessness.
Pay attention to negative thoughts about yourself, your sobriety, or your life, and make an effort to question and challenge them with more positive and realistic thoughts. Your perspective has a significant impact on your mood and emotional well-being.
When you experience anger, irritability, or distress, allow yourself some space to let those emotions pass. Early sobriety is often accompanied by mood swings, which are a typical symptom of withdrawal. Take a walk, practice deep breathing, or engage in activities that grant you perspective. As you continue on your path to sobriety, your emotional balance will gradually improve as your body and mind adapt to the changes.
Making lifestyle changes, such as maintaining a healthy diet and engaging in regular exercise, is crucial to stabilizing mood swings and fostering healing during early sobriety. By incorporating these strategies into your daily life, you can maintain emotional stability on your path to long-term sobriety. For persistent mood swings, seek professional guidance to achieve emotional balance in your recovery.
Preventing Relapse and Maintaining Mental Health
Preventing relapse and maintaining mental health is crucial for individuals recovering from AUD and mental health issues. Here are some strategies for preventing relapse:
- Develop a relapse prevention plan
- Attend support groups such as AA or NA
- Engage in healthy coping mechanisms such as exercise, meditation, or therapy
- Build a strong support network of friends and family to foster healthy relationships
- Monitor your mental health and seek professional help when needed
By understanding the connection between AUD and mental health, recognizing the signs of alcohol-induced mood swings, and supporting loved ones, we can work towards preventing relapse and maintaining mental health. Remember, recovery is a continuous journey, and maintaining mental health is key to long-term sobriety.
Receive Alcoholism Treatment at Eagle Creek Ranch
If you or someone you care about is grappling with alcoholism, seeking professional help is crucial to start your journey to recovery today. Eagle Creek Ranch Recovery in Nampa, Idaho offers comprehensive programs that equip you with the support and resources for substance abuse to conquer this difficult condition. Our dedicated team of professionals is ready to guide you on the path to sobriety, helping you regain control of your life and well-being.
Don’t wait to feel better. Reach out to us today and embark on a journey toward a healthier, happier, and alcohol-free future. Your recovery starts here at Eagle Creek Ranch.
Clinical Director
Kendall Maloof is the clinical director at Eagle Creek Ranch Recovery. She is a licensed marriage and family therapist and has held multiple leadership roles before settling here at Eagle Creek. Kendall received her master’s degree in marriage and family therapy from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology in 2016. Her career in mental and behavioral health began in 2014 when she took up internships in both the nonprofit and for profit sectors. She interned at multiple reputable companies, such as The Living Success Center and 449 Recovery in California.
In 2019, Kendall became the clinical director of Sunsets Recovery for Woman, a dual diagnosis program in southern California. Kendall is a natural leader. She has an incredible ability to problem solve and stay calm in any situation. Kendall never fails to show up when she is needed, and her calm demeanor makes her team and clients feel at ease. Eagle Creek Ranch Recovery is proud to have Kendall as our clinical director.
