Alcohol and depression are interlinked. People who are clinically depressed often turn to alcohol as a coping mechanism. Meanwhile, regular drinking can do permanent damage to one’s body, leading to mood disorders and health complications.
If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction or alcohol-induced depression, reach out to Serenity Grove’s alcohol rehab program for immediate help and relief.
For a successful recovery, it is important to address both the symptoms of alcohol addiction and any co-occurring disorders with the help of a dual diagnosis treatment program. To know more about our personalized treatment programs for alcohol addiction and depression, call us at 844.904.3485.
Alcohol and Depression: How They Impact Each Other
Not everyone with a depressive disorder relies on alcohol. Nevertheless, they are more likely to turn to alcohol as a form of self-medication. Since living with a mood disorder is difficult, an individual who struggles with depression or bipolar disorder can use alcohol as a way to cope.
Moreover, our culture has normalized drinking so much that it is difficult to spot the early signs of addiction. By drinking alcohol, one might feel relaxed, happy, and distracted from their usual worries. Thus, alcohol can mask the symptoms of the mood disorder while slowly making it worse.
Finally, as a depressant, alcohol acts on the central nervous system by altering the neurotransmitters in the brain. In fact, binge drinking or regular consumption of alcohol can permanently alter this balance of neurotransmitters, reducing the size of brain cells. This can lead to memory loss, seizures, and other mood disorders.
Thus, long-term consumption of alcohol can cause or exacerbate the symptoms of clinical depression.
Alcohol-Induced Depression: Symptoms and Treatment
Alcohol addiction can happen to even those who are not struggling with any co-occurring disorder. Whether out of curiosity, peer pressure, or socialization, individuals who start out by drinking occasionally might sooner or later become functional alcoholics. Since alcohol is a depressant, it can even induce depression, especially during the withdrawal phase.
As the name suggests, alcohol-induced depression refers to the manifestation of depressive symptoms, after turning to regular drinking. Common symptoms of alcohol-induced depression include:
- Fatigue
- Mood swings
- Feelings of emptiness and sadness
- Insomnia
- Dip in energy levels
- Restlessness
- Depressed mood or anhedonia
- Anxiety
The symptoms appear after a while of alcohol intoxication or during withdrawal. Usually, if the individual doesn’t already have a mood disorder, these symptoms fade within three to four weeks of alcohol abstinence.
However, quitting alcohol cold turkey is highly unsafe and never recommended. It is best to speak to your local healthcare provider and seek professional treatment at a rehab facility. The withdrawal phase is usually the hardest and the most painful. But the trained doctors can greatly minimize the cravings and painful symptoms. With around-the-clock care, the nurses can monitor the client’s vital signs and ensure that they are feeling safe and comfortable.
If you are a regular drinker and you are showing signs of alcohol-induced depression, do not hesitate to seek help. Before treatment can formally commence, the healthcare experts will perform a series of diagnostic tests and psychiatric evaluations to uncover the root causes of addiction and address any co-occurring disorders.
Treat Both Alcohol and Depression at Serenity Grove
At Serenity Grove, we help individuals overcome their mental health disorders and addictions through our dual diagnosis program.
We are a family-owned residential treatment center specializing in end-to-end care. From detox to residential treatment to an outpatient program, we guide our clients through every step of the recovery process. We also ensure that our clients work with the same compassionate therapists through all levels of care, and find effective solutions to their problems.
A better and more beautiful life awaits you. Call us at 844.904.3485 and begin your recovery journey today.
