Does alcohol cause mood swings? Alcohol affects more than your body—it impacts how you think, feel, and respond to the world around you. Maybe you’ve noticed a loved one acting irritable after drinking, or maybe your own mood seems to crash after a night out. It’s a valid concern, and the link between alcohol and mood swings is very real.

If you or someone you care about is experiencing emotional highs and lows tied to alcohol use, it may be time to consider an alcohol addiction treatment program. The Arbor Behavioral Healthcare is here to help you understand the connection, find clarity, and begin the journey to wellness. Don’t wait—reach out today to get the support you need to feel like yourself again.

How alcohol affects the brain and mood

Alcohol is a depressant, which means it slows down the brain’s communication pathways. This interference can cause shifts in mood, judgment, and behavior. When alcohol enters your system, it alters levels of brain chemicals like serotonin and dopamine—both of which play key roles in regulating emotion.

Initially, you might feel relaxed or even euphoric. But those good feelings can quickly spiral into anger, sadness, or anxiety. This rollercoaster of emotional responses is more than just a hangover effect—it’s your brain trying to rebalance itself after being chemically thrown off.

According to the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), over 29.5 million people ages 12 and older in the United States were living with alcohol use disorder (AUD).¹ This condition frequently includes symptoms like emotional instability and mood shifts.

Why do mood swings happen with alcohol?

Mood swings related to alcohol aren’t just about having a bad day. They’re tied to changes in brain chemistry and emotional processing. Here’s how alcohol use can fuel mood instability:

• Depletes mood-regulating neurotransmitters: Alcohol disrupts the natural production of serotonin, leading to feelings of depression or irritability once the buzz wears off.
• Impairs sleep: Alcohol may help you fall asleep faster, but it reduces sleep quality. Poor sleep is a known trigger for mood swings and increased emotional sensitivity.
• Triggers underlying mental health concerns: For people with conditions like anxiety or bipolar disorder, alcohol use can make symptoms worse or more complicated to manage.
• Causes blood sugar fluctuations: Alcohol can lower blood sugar, leading to symptoms like shakiness, moodiness, and fatigue—especially during withdrawal or periods of heavy drinking.

Over time, these effects can become more pronounced, especially if alcohol is being used regularly to manage stress or difficult emotions.

What are the signs of alcohol-related mood swings?

Not every mood change is tied to alcohol, but it’s worth paying attention to patterns. Here are some signs that alcohol might be affecting your emotions:

• You feel happy and social while drinking, but anxious or irritable the next day.
• You notice sudden sadness or irritability even after just one or two drinks.
• Drinking leads to emotional outbursts, either during or after.
• Once the buzz wears off, you’re left feeling empty or down.
• You find yourself drinking to feel better, but it only leaves you feeling worse in the end.

If these experiences sound familiar, it doesn’t mean you’re weak—it means your brain and body are trying to cope with something that’s out of balance. The good news is that recovery is possible, and you don’t have to go through it alone.

The link between alcohol use and mental health

Many people living with substance use challenges also manage mental health conditions. This is known as a dual diagnosis or co-occurring condition. Alcohol may seem like a short-term solution for anxiety, trauma, or stress, but it can end up intensifying those symptoms over time.

The Arbor Behavioral Healthcare offers dual diagnosis care that supports emotional well-being and recovery from alcohol use. With two in-house psychiatrists and a compassionate clinical team, we meet you where you are, helping you begin the journey to wellness with real, sustainable support.

Here’s what compassionate, evidence-informed care can include:

• Individual therapy: To uncover root causes and learn healthy emotional coping strategies
• Experiential therapies: Like equine therapy and art therapy, which can improve mood and self-awareness
• Psychiatric support: To explore whether medications may help stabilize mood while reducing alcohol use
• Recreational activities: Outdoor time, exercise, and community-based healing all help support emotional balance

Alcohol doesn’t just cause temporary changes—it can have long-term effects on your emotional health, too. Chronic alcohol use has been linked to increased risk for depression, anxiety, and memory issues.² For some, mood swings may become more intense as the brain becomes more dependent on alcohol’s effects.

The emotional toll can also strain relationships, reduce self-esteem, and create a cycle of isolation. You might feel like you’ve lost control of your emotions—or like you’re no longer the person you want to be.

But here’s the truth: healing is possible. And it starts with one small, brave step.

What treatment looks like at The Arbor Behavioral Healthcare

You have what it takes to move forward, and we’re here to support you with:

• Gender-specific programs: A safe space to work through unique challenges
• Outdoor healing: With options like fishing, swimming, disc golf, and yoga
• Extended care programs: For deeper healing when you need more time and support
• Alumni community: To stay connected long after your program ends

Every client at The Arbor Behavioral Healthcare receives personalized care tailored to their needs and goals. Whether you’re just starting to explore the role alcohol plays in your life or you’re ready for a full residential recovery journey, we’ll walk with you every step of the way.

Take your next step toward healing with The Arbor Behavioral Healthcare

Mood swings don’t have to define you. Neither does alcohol. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, reactive, or stuck in emotional cycles that don’t feel like “you,” it might be time to reach out.

The Arbor Behavioral Healthcare believes recovery is more than rehab—it’s about reconnecting with yourself and the life you deserve. Take the first step today. Call 844.413.2690 now to talk with a caring team member, or fill out our online contact form to take the next step together. You’re not alone, and healing is possible.

Sources:

1. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. “2023 Companion Infographic Report: Results from the 2021, 2022, and 2023 National Surveys on Drug Use and Health.” Accessed May 29 2025.
2. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. “Mental Health Issues: Alcohol Use Disorder and Common Co-occurring Conditions.” Accessed May 29 2025.