What Happens to Your Mood When You Quit Drinking, According to a Neuroscientist - Well+Good

However, because alcohol impacts multiple neurotransmitter systems it can result in a range of emotions from feeling energized, relaxed, confident, and happy, to feeling tired, aggressive, restless, irritable, and depressed," says Dr.

"For those who consume mild to moderate amounts of alcohol, one to three drinks per week, when consumption is stopped, the neurotransmitter systems in the brain will attempt to restore equilibrium (i.e. balancing GABA, glycine, and glutamate) which may temporarily adversely impact your sleep patterns and your mood.

Ultimately, once the neurotransmitter systems are back in balance, your mood will be restored, and you will sharpen your memory, alertness, and focus," says Dr.

This is due to the excess activity of the excitatory neurotransmitter systems attempting to balance the inhibitory effects of alcohol.".

Quitting drinking comes along with so many side effects because alcohol has a huge impact on your mood.

Quitting drinking comes along with so many side effects because alcohol has a huge impact on your mood.

While initially it can relax you and uplift your mood, it may also lead to a hangover, exhaustion, or depression." Alcohol also impacts your cognitive functions.

"Chronic alcohol consumption can increase the risk of depression, dementia, cirrhosis of the liver, cancer, high blood pressure, seizures, and stroke, so be mindful of your consumption habits," says Dr