Over 200 medical conditions, including numerous cancers, high blood pressure, cirrhosis, and depression, are casually influenced by alcohol.A lot of research has pointed to a connection between alcohol and depression over the years, citing the fact that these brain disorders frequently occur together and are linked to worse symptoms and outcomes.According to one study, individuals receiving treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) were 3.7 times more likely to also suffer from major depressive disorder .
However, it is still up for debate which comes first.Is alcoholism a sign of depression or the other way around? Physiological pathways and some behavioural, genetic, and environmental risk factors are shared by both conditions.The experts at Delamere wellness retreat examine the connection between alcohol and depression in this article, as well as how to comprehend your condition and get the best treatment.We are here to address your concerns if you are struggling with alcohol addiction as a result of depression or if your mood disorder is driving you to drink.
Is alcohol a factor in depression?
Although the terms are frequently used interchangeably, alcoholism and alcohol use disorder (AUD) are distinct conditions. An alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a medical diagnosis that identifies the presence of a mental health disorder, whereas a drinking problem may be recognized by you. This leads to a pattern of drug use that is bad for both mental and physical health.
Depressive disorders have been mostly studied in people with alcohol use disorders in three categories: major depressive disorder, dysthymia (persistent chronic depression), and substance-induced depressive disorder (a condition that lasts only a short time and is typically associated with withdrawal symptoms).The most prevalent disorder linked to alcohol abuse is major depressive disorder.Low mood, a lack of interest or enjoyment in activities, a loss of appetite, insomnia, poor decision-making, and, in the worst cases, thoughts of suicide are the primary symptoms.
The effects of alcohol on the brain are the primary cause of depression that occurs as a result of persistently excessive drinking.Alcohol is a depressant of the central nervous system that alters brain chemistry.When you stop drinking, this can make you feel especially low.Age of onset, gender, and ethnicity all play a role in how likely you are to develop depression as a result of an Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD).
Can depression cause problems with alcohol?
A persistent sense of helplessness or sadness that lasts for weeks or months and has an impact on daily life is one of the symptoms of depression.After a traumatic event like child abuse, a life-altering accident, or military combat, people frequently receive a diagnosis of a recognized mental health disorder.While excessive alcohol consumption can assist in numbing distressing memories and physical pain, it can actually prolong symptoms over time, making it more difficult to quit.
To get out of a bad mood, some people drink too much alcohol, which can actually make their symptoms worse.Although alcohol induces a state of relaxation and helps us forget about our problems, the chemical imbalance it creates in our brains causes havoc when we stop drinking.People who suffer from alcohol withdrawal syndrome frequently experience anxiety and depression, leading them to revert to excessive drinking in an effort to overcome their negative thoughts and feelings.
Similarities between alcohol abuse and depression
Worldwide, approximately one in four people will experience a mental health condition in their lifetime, and it is estimated that over 107 million people have an Alcohol Use Disorder.The fact that the majority of people do not receive treatment for these two prevalent conditions and a few other common factors link them.
Alcoholism, depression, and geneticsÂ
First, both alcoholism and depression are thought to be genetic.Despite the fact that neither is predetermined at birth, having a family history of alcohol abuse or mental health issues increases your risk of developing them yourself.There is a two-to-four-fold increased risk of developing major depressive disorder if a family member also suffers from alcoholism, and approximately half of alcohol use disorders can be traced back to genetics.Alcoholism, the environment, and depressionÂ
Environmental factors like home life, social pressures, and life stressÂ
They affect both the likelihood of developing an alcoholism dependence and having mental health issues at the same time.Negative childhood experiences, difficult relationships, and burnout at work are frequently cited as primary causes of depression and/or alcoholism.
Gender, alcohol, and depression
 Another interesting connection is that women are more likely to have both depression and alcoholism.Women have a nearly twice as high lifetime risk of developing major depressive disorder as men do, and young women are more likely to have experienced depression prior to developing Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) (2).
Treatment for alcoholism and depression
 It is essential to treat alcoholism and depression at the same time in a residential rehab facility, regardless of which condition came first.Typically, treatment begins with an alcohol detox to address any physical symptoms, nutritional requirements, and underlying medical conditions. To overcome undesirable side effects, this typically entails pharmacological support, such as the prescription of Naltrexone.
The most common treatment for alcoholism and depression after safe withdrawal is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) with a trained counsellor.CBT involves looking into your thoughts and how they affect your behaviour as well as the causes of your alcoholism and depression. Your therapist will encourage you to openly discuss your emotions and come up with ways to deal with difficult situations.
How can alcoholism and depression be helped by Delamere?
It’s time to get help if you or a loved one is struggling with depression and alcoholism.In our purpose-built luxury wellness retreat in Cheshire, our holistic therapists are available to support and listen to you.Because many of our staff members have firsthand experience overcoming alcoholism and mental health issues, people who come to us with coexisting alcoholism and mental health issues come to us.
Helpful Resources