Explaining the Connection Between Depression and Alcoholism

There is well-documented evidence linking depression and alcoholism, or what new now call alcohol use disorder. According to medical experts, almost one-third of people who suffer from major depression also have a problem with alcohol abuse. Whether you live up in the northern part of the country or down in the south, the link between the two conditions is similar. Alcoholism and the depression that accompanies it impacts millions of individuals every year. Therefore, it’s vital to find the right support through an addiction treatment program that meets individuals’ specific needs. Beaches Recovery offers a comprehensive dual diagnosis treatment center in Jacksonville, FL, that can address alcohol use disorder and any mental health issues.

Understanding the Connection Between Depression and Alcoholism

When examining how depression and alcohol use disorder are related, people often question which problem caused which. In other words, do depressed people start drinking and become alcoholics, or do alcoholics become depressed over their condition? The fact is that either of these situations can occur, and unless there is a treatment that targets both conditions, a person cannot heal completely.

When someone struggles with a co-occurring disorder, it matters less which one happened first, but both must be dealt with simultaneously. Without treating both the physical and mental aspects of addiction, individuals are left open to a high risk of relapse.

Depression May Lead to Alcohol Abuse

Some people, when experiencing depression, turn to alcohol to relieve their symptoms. They may feel a measure of relief from drinking. The alcohol may relax them or help them forget their depression temporarily. However, after a while, the effects of alcohol wear off. They pick up the bottle of alcohol again when they feel depressed, and the cycle continues. Over time, they become dependent on alcohol. Now, they are dealing with depression and alcoholism.

Alcoholism May Lead to Depression

A person abusing alcohol usually struggles with depression. Most often, their life spirals out of control due to alcohol abuse, which is depressing. Also, alcohol disorder often comes between loved ones, causes regretful actions, and leads to guilt. These are all reasons why some people become depressed when they have an alcohol problem.

Stats and Facts

The medical findings indicate the following facts about the relationship between depression and alcohol use disorder:

• Young people who have episodes of depression are more likely to have alcohol problems a few years later.
• Teens who have had a major episode of depression are two times more likely to abuse alcohol than teens who haven’t
• Women are more prone to turn to alcohol when depressed.
• Drinking makes depression worse and can cause suicidal thoughts.
• Alcohol is a depressant and can harm your brain, leading to depression.

There are numerous reasons and causes for each condition. To maintain positive mental health and good physical health, individuals need to learn to recognize when support is necessary.

The Solution: Dual Diagnosis Treatment at Beaches Recovery

Fortunately, there is hope for those who are suffering from both depression and alcoholism. At Beaches Recovery, we get to the root of the problems surrounding alcoholism by treating co-occurring mental health issues. Our high-quality addiction treatment center offers people a chance at real recovery by targeting the real issues. With a dual diagnosis program, individuals receive the following treatment:

• Diagnosis of concurrent mental health disorders and alcoholism
• Treatment of depression and alcoholism simultaneously
• Residential or outpatient treatment options
• Addiction counseling sessions
• Group therapy of choice

Don’t let alcohol addiction and depression harm your life any longer. You can be happy and free from addiction by going to a quality rehab center. Contact Beaches Recovery at 866.605.0532, or contact us online, and begin the journey to recovery today.