Millions of people struggle with alcoholism and depression each year. While depression does not cause alcoholism (and vice versa), it is important to recognize the connection between alcoholism and depression because many people suffer from both conditions. In this article, you’ll learn more about the connection between alcoholism and depression and what treatment you should seek if you are struggling with both conditions at the same time.
At Hammocks on the Edisto, we are a top-rated women’s drug rehab that helps patients break free from the chains of addiction. No two recovery journeys are ever the same. That’s why we offer a wide range of addiction therapies so you can receive the right care for your unique recovery needs. Contact us today to learn how we can support your road to recovery.
Is There a Link Between Alcoholism and Depression?
Although depression does not cause alcoholism (and vice versa), it is crucial to understand that there is a connection between alcoholism and depression. Research has found that the prevalence of depression among alcohol-dependent persons is high. In other words, many people who struggle with alcohol addiction also struggle with depression.
Unfortunately, alcohol addiction can not only hurt your physical health and quality of life, but it can also hurt your mental health and well-being. Likewise, many people who struggle with untreated depression symptoms may turn to substances, like alcohol, to help relieve their symptoms. While short-term alcohol abuse may seem to help relieve your depression symptoms, abusing alcohol to “treat” your depression will only lead to worsening symptoms and inevitably lead to a dependency for alcohol.
What is a Co-Occurring Disorder?
If you or someone you know is struggling with both an addiction (like alcoholism) and mental illness (like depression), this is called a co-occurring disorder. A co-occurring disorder can sometimes be difficult to spot and treat. This is because in order to treat a co-occurring disorder you must not only identify and diagnose both conditions, but you must seek treatment for both conditions at the same time to help reduce your risk of relapse.
While alcoholism and depression can be a common co-occurring disorder, it’s important to understand that a co-occurring disorder can be any combination of addiction and mental illness. This is why if you suspect you may be struggling with both a substance use disorder and mental illness you need to receive a proper diagnosis to ensure you can then seek the right treatment to best address your exact recovery needs.
How to Seek Treatment for Alcoholism and Depression
As you can see, the connection between alcoholism and depression can sometimes be difficult to spot and treat. If you suspect you may be struggling with both alcoholism and depression, it’s important you seek dual diagnosis treatment to ensure you can treat both conditions at the same time. Otherwise, treating one condition but not the other condition at the same time can increase your risk of relapse.
For example, if you seek treatment for your alcoholism and overcome your addiction, but you don’t receive treatment for your depression, this can raise your risk of relapsing. This is because you’ll continue to struggle with your untreated depression symptoms, and you may eventually turn back to old unhealthy coping strategies, like abusing alcohol, to try and relieve your depression symptoms which can jeopardize your sobriety.
Help Is Available at Hammocks on the Edisto
Now you know more about the connection between alcoholism and depression. Although depression does not cause alcoholism (and vice versa), it is critical to understand that many people abuse alcohol to try and manage their depression symptoms. And, many people struggling with alcoholism develop depression symptoms. Whether you are struggling with addiction, mental illness, or a co-occurring disorder, it’s important you seek professional treatment to best address your recovery needs.
At Hammocks on the Edisto, we provide tailored care to ensure women struggling with addiction get the unique help they need to safely overcome addiction. Addiction hurts all areas of your life: your relationships, health, and quality of life. However, if you are struggling with addiction, you don’t have to suffer in silence. We offer a wide range of addiction treatment options to ensure you receive the best possible care to achieve long-term sobriety. Ready to start your road to recovery? Contact us today!
