How can drugs and alcohol affect emotions?

Illicit drugs and alcohol are known as mood-altering substances because they change your emotional state. You have no control over this change, and it's not always a positive one. The consequences of using substances vary depending on the type of drug, but they can include the following:

• depression (alcohol is a depressant)
• anxiety
• paranoia
• disinhibition

Disinhibition leads to impulsive behaviors, such as sexual promiscuity; overexpression of emotions, which may result in aggression; dangerous driving; or other risky actions. Using substances can also impact your mood over a longer term. Having a hangover or crashing from a high usually leaves people feeling irritable, tired, and physically unwell. Some people notice that their mood is affected for days after drinking or using drugs.