Depression is a medical condition that causes feelings of sadness, listlessness, and unhappiness. Alcohol has a complex relationship with depression, as depression is a contributing factor to alcoholism and alcohol is a contributing factor to depression. Alcohol abuse and depression are very closely correlated. Many depression sufferers, especially ones who have not been properly diagnosed, often turn to alcohol to escape. Desperate to feel better or numb the pain, even for a little while, depression sufferers often use the pleasurable effects of alcohol for that purpose. Alcohol abuse is rampant among sufferers of depression. At least some%'ge of alcoholics also experience a depressive disorder. Unfortunately, alcohol ends up having the opposite effect. Alcohol is a depressant that slows the body down. Studies have consistently shown that alcohol use increases both the duration and the severity of depressive episodes. It also increases the likelihood, frequency, and severity of suicidal thoughts. Alcohol can also cause other stressors in life such as career and family problems that worsen depression. If the depressed person than turns to alcohol to make themselves feel better, a vicious cycle has started that can be extremely difficult to break out of. Alcoholism can also cause depression in some circumstances. Prolonged alcohol abuse can drastically change and rewire the brain, as well as impact many other chemical balances in the body. This is particularly true of the brain’s neurotransmitters, which send electric and chemical impulses and control a great deal of the body and mind’s functioning. These systemic changes can cause depression.
Next Steps
Even though it may seem like depression and alcohol have formed a downward spiral from which there is no escape, that’s just not true. Help is out there. Treatment facilities are there across the country.
Health Tips
Because depression is so prevalent among alcoholics, almost all treatment centers have a great deal of experience helping patients overcome both conditions. Regardless of which treatment option you choose, it is important that you seek treatment as quickly as possible.