Evidence proves that alcohol and depression go together. However, which came first? It’s interesting to note that this isn’t always so easy to answer. That said, alcohol abuse easily leads to depression.

Understanding the Connection between Alcohol and Depression

Alcohol’s a nervous system depressant. It makes you sleepy. However, before it does that, it makes you perk up a little. You lose your inhibitions.

In this way, alcohol counteracts low-grade anxiety and depression. Because it does so initially, people keep falling back on it. Next, they’re developing a tolerance to the drug. Now, they have to drink more to get the same results.

Most importantly, the drug no longer relieves the depression or anxiety the person experiences. Rather, it merely medicates them to fall asleep. This is why so many individuals drink until they pass out. They should participate in an anxiety or depression treatment program instead.

Fighting the Stigma

The connection between alcohol and depression continues because few people visit a doctor when they experience mental health issues. They’re afraid someone will tell them it’s all in their heads. Similarly, they don’t want to stand out as needing medication. In fairness, some don’t even realize that they struggle with depression or anxiety.

They figure that everyone’s dealing with these things. However, they believe others are doing a better job of overcoming them. Therefore, they reach for the socially acceptable alcohol to self-medicate. Addiction isn’t far behind.

Rehab Empowers You to Deal with Depression and a Drinking Problem

There’s hope for recovery. You don’t have to keep hiding your feelings. Most importantly, you don’t have to keep drinking to deal with things. At a good-quality rehab facility, therapists help you make changes. For example, treatments include:

• Detoxification that lets you quit drinking comfortably and under medical supervision for safety
• Cognitive behavioral therapy for the mind changes that lead to new behaviors
• Life skills training that eases your transition home and lets you fit in comfortably at work
• Dual diagnosis treatment that includes a depression or anxiety treatment program
• Trauma treatment for individuals who have unresolved situations that they need to work through
• Coping skills development that teaches you how to handle stressors and triggers

Another care aspect that works well is the use of mindfulness training. You practice meditation, breathing techniques, and yoga to boost self-awareness. In the process, you learn how to let go of stress. Because stress is a significant contributing factor to drinking problems, it’s essential to overcome in recovery.

Aftercare Protects Early Sobriety

Vivitrol shots can assist with reducing alcohol cravings after program graduation. In this way, it’s part of an aftercare safety net. Similarly, 12 Step support group meetings offer peer accountability and support. Good-quality rehab centers facilitate your entry into these programs.

Learn more about the connection between alcohol and depression from the experts. Contact AspenRidge Recovery Lakewood to find out how therapists can assist you with recovery support. Most importantly, undergo an insurance verification to speed up enrollment. Call 855-281-5588 today!