Quitting alcohol 'makes you depressed'
People who drink in moderation are less likely to suffer from depression
Research may have shown that drinking heavily can get you down, but a new study has found that quitting booze completely can be as bad.
A team from institutions including the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) has released findings that show teetotallers suffer the same level of depression as heavy drinkers.
The team made the conclusion by analysing information from a questionnaire which saw over 38,000 people describe their health as well as alcohol habits over a fortnight.
After removing people from the study who had quit drinking due to alcoholism, it was found that both heavy and non-drinkers reported notable levels of anxiety and depression.
In contrast, those who averaged two glasses of alcohol a week – where a glass equates to a bottle of beer, a serving of wine or a shot of spirits – were found to be happiest.
According to Eystein Strodal, an adjunct professor at NTNU, teetotallers were also found to suffer more physical complaints than other groups.
"These individuals are more likely to use medicines that mean they shouldn't drink. But it may also be true that having such an illness increases a person's tendency to be anxious or depressed," he added.
Recent research by Mintel found that Brits are drinking more alcohol without increasing their consumption of beer and wine, as the strength of products is on the rise.
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Comments
take the so called "scientists" (who are probably working for the alcahol industry) and place them in a meat grinder feet first. Way to not help assholes
Lots of good feelings arise from knowing you have the self control needed to stop or reduce the amount you drink. I think that would make up for tany chemical 'down' aspects.