While a person might depend on substances to ease depression symptoms, chemical intoxication can actually worsen depressive episodes, intensifying the frequency and severity of negative thoughts and self-destructive actions.
A depression and addiction treatment addresses both conditions and stops the progression of disorders and enabling the person to create a healthy, sober lifestyle during recovery
Exploring the nature of depression
Everyone undergoes the feeling of sadness occasionally, and individuals describe these moments as struggling emotionally or being depressed. However, clinical depression is not merely about experiencing casual fluctuations or temporary sorrow due to everyday life challenges.
Major depressive disorder, persistent depressive disorder, and various other depressive disorders are manageable mental health conditions marked by feelings of sadness, emptiness, and/or irritability that impact an individual’s physical and mental functioning. While researchers have recognized various risk factors for depressive disorders, these episodes can affect anyone. Nonetheless, not everyone exposed to risk factors will develop a depressive illness.
Contributing factors may include:
- Genetic predisposition
- Chronic stress or trauma
- Medical conditions
- Substance misuse
How does excessive alcohol use contribute to depression?
Can alcohol result in depression, or could it be the reverse? Research shows that a bidirectional connection exists between alcohol use disorder (AUD) and mood disorders. The two conditions may coexist, with each condition increasing the likelihood of the other and possibly worsening its impact. Regardless of whether AUD or a depressive disorder emerged first, both conditions are among the most prevalent psychiatric disorders and often coexist
The routes that contribute to the emergence of co-existing AUD and a depressive disorder are intricate and interconnected. Certain people might be genetically predisposed to both. For some individuals, signs of a depressive disorder can affect the onset of an AUD. A potential factor for co-occurrence is that individuals might reduce symptoms of a depressive disorder by using substances like alcohol. Individuals facing significant depressive symptoms might begin to turn to alcohol for relief and improvement in their mood, but eventually, this can escalate into a complete alcohol use disorder.
Even when an individual does not develop an AUD, self-medication may not provide long-term benefits, as it relates to heightened psychiatric comorbidity, elevated stress levels, and reduced health-related quality of life. Studies have linked AUD with an increased risk for both the emergence of depressive symptoms and the development of depressive disorders.
Treatment approach for depression and alcohol use disorder
Medical detox
Generally, this treatment is the first step in the healing process, followed by joining a formal substance abuse rehabilitation program. Detox helps you to safely and comfortably stop drinking alcohol.
Medication-based therapy
Antidepressants may be prescribed to help manage both depression and some symptoms of AUD. You may also receive a Naltrexone prescription online that helps to stop drinking and reduces depressive symptoms; disulfiram, which serves as an alcohol deterrent (it causes negative reactions if alcohol is consumed); or acamprosate, which assists in maintaining alcohol abstinence
Cognitive and behavioural therapy
This helps in creating positive coping mechanisms to replace the thought and behavior patterns that could worsen or contribute to AUD and depression
In the end
If you seek secure, confidential, and cost-effective treatment for alcohol use disorder and depression. Klinic has a network of skilled healthcare professionals, so patients can obtain a customized treatment plan designed for their requirements. If you or someone you’re acquainted with is having a hard time, feel free to seek help today.
Image by Freepik
The editorial staff of Medical News Bulletin had no role in the preparation of this post. The views and opinions expressed in this post are those of the advertiser and do not reflect those of Medical News Bulletin. Medical News Bulletin does not accept liability for any loss or damages caused by the use of any products or services, nor do we endorse any products, services, or links in our Sponsored Articles.
While a person might depend on substances to ease depression symptoms, chemical intoxication can actually worsen depressive episodes, intensifying the frequency and severity of negative thoughts and self-destructive actions.
A depression and addiction treatment addresses both conditions and stops the progression of disorders and enabling the person to create a healthy, sober lifestyle during recovery
Exploring the nature of depression
Everyone undergoes the feeling of sadness occasionally, and individuals describe these moments as struggling emotionally or being depressed. However, clinical depression is not merely about experiencing casual fluctuations or temporary sorrow due to everyday life challenges.
Major depressive disorder, persistent depressive disorder, and various other depressive disorders are manageable mental health conditions marked by feelings of sadness, emptiness, and/or irritability that impact an individual’s physical and mental functioning. While researchers have recognized various risk factors for depressive disorders, these episodes can affect anyone. Nonetheless, not everyone exposed to risk factors will develop a depressive illness.
Contributing factors may include:
- Genetic predisposition
- Chronic stress or trauma
- Medical conditions
- Substance misuse
How does excessive alcohol use contribute to depression?
Can alcohol result in depression, or could it be the reverse? Research shows that a bidirectional connection exists between alcohol use disorder (AUD) and mood disorders. The two conditions may coexist, with each condition increasing the likelihood of the other and possibly worsening its impact. Regardless of whether AUD or a depressive disorder emerged first, both conditions are among the most prevalent psychiatric disorders and often coexist
The routes that contribute to the emergence of co-existing AUD and a depressive disorder are intricate and interconnected. Certain people might be genetically predisposed to both. For some individuals, signs of a depressive disorder can affect the onset of an AUD. A potential factor for co-occurrence is that individuals might reduce symptoms of a depressive disorder by using substances like alcohol. Individuals facing significant depressive symptoms might begin to turn to alcohol for relief and improvement in their mood, but eventually, this can escalate into a complete alcohol use disorder.
Even when an individual does not develop an AUD, self-medication may not provide long-term benefits, as it relates to heightened psychiatric comorbidity, elevated stress levels, and reduced health-related quality of life. Studies have linked AUD with an increased risk for both the emergence of depressive symptoms and the development of depressive disorders.
Treatment approach for depression and alcohol use disorder
Medical detox
Generally, this treatment is the first step in the healing process, followed by joining a formal substance abuse rehabilitation program. Detox helps you to safely and comfortably stop drinking alcohol.
Medication-based therapy
Antidepressants may be prescribed to help manage both depression and some symptoms of AUD. You may also receive a Naltrexone prescription online that helps to stop drinking and reduces depressive symptoms; disulfiram, which serves as an alcohol deterrent (it causes negative reactions if alcohol is consumed); or acamprosate, which assists in maintaining alcohol abstinence
Cognitive and behavioural therapy
This helps in creating positive coping mechanisms to replace the thought and behavior patterns that could worsen or contribute to AUD and depression
In the end
If you seek secure, confidential, and cost-effective treatment for alcohol use disorder and depression. Klinic has a network of skilled healthcare professionals, so patients can obtain a customized treatment plan designed for their requirements. If you or someone you’re acquainted with is having a hard time, feel free to seek help today.
Image by Freepik
The editorial staff of Medical News Bulletin had no role in the preparation of this post. The views and opinions expressed in this post are those of the advertiser and do not reflect those of Medical News Bulletin. Medical News Bulletin does not accept liability for any loss or damages caused by the use of any products or services, nor do we endorse any products, services, or links in our Sponsored Articles.
