Just because something is legal doesn’t mean it’s safe to use. Alcohol is a prime example. Even though alcohol is legal in the United States, it has the potential to cause physical and psychological dependence. The widespread availability of alcohol and its inclusion in celebrations like weddings and sporting events can make it easy to engage in activities like binge drinking, which can evolve into alcohol abuse. Unfortunately, mental health issues, like depression, often co-occur with substance use. Alcohol and depression commonly occur together and require professional dual diagnosis treatment to truly overcome.
The Right Step Houston is ready to help you or a loved one struggling with a complex co-occurring disorder like alcohol and depression. Call 1.844.768.0169 to learn more about treatment options for depression and alcohol abuse.
Alcohol and Depression
So, how exactly are alcohol and depression related? When you consume alcohol, your brain releases an overwhelming rush of pleasurable neurotransmitters like GABA. Alcohol is also a central nervous system depressant, creating relaxing effects that can alleviate anxiety and promote relaxation. When you struggle with depression, alcohol can temporarily relieve your symptoms. However, alcohol and depression are problematic because alcohol can cause depression.
Alcohol also intensifies whatever emotions you are experiencing when you start drinking. So if you’re drinking because you’re depressed, alcohol intensifies your sadness. If you’ve ever been called an angry drunk, it can indicate that you have underlying issues with depression. Depression can also lead to feelings of anger and irritability.
Another reason alcohol and depression don’t mix is that abusing alcohol aggravates and worsens underlying mental health disorders. This can lead to the following problems:
- Anxiety: Alcohol can increase anxiety levels by impacting the brain’s GABA neurotransmitters.
- Bipolar disorder: Drinking alcohol can cause mania in people with bipolar disorder.
- Depression: As previously mentioned, alcohol abuse can worsen the symptoms of depression.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): Drinking alcohol can intensify flashbacks and other symptoms associated with PTSD.
- Schizophrenia: Alcohol can make the symptoms of schizophrenia worse.
- Self-harming behaviors: People who drink alcohol are more likely to engage in self-harm like cutting.
- Suicidal thoughts: Alcohol can increase suicidal ideation in people with depression.
As you can see, the relationship between alcohol and depression is complicated. Depression can lead to alcohol abuse, and vice versa. If you’re struggling with alcohol abuse and depression, it’s important to seek professional help. The Right Step Houston can provide you with the resources and support you need to overcome your challenges.
How Alcoholism Is Treated
If you struggle with alcohol and depression, it’s best to find a dual diagnosis treatment program. When you abuse alcohol and depression symptoms appear, it’s an important sign that you need treatment. Since alcohol can lead to physical dependency, detox symptoms can appear within hours of your last drink. During detox, which should ideally occur under medical supervision at a treatment center, you can experience significant mood changes.
Another potential danger of alcohol detox is that it can lead to delirium tremens, a rare but fatal complication requiring emergency medical treatment. Treatment for alcoholism can occur at an inpatient or outpatient treatment center. The big difference between inpatient and outpatient treatment is that inpatient is residential, while outpatient programs allow you to return home each night.
Most inpatient programs also offer medically supervised detox services, which ensure your recovery from alcohol and depression is safe. Medications can help reduce the intensity and severity of your symptoms, while a dual diagnosis program provides you immediate access to mental health professionals, including psychiatrists. Inpatient programs can offer short-term treatment, which typically lasts for 28 days, as well as long-term options.
Inpatient treatment is an excellent option if you have a physical addiction, multiple attempts at recovery, or severe addiction. When you complete an inpatient program, outpatient treatment offers a great way to support your recovery efforts. Transitioning to an outpatient program following discharge helps ensure that you have support and guidance throughout the early stages of recovery.
Finding Treatment Today
Because addiction continues to worsen until you get treatment, the sooner you reach out to a treatment center, the better. At Right Step Houston, we offer resources such as:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Dialectical behavioral therapy
- Individual Therapy
- Group Therapy
- Family therapy
- Inpatient and outpatient detox programs
If you are having problems with alcohol and depression, finding a dual diagnosis program is the best way to start your recovery journey. Recovery begins with a phone call. Contact us today at 1.844.768.0169 to find out more about our programs and your treatment options.