Recognizing and Treating Alcoholic Depression

There are two issues that one deals with when dealing with alcoholic depression- Both the alcohol addiction and the actual depression. Usually one begins before the other, and then they become intertwined as symptoms progress. I know in my experience, I began my journey of alcoholic depression at a very young age, and it all began with feeling severely depressed in the first place. In an attempt to relieve myself of the depression and to try to make myself feel better, I began drinking alcohol to relax or to feel "happy."

The problem is, alcohol is a depressant in and of itself. Alcohol abuse and depression can be a deadly combination. Inhibitions are lowered with alcohol use, and this can cause one who is depressed already to become more likely to attempt suicide. Alcoholic depression is a disorder in and of itself, which must be treated like any other addiction or mood disorder. Alcoholic depression can cause social problems, emotional/relationship problems, and even physical problems.

After one drinks for an extended period of time, your body will throw itself into alcoholic depression. "Maintenance drinking", or, drinking to feel "normal" is a major symptom of alcoholic depression. I ended up becoming a "maintenance drinker" after a little over a month of regular alcohol use. Binge drinkers will end up having an alcoholic depression that is similar to a hangover that lessens as time passes.

Depression caused by alcohol use can cause serious social issues and physical issues- marriage problems, job-related problems, liver damage, stomach problems, etc. Suicidal thoughts, feelings or even attempting suicide is very common during an alcoholic depression. It's important to seek help if you are feeling suicidal, or if someone you know is going through an alcoholic depression, to urge them to seek help and watch for signs of suicidal behavior.

Symptoms of alcoholic depression include using alcohol to attempt to forget problems, drinking excessively on a daily basis, or going on a "binge" frequently. Other symptoms include an inability to sleep without first drinking alcohol, drinking alcohol when alone, and also feeling guilty about your drinking. I often would drink first thing in the morning, after waking up, and then I would feel so guilty for having done so, that I would end up drinking even more to try to forget my guilt.

Alcoholic depression can be triggered by a traumatic event, a severe emotional disturbance, the grief of losing a loved one, extreme stress and an attempt to "self-medicate" to prevent or ignore problems. There are numerous causes of alcoholic depression, numerous triggers, and they are pretty much all based on individuals, their emotions and their ability to cope. Alcoholic depression can also be caused by physical withdrawal from alcohol or cravings when one is in the first stages of sobriety.

I know that whenever I quit drinking, or between binges, my moods would go completely out of control, be unstable, and I would become physically ill due to emotional issues and the withdrawal symptoms from alcohol. It's important to watch someone carefully for signs of alcoholic depression. Alcoholic depression can kill, and so can the side effects. A person in the throes of alcoholic depression isn't thinking rationally, is often obviously depressed or moody lacks the ability to care for themselves physically, may become suicidal or even violent or aggressive.

Alcoholic depression is not something to be handled without the help of a professional. It's important when going through alcoholic depression to make sure to detox and quit alcohol with medical supervision. Withdrawal symptoms can literally kill a person, causing convulsions, suicidal thoughts, etc. Exercise can help with relaxation and stress relief, which is important to help combat alcoholic depression. One major point when dealing with alcoholic depression, getting healthy is only as good as your intent. You have to genuinely want to change things and want to feel better, until the desire to change is there, you will struggle and likely fail each attempt to help yourself. And a good support system is also important. It worked for me, but it wasn't until I was "ready", that I was able to make the changes necessary to live sober and live without alcoholic depression.