The effects of alcohol abuse on the brain and central nervous system impact both physical and mental health. In fact, the links between alcohol and depression are well-documented. Not only do people self-medicate their depression with alcohol, but alcohol can worsen and even trigger depression symptoms. If you or someone you love is struggling with an alcohol use disorder (AUD) and depression, the best course of action is to seek evidence-based treatment at an alcohol rehab program.
Evoke Wellness treats people just like you every day—people who are struggling with the disease of addiction and co-occurring mental health challenges. People who deserve to live out from under the cloud of addiction so they can connect with loved ones, do fulfilling work, pursue their passions, and start each day with optimism for the future. To find out more about alcohol and depression, the effects of alcohol on mental health, and how to begin recovery in a safe and nurturing environment, call 866.429.2960 or contact us online today to connect quickly with one of our staff.
What Is Depression?
Depression can be situational, meaning something bad happens, and you get depressed for a period of time. It can be caused by grief, job loss, relationship struggles, illness, and other factors. These instances of depression often pass on their own over time as things stabilize.
Major depressive disorders are clinical conditions that do not necessarily have to be triggered by any specific life event. Sometimes situational depression can become a major depressive disorder or trigger an underlying tendency to clinical depression.
Depressive disorders are treatable. Symptoms include:
- Persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, worthlessness, or emptiness
- Restlessness and irritability
- Lethargy, fatigue, and lack of energy
- Lack of pleasure in activities and things that were once a source of pleasure
- Inability to make decisions
- Brain fog and memory difficulty
- Changes in appetite and sleep hygiene
- Otherwise inexplicable physical signs like headaches, cramps, and digestive issues
- Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
When alcohol is added to this equation, things typically get worse.
The Connection Between Alcohol and Depression
Co-occurring alcohol addiction and depression means that each condition is exacerbated by the other. In some cases, AUD predates depression and is a leading factor in it. In contrast, in other cases, alcohol addiction, which is a central nervous system depressant that directly affects mood, leads to persistent depression. A dual diagnosis of depression and alcohol addiction is extremely common.
Seeking professional care for these co-occurring disorders is very important, as alcohol abuse can increase the risk of self-harm or suicide. If you or someone you care about is using alcohol to mute their symptoms of depression, or if you notice that you or someone else is becoming increasingly depressed due to alcohol abuse, reach out to Evoke Wellness to learn more about alcohol and depression. The two conditions combined can be challenging to treat but should not be tackled by anyone on their own without clinical support, preferably by therapists and physicians who are addiction specialists.
Alcohol Can Worsen Depression: The Importance of Treatment for Alcohol Addiction and Depression
Your treatment team at Evoke Wellness will understand the effects of alcohol on depression. Some of the most effective treatments for these co-occurring disorders include:
- Medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Group therapy
Any treatment for co-occurring addiction and mental health issues will begin with a medical detox, during which you are supported round-the-clock by a medical team, and your symptoms are addressed using safe medications.
Contact Evoke Wellness Today to Enroll in Our Alcohol Rehab Program
Our staff is ready to support you in your quest for information. We understand that knowledge is strength and having options is empowering. Contact us by submitting this form or calling us at 866.429.2960. Reaching out is the first step in your recovery journey and, as such, is cause for celebration.
