Alcohol is a socially accepted depressant drug. The substance is widely used and enjoyed at many social gatherings. Less customarily do people think about the long-term effects of alcohol and how it plays a significant role on the mind and body. People often drink to relax and unwind but does alcohol make you depressed?
Depression and Alcohol Use Disorder
When a person continues to submerge themselves at the bottom of a bottle after every problem that arises, then this is a sign of alcohol abuse. Alcohol and depression go hand in hand, and drinking does make depression worse. If a person is struggling with sadness and depressive episodes, coping by drinking alcohol is not advised. Alcohol addiction treatment can help with depression or worsening symptoms.
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How Alcohol Makes You Depressed
An alcoholic will regularly experience binging episodes until they form a physical dependency on the drug. Alcohol affects the chemistry in the brain by interfering with the brain’s communication pathways. When a person feels anxious or depressed, then it seems excusable to have a drink or two. Yet, when a person is a consistent drinker, then health complications arise.
Alcohol can lower serotonin and norepinephrine levels which regulates mood. As a result, the balance of chemicals in the brain is manipulated. Depression, also known as major depressive disorder, is diagnosed when feelings of helplessness and hopelessness are constant and functioning throughout the day becomes stressful and difficult.
Does Alcohol Worsen Depression Symptoms?
Alcohol does make depression worse. A person may be diagnosed with depression if they are experiencing five or more symptoms for two weeks or longer. Here are some of the symptoms to know so you can avoid alcohol use:
- Weight loss or weight gain
- Lack of energy and motivation
- Overthinking about death or suicide
- Feelings of depression in the morning
- Lack of interest or pleasure in activities
- Feeling worthless and guilty almost every day
- Difficulty concentrating or remembering details
- Your body feels heavy, or you constantly feel mentally drained
Different types of depression may begin depending on various factors like brain chemistry, hormones, or genetics. Depression may be a leading cause of excessively consuming alcohol. Alcohol makes you depressed, so a person should be wary about drinking or drinking often. Finding an excellent mental health program right after being aware of these symptoms is beneficial, and you can avoid the repercussions of alcohol.
Alcohol and Mental Health Treatment at Our Rehab Center in Chicago
At Banyan Treatment Centers Chicago, we understand alcohol causes adverse side effects like headaches and organ failure, and it worsens mental disorder symptoms. Not only do we offer the successful 12-step program methods, but also unique programs like art therapy are available for patients to express themselves and self-reflect. Our medical staff is here to guide you through the treatment process in a clean and secure environment.
Please, don’t wait to get started at Banyan Chicago by calling 888-280-4763 and asking about our outpatient program to get started on the path to recovery today!
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