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Alcohol and Depression: Withdrawal, Treatment and Rehab

Alcohol and Depression

According to recent statistics, between 30 and 50 percent of people with alcohol problems also struggle with depression. [ref. afmc] Depression also brings additional problems with mental and physical health. Whether you're struggling with chronic depression or sudden and intermittent bouts of depression, alcohol can cause additional problems. Many people who suffer from depression develop addictions, so alcohol rehabilitation is a necessary part of treatment.

Alcohol and Depression Rehab: Why You Might Need Them

If you drink while you're depressed, your illness will only get worse. Not only will it make your existing depression or anxiety worse, but it can also cause new mental health problems to develop. Alcohol rehabilitation can help you process your current problems and prevent new problems from arising.

Many people dealing with depression feel that when they get better, they have limited options. Rather than seeking treatment or calling a therapist, many depressed and anxious people will attempt to self-medicate. This can include drinking.

Alcohol rehabilitation is a serious option for people who find they drink more when they are depressed or anxious. If you are unsure if you have a problem, you can also get alcohol rehabilitation help.

Simple life choices can be confusing when you have a problem with depression or anxiety. You may be drinking more than you should, even if you don't realize it.

Alcohol Use, Withdrawal, and Suicide

Another important reason to seek alcohol rehabilitation help is to prevent suicide. More than 50 percent of people who commit suicide are found to have been drinking before taking their own lives.

When you drink, your judgment is severely impaired. Combine this with a tendency towards depression and anxiety and the risk of suicide can explode. Alcohol takes away any inhibitions you might have and allows you to do something terrible that you would normally regret.

According to the National Institutes for Health, alcohol consumption has recently increased. Alcohol rehabilitation is a great way to prevent suicidal tendencies and behaviors that can stem from intoxication, addiction, and the biochemical effects that can feel like ending one's life. Alcohol abuse can lead to early death, either from suicide, accidents, or deteriorating health.

If you have a drinking problem and your depression is causing you to consider suicide, seek help through alcohol rehabilitation and intensive psychiatric treatment. Suicidal thoughts and suicidal tendencies may require an inpatient setting.

Alcohol Use, Withdrawal, and Antidepressants

Another good reason not to drink while being treated for depression is that it could interfere with your medication. If you go to an alcohol rehab center they will ask for a list of all the medications you are taking and you will be detoxified from the alcohol for a while.

Depression medication and drinking don't mix. There can be dangerous side effects, and you can do additional harm to your physical and mental health if you combine drinking with antidepressant medications.

If you take prescribed antidepressants, drinking alcohol may have a more intense impact on your impairment. You'll get drunk faster. It takes less alcohol to get you to the point of intoxication.

There are pros and cons to taking antidepressants when seeking treatment for your depression or anxiety disorder. If you decide to take medication, talk to your prescribing doctor about whether it's safe to drink with the specific medication.

You need help from an alcohol rehab center if you start to feel that your drinking is more important than your medication. This is an indication of an addiction.

Alcoholism and Depression: A Genetic Link

It is important to remember that both alcoholism and depression are considered to be genetic. If members of your family have problems with alcohol or depression, or both, it may be best to start talking about alcohol rehabilitation sooner rather than later.

Alcohol and Depression: How to Get Help

Talk to your doctor, therapist, or support person about your fears and concerns. If you think you have a drinking problem while you're depressed or anxious, you need help right away.

There is a lot to be gained from an alcohol rehab facility, and you want to make sure you find one that treats both your drinking problems and your mental health issues. Look for an inpatient or outpatient facility that has a dual diagnostic program. Here, the benefits of alcohol rehabilitation are combined with the treatment of depression. You need a treatment plan that covers both alcoholism and mental health needs.
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