Mental well-being and mental health problems are determined by a range of interacting determinants, e.g. childhood environment, socioeconomic factors and lifestyle, including alcohol and drug use. Indeed, alcohol use is closely linked to poor mental health. People with psychological distress may seek momentary relief in alcohol consumption. On the other hand, excess alcohol consump- tion is known to lead to psychological distress and mental disorders and increase the risk of suicide.1,5,6 In empirical studies on the link between alcohol use and mental health, mental disorders, life satis- faction and health-related quality of life, moderate drinking has often been associated with better mental health and heavy drinking with poorer mental health.7–11