Do you feel with the consequences of alcohol use and depression? Well, these are commonly faced by the majority of Americans. Some people tend toward alcohol to cope with their depression. Those who do receive a greater risk of worsening their mental health disorder through self-medicating with alcohol which leads to alcohol dependence or addiction.
Drinking alcohol might worsen depression. Depression and depressive symptoms can be exacerbated by drinking alcohol. Depression rehabilitation can actually be hindered by drinking alcohol, according to a clinical study published in the journal Professional Psychology.
A severe depressive episode occurs four times more frequently among those with an alcohol use problem than in the general population, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. In studies on depression, those who drank heavily had much lower treatment outcomes. Depression is affected even by light to moderate alcohol consumption.
A recent study found that patients who drank less than one ounce of alcohol per day had less success with medication treatment. Research practices show that people who tend to use antidepressants with alcohol get negative results. Alcohol is also linked to chronically high blood pressure, as nearly one-third of people who deal with major depression also face alcohol problems.
Alcohol and depression are prevalent and pervasive. The NCBI (National Center for Biotechnology Information) reports 37 percent of alcohol abusers deal with depression. In comparison, 57 percent also face drug abuse and mental health disorders.
Mood Disorder Depression
Severe depression is characterized by debilitating symptoms that impair daily life. Depressive episodes might occur once in a person’s life or appear on a regular basis. Depression can increase alcohol abuse problems. Depression and alcoholism are inseparable as they occur together—or “co-occur.”
Depression and alcoholism are linked to a higher mortality rate and worsening symptoms. A substance use disorder starts over from a sip coaxed on by depression, traumatic brain injury, or PTSD, then, when you drink too much, your depression worsens. The cycle begins, again.
Symptoms of Severe Depressive Illness
- Aches and pains in joints and muscles
- Hunger pangs and stomach upset
- Trouble falling or staying asleep
- Slow communication or thinking
- Nervousness and restlessness
- Headaches and fatigue
These symptoms of depression are most common in the United States. There may be moments of depression followed by periods of immense, manic elation for persons who suffer from this illness with bipolar disorder, but for others, the loss of hope is relentless. Clinical depression can become severe if not treated properly.
Alcoholism and Mental Illness
People who are depressed may use drugs and alcohol to help them cope with the frequent emotions of hopelessness and unhappiness they experience. Many people turn to alcohol or narcotics to relieve stress or lessen inhibitions. Those dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are more likely to use alcohol as self-medication. But, if you can overcome negative feelings, you can get your most frequently asked questions answered.
How Alcohol Disrupts Sleep, Anxiety, and Depression
Have you ever woken up in the middle of the night because you could hear your own heart racing? Experiences like this are not uncommon. It has been shown that alcohol use leads to sleep disturbances because of the changes it causes in brain chemistry.
Large amounts of alcohol disrupt and slow down your body and can also trigger insomnia, making you think and think and think. Increased alcohol use can also incur a relapse risk for a depressive episode.
Co-occurring Diagnosis: Depression and Alcohol Use Disorder
Alcohol use and depression can be treated, but there are some differences between the conditions—even if they occur in the same person. In contrast to people who are depressed, those who are addicted to alcohol or drugs are often in denial, hesitant to recognize that they have a problem. When confronting someone about their drug usage, a person is likely to become defensive or resentful. Long-term depression can lead to alcohol abuse as you may feel relief for a time.
Both alcoholism and depression are mental health issues that require treatment. If alcoholics can conquer their denial, they have a good chance of recovery. Those who go through depression can also progress if they have a grasp of the underlying reasons for their symptoms and take steps to address those problems.
In the event of co-occurring alcoholism and depression, both issues require equal attention and bravery. Depression and alcohol abuse appear to have a reciprocal link. Each disease has the potential to raise the probability of the other. Negative emotions can rise to inflict on your self-esteem in either case.
Negative Consequences of Alcohol for Depression
While alcohol will lift your spirits for a short time, it can also contribute to worsening your depression overall. Counseling is an option for those who are concerned about their drinking and depression. Support groups and cognitive behavioral therapy both have advantages, and medical facilities apply an integrated approach.
They prepare a treatment plan in well-maintained treatment plans as mental health professionals use personalized courses of care for you. Detoxification can be necessary in some cases for those who have become addicted to opioids and alcohol.
Overall, alcohol can contribute to feelings of depression. Depression can be exacerbated by excessive drinking and substance abuse, leading to poor decision-making, making the link between alcohol and depression a vicious one for those caught in the cycle of drinking and depression.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a correlation between alcoholism and depression?
These two are co-occurring disorders and can trigger each other over time. Alcohol takes your depression to higher levels and, in some scenarios, alcoholism can trigger major depressive disorder.
Which more often causes the other: alcoholism or depression?
Depression is more likely linked to causing alcoholism as compared to alcohol. People with depression tend toward alcohol while alcoholics also feel depressed and hopeless, but from a clinical perspective, depression is more likely to cause diagnoseable depression.
Is depression the main cause of alcohol addiction?
Yes, when people who are dealing with depression use alcohol, for a moment, they feel relieved. But, in the longer run, alcohol addiction takes them to an increased risk of problems like alcohol use disorder (or “alcoholism”).
Why do so many people with depression or anxiety become addicted to alcohol?
Social anxiety from depression can make you frail to face social gatherings. Alcohol acts as a temporary mood booster. Once people start to drink, they stick to it and become addicted to alcohol even though it can worsen their depression, anxiety, and dependency overall.
Discover Hope at The Haven Detox-New England
Your life is precious to your loved ones. It’s common that people get into depression and attempt to self-medicate with alcohol. Before they know it, they have an alcohol problem.
We have the treatment plans and medical detoxification to help you eliminate the problem. Our professionals will protect you from the risks and discomfort of withdrawal when you get our premium alcohol treatment.
You’ll also receive dual diagnosis with the option for residential rehab to address each issue in the right therapeutic order. Call today to get help at (844) 933-4145.
