Why Alcohol and Depression Don’t Mix
Why Alcohol and Depression Don’t Mix
By Mark Jacob, MD
Alcohol abuse and depression can be a deadly mix.
Often, a person with depression will also have alcoholism, and vice versa. In fact, 30 percent to 50 percent of people with alcoholism, at any given time, also are suffering from major depression. Family history of depression or alcoholism puts a person at greater risk for developing either illness.
You should know that while alcohol often causes a “good mood” at first, it is a depression-causing drug.
Alcoholism and depression
Alcoholism may cause a relapse in people with depression. The depressive symptoms from alcohol are greatest when a person first stops drinking. So people recovering from alcoholism who have a history of depression should be carefully monitored during the early stages of withdrawal; the symptoms of depression are greatly reduced after three to four weeks of stopping drinking.
Higher risk for suicide
When a person suffers from major depression and abuses alcohol, he has a much higher risk of attempting and succeeding at suicide. Other facts:
- Alcohol abuse can exaggerate depression and increase impulsiveness.
- Alcohol frequently is detected in suicide methods involving driving a moving vehicle or overdosing.
- Alcohol impairs judgment, which explains its association with painful suicide methods.
Major depression and alcohol abuse are the most commonly diagnosed psychiatric disorders in people who attempt suicide. A recent study showed that following age, alcoholism and drug addictions are the most likely reasons for suicide attempts.
Because of the risk of suicide, if you are (or someone you care about is) suffering from major depression and abusing alcohol it is critical that you seek prompt medical attention.
The Have I Got A Problem website is a free online resource to help people better understand any issues or concerns they may have about mental health or addiction. The website includes resources specifically focused to; general Mental Health, Depression, Stress, Anxiety, Insecurities, Self-harm Schizophrenia, Bipolar, Anger Management, Eating Disorders, Coping, general Addiction, Alcohol, Smoking, Gambling, Drugs, Cocaine, Heroin, Marijuana (Cannabis) Ecstasy, PCP, Mephedrone, Ketamine & Crystal Meth.
The site was created to give the public information to help them understand mental health and addiction issues and to assist people in making better informed decisions about their life and personal choices.
www.haveigotaproblem.com was created and is run by 'Advising Communities’, which is a UK registered charity (Charity No. 1061055)
Downloads
Quotes
"I started playing rugby and the combination of exercise and feeling like I was part of a team really helped."
Phil
MoreSend us your QuotesTips & Hints
Getting support from people
Together we are stronger. Receiving the support you need is crucial to lifting you from the fog of depression and keeping it at bay. Ma...MoreHealthy food, healthy mind
You are what you eat! What you eat has a direct impact on the way you feel. Aim for a balanced diet of protein, complex carbohydrates, ...MoreDoing exercise
Exercise is a powerful tool for dealing with depression. It may be the last think you feel like doing when you’re depressed. But, stu...MoreSleep tight
A good nights sleep is essential for any improvement in well-being. Aim for 8 hours of sleep if possible. Depression typically involves...MorePositive Thinking
Those with a more positive outlook tend to deal more easily with daily challenges, even minor ones such as not being able to find a par...More More Tips & Hints
