Alcohol dependence and depression are interrelated. Excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages most often causes mental disorders, but the opposite situations also occur. In both cases, it is necessary to contact a specialist and start treatment as soon as possible. Read the rest of this article to learn more about alcohol depression.
What is alcohol depression
Mental disorders characterized by a permanent depressed mood, feelings of helplessness and guilt associated with drinking addiction are known as alcoholic depression. Men are more likely to develop this disease, but there is also data on an increasing number of women suffering from it. There are primary and secondary alcohol depression.
Based on the available statistics, it can be concluded that about 10% of addictions are caused by depression. It is the primary factor that causes one to become addicted. However, in the remaining 90% of cases, alcohol is the main cause of mental disorders.
Find depression therapist in Miami
Alcohol Depression – When Can It Happen?
We can talk about alcoholic depression when addiction is accompanied by a permanent depressed mood, apathy, and even suicidal thoughts. It most often occurs in the following situations.
As a result of addiction. Alcohol causes permanent changes in the nervous system over time. In addition, the addicted person is aware of his plight, which makes him feel sad and depressed.
As a cause of alcoholism. People with mental disorders may use alcohol to soothe their pain and sadness. This is, of course, a vicious cycle, as the mood only improves for a short time and then the depression returns.
As a result of abrupt withdrawal from alcohol. It usually lasts about 3 weeks and is part of the withdrawal syndrome. Usually, it does not require treatment, but it is worth being under the care of a specialist who will be able to check the patient’s mental state on an ongoing basis.
After quite a long time from breaking the addiction. Sudden and long-term deterioration in mood may lead to re-alcohol consumption and addiction.
Symptoms of depression
Most often, the symptoms of alcoholic depression are quite characteristic, but they also depend on the type of disorder. When alcohol is stopped abruptly, stress, irritability, anxiety and delusions appear within a few days. An addicted person may then try to reach for drinks, so it is important at this time to help the closest environment.
Under no circumstances should you give an addicted person alcohol. What is important, however, is mental support or even a simple friendly conversation. Most often, the patient manages to overcome this type of depression on their own and does not need the participation of a doctor.
In the case of primary and secondary depression, the symptoms are more long-lasting and more severe. Therefore, the help of a specialist is necessary. The addicted person experiences a marked drop in mood, which can even lead to suicidal thoughts and attempts.
Related article: TMS Therapy for anxiety – does it work?
Nothing makes him happy, he does not want to do any activities that previously gave him joy. Depression is accompanied by disturbed sleep and appetite, and the activities related to daily hygiene are also limited. Other physiological symptoms may also appear or worsen, such as hand tremors, headaches and spikes in blood pressure.
How to Treat Alcohol Depression?
Most of the time, treating alcohol depression is very difficult. An addict often denies his illness and refuses to undergo treatment. Additionally, secondary depression is usually very severe. It is accompanied by permanent changes in the neurological system.
Therefore, the role of family and friends is very important to make the person abusing alcohol aware that without specialist help they will not be able to get out of the addiction. The environment may support the patient, but he or she should make the decision and go to an addiction treatment center. Importantly, during the treatment, he cannot consume any drinks, even in small amounts. How to treat alcoholic depression so that it brings the expected result?
Methods of treating depression
The treatment consists of two basic elements:
pharmacological treatment,
intensive psychotherapy.
During pharmacological treatment, one should take into account difficulties, because the patient’s body may react badly to some medications. In addition, the addicted person may not want to take medications or forget to take them at the appointed time. However, without pharmacological treatment, it is difficult to recover from alcoholic depression. Therefore, every effort should be made to ensure that it proceeds according to the designated plan.
Another important issue is group psychotherapy supported by individual consultations with a psychologist or psychiatrist. It requires the full involvement of the person suffering from depression, so he / she cannot miss scheduled meetings.