According to studies, alcohol use affects millions of individuals in the US because it is socially acceptable. Many people turn to alcohol when they cannot handle stress or face life’s problems. Some people choose to self-medicate using alcohol, which can gradually result in addiction. Alcohol can make you feel better temporarily, but the long-term effects are detrimental to your health and social life. If you’re struggling with such a situation, don’t let depression and alcohol lead you into a downward spiral when you can seek treatment from a dual diagnosis treatment center like Atlanta Center for Mental Health to get treatment for both depression and alcohol at the same time.
What Is Depression?
While almost everyone experiences some brief low moments in life, others find this persisting. Over time, the condition worsens and starts to interfere with a person’s everyday activities in various ways. This can signify depression, which is a common occurrence among many people. Several factors can trigger depression, including issues in a relationship, divorce, and alcohol abuse.
Symptoms of Depression and Alcohol Addiction
Alcohol depresses the Central Nervous System (CNS), leading to the slowing down of the body and mind. In most cases, chronic use enhances anxiousness that only increases over time if the addict fails to seek prompt treatment at a residential mental health treatment program.
According to the National Institute on Drug and Alcohol Abuse (NIDA), addicts suffering from alcoholism and depression exhibit specific symptoms, such as:
- Extreme cravings
- High tolerance
- Self-care negligence
- Adverse mood swings
- Incoherent speech
Fortunately, these symptoms can be treated in our mental health treatment center. Expect several types of treatment programs in rehab, including:
- Dual diagnosis
- Alcohol addiction treatment
- Depression treatment
- Dialectical behavioral therapy
- Outpatient treatment program
How Alcohol Affects Your Mood
Alcohol changes the chemical balance in your brain because it’s a depressant. From the first sip of the substance, it begins to affect the inhibitory part of your mind.
Although it can make you temporarily relaxed and confident, something different takes shape as the habit continues. This happens because once there’s a high alcohol concentration affecting your brain, you may not experience the pleasant effects of the drink. You’ll be overwhelmed with negative emotions, such as anxiety, anger, and depression, instead.
Alcohol Use Disorders and Depression
There is a link between depression and alcohol use, but it’s usually challenging to identify the root causes of co-occurring disorders as each person faces unique circumstances. Numerous studies reveal that alcohol affects some nerves that are critical in mood regulation, leading to depression. Therefore, addicts can improve their moods by reducing or stopping alcohol consumption.
Experts caution against mixing prescription depression medicine with alcohol. Some medications may enhance the chances of relapse to alcohol addiction when you’re trying to quit the habit.
If you suffer from depression due to alcohol abuse, quitting the dangerous habit can be vital in improving your mood. For example, most people observe a significant difference in their lives by cutting down on alcohol consumption for at least four weeks. Lowering alcohol use makes you feel better; thus, you’ll perform daily activities without much challenge.
The best way to overcome alcohol addiction is to seek an individual therapy program at a rehab center. This is because it’s challenging to stop alcohol addiction without professional help due to the unpleasant withdrawal symptoms.
Seek Help for Depression and Alcohol Addiction Today
Depression and alcohol addiction takes a toll on your life by impacting it in several negative ways. Apart from the painful physical symptoms, alcohol abuse affects relationships with spouses, family members, and colleagues. Trying to quit drinking without a medically supervised program usually leads to relapse. Visit Atlanta Center for Mental Health today for treatment, guidance, and counseling. Contact us at 833.625.0458 to schedule an appointment.
Atlanta Center for Mental Health is a free-standing, non-hospital-setting, residential facility that treats co-occurring mental health disorders along with primary mental health diagnoses. Our goal is to transform your life and put you on the path to wellness and recovery.