Depression and Alcoholism - How Treatment Can Help

by Mike S. Addiction Recovery Advocate

The link between depression and addiction isn't difficult to recognize. When you're going through depression, you'll do anything to find relief from the pain you're experiencing. Alcohol is seen as a solution for many people experiencing depression, but it only leads to further problems with mood and health.

Am I Depressed?

Sometimes, it can be difficult to separate a depressed mood from actual depression. While just about everyone has bouts of unhappiness, they shouldn't be confused with depression. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms on a regular basis, it's very likely that you're depressed:

Easily fatigued
Crying
Loss of interest in previously pleasurable activities

If you're depressed, drinking alcohol can make you feel better, at least temporarily. It can cover up your thoughts on a temporary basis. Someone who is particularly depressed might drink to the point of blacking out and forgetting what they did when they regain consciousness the next morning.

Alcohol is a depressant, meaning it slows down the body and the mind. While this can provide an enjoyable sedative effect for drinkers, being deprived of alcohol can cause difficulties. Signs of alcohol withdrawal and irritability when they don't have access to alcohol. This can further enhance their depressive mood. As they develop a further dependency on alcohol, it can be harder to break away from it.

Nobody sets out to become an addict. When you start drinking, you're not thinking about it being a crutch that you'll have to rely on. It's merely something to make you feel better in the here and now. That's a very attractive prospect when going through depression. However, when you're not actually addressing your problems but instead relying on a substance to provide therapy for you, addiction becomes a reality. The substance has had such an impact on your mind, you start to believe that you're unable to cope without it.

How An Addiction Treatment Center Can Help

If you started drinking as a result of your depression, then you at least know that you're depressed. You looked for a solution in the wrong place, but you are capable of overcoming the problems of alcoholism and depression. It's important to know that this is a gradual process without a one-step solution.

Holistic Therapy

It can be difficult to face your thoughts. Reaching for alcohol can seem like a suitable cure because there's no difficulty to it. However, you need to be in touch with yourself and your thoughts. Top holistic treatment programs like The Summit Wellness Group feature services like yoga, guided meditation, massage, chiropractic care, nutritional classes and more. They can alleviate the symptoms of depression and anxiety and improve your mental, physical and emotional health.

Therapy

Discussing your depression can be scary, particularly if it's with a stranger. However, therapy can be powerful for overcoming addiction and depression. The most effective therapy involves examining your thoughts and how they lead your mental state. For instance, with cognitive behavioral therapy, you can learn to realize how much your mind jumps to the worst possible conclusion to cause you mental strife and how you can enjoy more positive emotions from redirecting your negative thoughts.

Quitting for today

Giving up alcohol can seem like a harrowing task. But there are no shortage of reasons to stop drinking. A practice that is recommended for anyone trying to break a detrimental habit is quitting just for today rather than putting pressure on yourself by swearing that you're done forever. It's highly recommended that one also attend treatment and seek out reputable sober living housing. The idea is that every day, you quit again just for that day. Eventually, you don't have to think about it. If you do slip, it's less serious than it would be, because you can just start again the next day.