It may go without saying that alcohol and depression are related. Even on television and in movies, when someone experiences something challenging, they often turn to a bottle to cope. It is also not uncommon for alcoholics to become depressed.
One might say it’s a match made in hell. But it’s a match nonetheless, and it’s often difficult to find a beginning to the game. That’s because what we have is a chicken or the egg situation. What happens first? Depression or alcoholism?
The Relationship Between Alcohol and Depression
A significant number of people who struggle with major depression also struggle with alcohol abuse. Much of the time, experts say that depression gets the ball rolling. It often happens with teens who aren’t sure how to handle painful emotions. Both men and women struggle with depression and turn to alcohol to cope.
Of course, it’s important to realize that alcohol only makes matters worse. It’s never the answer when you are struggling with mental health conditions or mood disorders like depression.
But here, it’s also wise to realize that alcohol is indeed a depressant. Therefore, it sets up “getting the blues” all too well. Those who drink regularly are far more likely to struggle with feelings of worthlessness, pessimism, shame, and regret. These are all feelings and emotions associated with depression.
Understanding Co-Existing Disorders
The relationship between alcohol and depression is not unique in the world of drug treatment. In fact, there are many mental health conditions and addictions that often go hand-in-hand.
When treated, the presence of both a mental health condition or mood disorder and addiction is called dual diagnosis. Addressing both the mental health issue and the addiction is essential. It begins with detox. Detox services provide a safe space for individuals struggling with alcoholism to get sober.
The withdrawal symptoms of alcohol detox are tough. Professional detox at Serenity House Detox & Recovery can help. We offer the following to treat alcohol and depression:
- Alcohol detox
- Group therapy
- Family therapy
- Individual therapy
- Men’s detox program
- Women’s detox program
Start Your Treatment Program Today
Alcohol has a way of weaseling into people’s lives. Again, this is often because of trauma of some sort. Dealing with painful emotions can drive many to drink, and the cycle begins and keeps going. But it doesn’t have to.
Are you ready to begin your new life as a sober individual? Are you prepared to leave depression behind you? If not now, then when?
At Serenity House Detox & Recovery, we want to help you begin your path toward a better life of recovery from addiction. Already, we’ve helped hundreds of individuals just like you.
It’s so easy to think that alcohol addiction is just a way of life now, right? But drugs and alcohol don’t have to run your life anymore. Give Serenity House Detox & Recovery a call at 866-294-5306 to get started with a detox treatment program that can change things for you.
Believe you can do it, and you’ve already started. Call us today to keep going.
