Alcohol and Depression

Depression is unique in that it can be triggered by other anxiety disorders or other mental illnesses. However, it can also cause problems such as alcoholism or substance abuse.

Several studies have been conducted to illustrate the extent of the link between alcohol and depression.

• Almost 40% of people being treated for drinking problems suffer from depression.
• Poor appetite, insomnia, mood swings, feelings of hopelessness, and other common indicators of depression are closely tied to the degree of a person’s alcohol consumption.
• Women with manic depression are seven times more likely to be alcoholics than other women. In men, manic depression triples the risk of alcoholism.
• Problems with alcohol and depression both appear to have a genetic link. If your parents or close relatives suffer from depression or alcoholism, you are much more likely to develop a problem in your own life.

Risk Factors

There are many reasons why a patient suffering from depression should avoid alcohol.

• Drinking excessively may cause a relapse in depression symptoms.
• Hangovers can create feelings of guilt that add to problems with depression.
• In some cases, drinking leads to increased aggression. This can aggravate tense relationships with friends, family, or other loved ones.
• Alcohol lowers inhibitions, increasing the risk of unsafe sexual behavior.
• Alcohol impairs judgment, increasing the risk of suicide in severely depressed patients. In fact, the presence of alcohol is quite common in suicides involving a drug overdose or a motor vehicle.

Treatment Options

Since alcohol and depression are interrelated conditions, both problems must be addressed as part of your treatment. As someone who has a complete picture of your medical history, your primary care physician can help you locate treatment resources in your area. You can also find treatment centers through the American Society of Addiction Medicine website.

Studies suggest that the symptoms of depression are strongest during the early stages of alcoholism treatment. However, depressive episodes are drastically reduced after the first month. If you have a history of depression, speak to your healthcare provider about what precautions should be taken during your alcoholism treatment. He/she may recommend a residential or intensive hospital alcohol rehab program.

Both depression and alcoholism can be treated with psychotherapy. While some people find that one-on-one counseling is most effective, others prefer to attend group counseling sessions, support groups, or family therapy. Depending upon your personal circumstances, joining Alcoholics Anonymous may also be helpful.

If your doctor prescribes medication as part of your treatment program, remember that it is very dangerous to mix alcohol and antidepressants. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) affect your brain’s ability to absorb serotonin, while alcohol alters your body’s production of this neurotransmitter. Drinking while taking depression medication has also been linked to the following conditions:

• Headaches
• Drowsiness
• Decreased coordination
• Lowered heart rate
• Sexual dysfunction
• A dangerous increase in blood pressure