Alcohol Effects on a Person With a Chemical Imbalance

A chemical imbalance in the brain can cause a number of mental disorders. Alcohol can exacerbate these disorders by directly affecting the chemistry of the brain. People who already have a chemical imbalance may be more prone to alcohol addiction than those with normal brain chemistry. If you have a chemical imbalance and are concerned about your drinking, be sure to talk to your doctor.

What is a Chemical Imbalance?

• A chemical imbalance is an irregularity in the function, synthesis and transmission of neurotransmitters, according to the National Center for Health and Wellness. These brain chemicals are responsible for communication among brain cells, and have a deep impact on thinking and your general mood. A chemical imbalance can also be caused by an irregularity in vitamins or minerals, which also affects the communication of brain cells.

Effects of a Chemical Imbalance

• The National Center for Health and Wellness says that chemical imbalances cause a number of mental disorders. They aggravate panic attacks and general anxiety, cause depression and manic depression, and worsen attention deficit disorder.

Alcohol and Chemical Imbalance

• SoberPlace.com points out that alcohol can create both short- and long-term chemical imbalances by affecting the chemistry of your brain. For those that already have a chemical imbalance, it can exacerbate the problem. Long-term alcohol abuse can lead to imbalances that increase the risk of memory lapses, aggression, suicidal thoughts and episodes of depression. A person who is dependent on alcohol feels the need to drink partly because alcohol consumption has replaced the normal function of the brain's chemicals.

Chemical Imbalance and Alcoholism

• A study published by the State University of New York Health Science Center finds that those with a chemical imbalance are more likely to become compulsive drinkers. Researches think that alcoholics drink excessively to restore the normal chemical balance to their brains. If you have a chemical imbalance, you should consider limiting your alcoholic intake to avoid the risk of alcoholism.

Talk With a Professional

• Only a medical professional can help you decide what, if any, level of drinking is safe for you. If you have been diagnosed with a chemical imbalance and are concerned with your alcohol intake, be sure to bring it up on the next visit to your doctor. If you drink excessively and worry about its effect on your brain chemistry, your doctor can help you develop a strategy to combat your alcohol use.