Does Alcohol Abuse Make Depression Even Worse?

Individuals with alcohol use disorder may drink too much alcohol, too often. It’s not always clear if depression makes you drink or vice versa. Studies of twins have shown that the same things that lead to heavy drinking in families also make depression more likely. If drinking is making you or someone you love feel depressed, you don’t have to stay stuck. Whether you’re a mom worried about your child’s drinking, a spouse supporting a partner, or someone struggling with addiction yourself, we’re here to help. “Therapeutic interventions designed to address both issues often include a focus on addressing emotional pain or trauma, as well as developing and practicing healthy coping behaviors,” says Kennedy.

What causes depression and alcohol use disorder?

If you have a mental disorder, like depression, schizophrenia, anxiety, or bipolar disorder, it’s common to have trouble with substances including alcohol. Unfortunately, while alcohol may initially increase serotonin and dopamine, the brain adapts to the overload. From then on, the brain demands higher and higher levels to deliver the desired effect.

• No matter your drink of choice, alcohol can easily be abused and often is, especially when it’s used to self-medicate.
• Studies of twins have shown that the same things that lead to heavy drinking in families also make depression more likely.
• Some experts also suggest that both depression and alcohol use disorders share underlying pathophysiology in that they are both neuroinflammatory conditions.

Gastrointestinal issues

These include serotonin, dopamine, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). All of these chemicals play a pivotal role in mood regulation, pleasure, and relaxation. When alcohol interferes with these neurotransmitters, you can experience mood swings, increased anxiety, and worsened depressive symptoms. Individuals with mental health conditions may be more likely to use alcohol as a treatment.

Health Conditions

Adopting a holistic approach to mental health, she places great emphasis on comprehensive treatment that encompasses medication management, supportive therapy, and lifestyle modifications. Beyond the clinic, Cayley finds joy in spending time with her two golden retrievers and enjoys outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, and snowboarding. People with depression can turn to alcohol as a way to self-medicate, and excessive alcohol consumption can make depression symptoms worse.

How alcohol can make depression symptoms worse

According to Kennedy, for those taking antidepressants, combining them with alcohol can reduce their efficacy. This article covers everything you need to know about the connection between alcohol and depression. While alcohol can initially make you feel sleepy, it actually disrupts the quality of sleep later in the night. Alcohol interferes with REM (rapid eye movement) sleep, which is essential in regulating emotions and processing stressful experiences. It’s often a lifelong commitment, but one that can improve your life, health, and well-being in the long term. Children who were abused or raised in poverty appear to be more likely to get both conditions.

Drinking can make you depressed, or at least make symptoms of underlying depression even worse, especially for those who try to use alcohol to treat symptoms of depression. We’ll dive into the relationship between alcohol and depression, offering some insight into the relationship between the two. Continued use of alcohol, or even one instance of binge drinking, can damage certain brain functions. Long-term alcohol abuse not only worsens anxiety and depression but may also lead to liver disease, heart damage, and more. However, alleviating depression does not resolve the alcohol use disorder. In some cases, you may receive a dual diagnosis of a major depressive disorder (MDD) and an alcohol use disorder (AUD).

If you’re already dealing with mental health conditions, alcohol can make things worse. Nearly one-third of people with major depressive disorder also have alcohol use disorder. Some research also shows that children with depressive disorders are more than twice as likely to start drinking alcohol early on in life. At the same time, excessive alcohol use, or binge drinking, has drug addiction treatment also been linked to depression and anxiety.

• In her professional career, Cayley’s primary goal is to empower patients to lead fulfilling lives by guiding them toward effective therapeutic regimens.
• Kennedy suggests that treatment options can vary depending on the severity of your condition.
• Heavy drinking can deplete serotonin and dopamine—natural chemicals that promote positive mental health.
• Antidepressants can help even levels of these chemicals and can help relieve symptoms of depression.
• If you have depression and drink too much alcohol, then you may be wondering if there are any treatments or lifestyle changes for someone in your situation.

On the other hand, both conditions also share certain risk factors, such as genetics and social isolation. Having either depression or alcohol use disorder increases your risk of developing the other condition. It can be tempting to drink if you’re feeling unhappy, but there’s a better solution out there. When treating depression and substance abuse, consult with a mental health professional and/or an addiction specialist who can provide resources and recommendations for possible treatment options. In this article, we look at the different ways that drinking alcohol can make your depression symptoms worse. Nearly one-third of people with major depression (or major depressive disorder) also have alcohol use disorder.

How are they treated?

Alcohol may be a form of self-medication for people with depression. The “burst” of energy from alcohol can be a welcome relief against some symptoms. For example, alcohol may temporarily reduce anxiety and lower inhibitions. Depression may even cause people to begin consuming large amounts of alcohol. Regular drinking can lead to depression, and depressed people are also more likely to drink too much.

People with depression frequently lose interest in activities that once brought them joy like hobbies and social events.