The relationship between alcohol and mental wellbeing is complicated. Not least because both exist on a spectrum, from the occasional glass of wine to alcohol dependence, and from low mood to severe mental distress.
This evidence summary seeks to present insights into the relationship between alcohol use, mental distress and mental wellbeing based on published research. It highlights risk and protective factors for each and discusses challenges at different stages of the life course.
There is also an ‘At a glance’ overview that accompanies this work.