This article will further explore if alcohol can cause depression, the signs of alcoholism, and the relationship between this drug and mental health disorder. Most importantly, you will find out how to find professional treatment for alcoholism and depression. Call Nashville Treatment Solutions toll-free today if you need help with alcoholism and depression in the Nashville area.
Alcoholism is a major health issue in the United States. It is estimated that 6.7 percent of all Americans will develop an alcohol abuse problem. Additionally, the CDC reports that 16 percent of adults binge drink, and 6 percent of Americans report heavy drinking. Unfortunately, alcohol abuse claims an estimated 95,000 lives per year in the United States. Alcohol abuse causes many health and mental health issues.
Can Drinking Alcohol Cause Depression?
The simple answer is yes, alcohol can cause depression. From time to time, we all feel a case of “blues” for a variety of reasons. Common reasons for feeling depressed are work stresses, financial burdens, and strained friendships and relationships, to name a few. Most people can work through their issues, start feeling better, and move on with their lives. However, other people may linger in those feelings and can’t find a resolution. In order to cope with the stress, guilt, and shame associated with depression, some people will use alcohol.
Alcohol causes depression for the simple fact that alcohol itself is a powerful central nervous system depressant. When consumed, alcohol produces the feeling of calm and happiness and has powerful sedative effects on heart rate and respiration. While these effects are pleasurable and can help people try and lift out of their depression, they will feel worse once the effects of alcohol wear off. Without dealing with the underlying issues that lead to depression, people who drink alcohol will go into a spiral of drinking more in order to feel the same effects—and it will lead to alcohol addiction.
How Does Depression Affect Addiction?
Oftentimes, depression can serve as sort of a gateway to the development of depression. Many people who deal with depression, turn to alcohol to escape its’ negative effects. For those with severe depression and who need professional help may not get the mental health treatment needed due to the continued stigma attached to mental illness. While alcohol and other substances do provide a temporary reprieve from the pain associated with depression, those feelings return with a vengeance once the effects of alcohol subside.
What if people stop drinking? When alcohol abuse is abruptly halted, the symptoms of depression can grow worse. For those who have suffered depression for years, their symptoms become more pronounced without the crutch of alcohol. Depression affects addiction to the point where people can have what is commonly known as dual diagnosis. This condition is extremely difficult to treat and requires specialized professional care.
Begin Treatment for Alcoholism and Depression
The question can alcoholism cause depression is an easy one to answer. Depression and addiction is a two-headed monster that can upturn lives and ruin families. If you are looking for effective treatment for alcohol rehab in Nashville, we are a premier outpatient treatment facility with addiction and mental health programs that are customized to meet your unique needs.
We offer intensive outpatient programs as well as traditional outpatient rehab and partial hospitalization programs. No matter the severity of your dual diagnosis, the experienced and compassionate professionals at Nashville Treatment Solutions will give you the tools you need to rise above and conquer your co-occurring disorders, with dual diagnosis treatment in Nashville, TN. Call us today.
