It helps people understand events and thought processes that lead to depression and substance misuse. CBT can teach you ways to modify your thoughts and behavior to feel better and help you avoid misusing alcohol. Alcoholics anonymous AA and alcohol treatment centers offer classes and support group meetings. In these, you can also find support from others in the same situation. These signs of major depression or alcohol use disorder may indicate you need help from a doctor or other healthcare professional:.
Having both depression and an alcohol use disorder is common. Alcohol use issues can cause or worsen symptoms of depression. At the same time, people with depression may attempt to self-medicate with alcohol. Treating both will help ease symptoms of both. However, not treating both can make the conditions worse. Though it may take time, treatment will help change these behaviors and ease symptoms so you can lead a healthier life.
Don't face mental health challenges alone. Instead, learn how to get the support you need to thrive. Alcohol is a sedative and a depressant that affects the central nervous system. Drinking can help you relax, but it can also make you feel anxious. The author shares how she went from anxiety to a deep depression to actively considering suicide.
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Wondering if you can drink while taking Prozac? Find out how the drug interacts with alcohol and learn other helpful info about your medication. Does your hangover tend to come with a side of hangxiety? You're not alone. Here's a look at why it happens and how to get relief. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Medically reviewed by Timothy J. Legg, Ph. Coexisting Symptoms Causes Diagnosis Treatment Outlook Alcohol use disorder and depression are two conditions that often occur together.
It reduces the effectiveness of antidepressants and increases the likelihood of suicidal ideation. Some people with a drinking problem start because they enjoy the effects of alcohol. At first, their drinking is enjoyable. As it becomes more frequent, though, they start feeling sad or down more often. Heavy drinking affects brain chemistry and impacts the way the brain functions. Someone who drinks heavily for a long time might develop depression as a result of their alcohol use.
Other times people make decisions while drinking that leave a lasting impact. For example, some lose their job, spend all their money, wreck a vehicle, or lose a relationship. These serious consequences could trigger a depressive episode and kick off a cycle of alcohol and depression. This only makes their depressive episode worse and may cause more episodes in the future as well.
Dual diagnosis, or co-occurring disorders , is the presence of both mental illness and alcohol use disorder. People who struggle with depression and alcohol abuse qualify as dual diagnosis cases. Individuals with dual diagnosis have a unique set of circumstances to work through. For example, 30 to 40 percent of people with an alcohol problem also struggle with depression. At first, they may seek treatment for their alcohol abuse. Removing alcohol from their system is the first step.
Once sober, they still need to work through their symptoms of depression. Effective treatment requires the aid of a facility that understands the relationship between the two. People with dual diagnoses benefit most from a specialized approach to treatment.
They need a facility that understands the balance between alcohol abuse and mental illness. Do you struggle with alcohol and depression? Get to know the two disorders and how they correlate. Alcohol abuse and dependence are both considered an alcohol use disorder, with studies finding that alcohol dependence is more closely tied to the persistence of depressive disorders.
Drinking to cope with depression, no matter if you have an alcohol use disorder, is concerning. Depression is a common and serious mood disorder, which can impact your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. In the United States alone, an estimated Some common signs and symptoms of depression, according to the DSM-5 Manual , include:. Major depressive disorder involves persistent and prolonged symptoms, but depression, in general, takes on many different forms.
Depressive symptoms can result from life stressors, mental health conditions, medical conditions, and other factors. Though depression is experienced by many, it can often go undiagnosed and untreated. Reach out to a mental health professional to talk about treatment and strategies for dealing with depression.
Some experts also suggest that both depression and alcohol use disorders share underlying pathophysiology in that they are both neuroinflammatory conditions. Because of this shared connection, treatment for both should include a diet aimed at improving gut function and reducing endotoxin load that contributes to neuroinflammation. Following a Mediterranean diet rich in omega-3's, for example, might be one recommendation. It's very important to address both alcohol abuse and depression simultaneously when looking into treatment options, as these conditions are closely intertwined and can exacerbate each other, Dr.
Kennedy explains. A dual diagnosis can be complicated to treat, no matter the circumstances. The most common treatment options are included below, but know that recovery requires a personalized treatment plan that best suits your mental health needs. Treatment depends on the individual, but there are many different therapeutic interventions which are used to address both alcohol use disorder and major depressive disorder.
Among them, Dr. Kennedy recommends:. Cognitive behavioral therapy can also be used to treat co-occurring AUD and MDD, by improving your emotional regulation, changing your cognitive behaviors, and helping you develop personal coping strategies.
Depending on the severity of the disorders, you may need more intense treatment, such as outpatient care, integrated assertive community ACT treatment or a residential stay, which may be required to begin or continue your recovery journey.
The use of medication to treat an alcohol use disorder and a major depressive disorder depends entirely on the individual and their circumstances. Kennedy, possible medications include:. It is important to note that medications for alcohol use disorder are a first-line treatment. They can be helpful for many, so talk to your doctor about this option. Naltrexone, Acamprosate, and disulfiram are also FDA-approved medications that can help curb alcohol cravings.
If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at for support and assistance from a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call For more mental health resources, see our National Helpline Database. Everything feels more challenging when you're dealing with depression. Get our free guide when you sign up for our newsletter. J Addict Dis. Alcohol and depression.
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