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Both heavy alcohol abuse and depression are regularly spoken about in tandem. Whilst on the surface it is clear to see why, as unhealthy habits can cause low moments, and as low moments can motivate substance abuse, there’s so much more to their relationship.
Alcoholism is a brain disease that induces compulsive and illogical behaviours and actions. It causes an individual to prioritise alcohol exposure no matter the consequence. Depression is also a disease of the brain, diagnosed as a mental health issue, impacting emotional regulation. It causes sufferers to encounter extremely low and uncontrollable feelings, described as unshakable for many.
One commonality between both alcohol consumption and depression is their impacts on the mind, on emotional stability, on decision making and on motivation. Their similarities however run deeper, as both are in fact co-occurring disorders, possible to trigger and intensify one another.
The relationship between alcohol consumption and depression is complicated, requiring even greater understanding and treatment than a primary diagnosis. Recognised as a dual diagnosis, here’s how deep their parallel triggers, symptoms and effects can run, impacting health and quality of life for many sufferers.
Whether you’re struggling with a drinking problem, with symptoms of clinical depression, or with both, we at Nova Recovery are here to guide and help you. A dual diagnosis can be treated and managed with appropriate intervention.
Does depression drive you to drink?
Depression is a challenging mental illness to live with. It can be unpredictable, can engulf everything from outlooks to self-esteem, and can begin to falter physical wellbeing. Someone who suffers from disruptive symptoms of depression can also struggle with everyday tasks, making the reality of day-to-day life harder to manage and enjoy.
Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant, which helps to slow down internal processes and helps to produce high levels of happy chemicals in the body. It initially relaxes the body and mind, offering a glimmer of hope and a sense of peace through the lower moments of life.
Due to that, alcohol is recognised as a coping strategy through mental health issues and crises. Drinking alcohol can become associated with a way of coping through the likes of major depression, suicidal thoughts, and anxiety.
However, whilst abused, alcohol is a damaging substance that can induce the rebound effect. Symptoms of depression can actually aggravate through the self-medication of unhealthy alcohol drinking habits.
Using alcohol as a coping strategy, especially through an existing brain condition can increase the risks of alcoholism. A dependence on alcohol for its relief-like effects can develop, along with an internal tolerance.
Through enabling heavy drinking habits, the brain and body can become reliant on alcohol as a consistent substance and the chemicals that it produces, increasing the risks of alcohol abuse.
The relationship between alcohol consumption and depression can begin at this point and can turn into a co-existing cycle of association and relapse.
Does drinking too much make you depressed?
Initial alcohol consumption produces high and attractive levels of happy chemicals. It taps into the reward circuit which releases dopamine and helps to associate alcohol consumption as a positive action. Yet as alcohol distorts the central nervous system, delays communication around the body and interrupts emotional regulation, cognitive damages and changes are expected.
Through artificial levels of dopamine, the brain will begin to struggle with producing organic forms, increasing its reliance on alcohol.
This vicious cycle can cause symptoms of depression, placing the mind in a rollercoaster state. Such damages can cause vulnerabilities in the mind, making it difficult to process information, make decisions and feel emotions.
If alcohol consumption is ever paused or discontinued, depression is also an expected withdrawal symptom. As the body and brain withdraw from alcohol, adjustments must be made to manage shock and to support the body. With that, drinking too much alcohol can make someone depressed, through neurological and cognitive disparities.
The direct relationship between alcohol consumption and depression is also visible through the external consequences of alcohol dependence. Any form of addiction can be very difficult to deal with, which can spiral emotional stability and result in dark and unmanageable moments. Depression is highly correlated as a symptom of alcohol abuse, which if consumption continues, clinical depression can be diagnosed, requiring treatment.
Co-occurring relationship of alcohol abuse and depression
Their complex relationship is co-occurring. Whilst a primary condition may be present, either can influence the other to develop, intensify and ingrain as a routine feeling/action.
A vicious cycle can develop by using alcohol as a relief or by continuing consumption through signs of depression. Alcohol consumption may help to alleviate initial signs of depression, yet abuse can heighten symptoms. With that, the rewarding association of alcohol consumption can surface, motivating higher levels of exposure. Yet by doing so, the rebound effect is expected, targeting both vulnerabilities.
As their relationship is strong and influential, both alcohol abuse and depression will require specialist treatment, known as dual diagnosis treatment.
Alcoholism and depression: What to do
In the event of a dual diagnosis, professional help and treatment will be essential. Dual diagnosis treatment can be accessed through alcohol rehab here at Nova Recovery.
Treating both conditions as parallel, separate treatment programmes will be arranged to understand, treat, manage, and regulate both mental illness and addiction.
To treat depression, a mix of cognitive behavioural therapy, possible prescriptions of antidepressants, support groups and talking therapies will be beneficial whilst regaining control over the mind. Aiming for a healthy and balanced cognitive activity will be key, expected through positive lifestyle choices, coping strategies and awareness.
To treat alcohol problems, detoxification will be key, along with relapse prevention planning, management tools and therapy sessions. Sobriety can be aimed for whilst following a clean and healthy routine/lifestyle.
Both treatment schedules will work alongside one another to minimise symptoms, reduce the risks of addiction relapse and slowly strengthen the mind. Whilst ongoing efforts and management will be key, breaking and overcoming the relationship between alcohol consumption and depression is possible.
Treating, understanding, and managing their relationship is imperative, as signs of relapse can influence, intensify, and resurface co-existing conditions. With that, a balance of coping strategies and habits will be paramount.
At Nova Recovery, we can help you work through initial treatment whilst also learning to live through long-term recovery. Reach out for our support through either alcoholism, mental illness or both diagnoses.
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John Gillen
- Author
- Last updated: September 8, 2023
John has travelled extensively around the world, culminating in 19 years’ experience looking at different models. He is the European pioneer of NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) treatment to Europe in 2010; and recently back from the USA bringing state of the art Virtual Reality Relapse Prevention and stress reduction therapy. His passion extends to other metabolic disturbances and neurodegenerative diseases. The journey continues. In recent times, John has travelled to Russia to study and research into a new therapy photobiomudulation or systemic laser therapy working with NAD+ scientists and the very best of the medical professionals in the UK and the USA, together with Nadcell, Bionad Hospitals own select Doctors, nurses, dieticians and therapists. Johns’ passion continues to endeavour to bring to the UK and Europe new developments with NAD+ Therapy in preventive and restorative medicine and Wellness. In 2017 John Gillen was made a visiting Professor at the John Naisbitt university in Belgrade Serbia.