A significant number of individuals struggling with alcohol misuse also experience major depression. While alcohol can temporarily stimulate serotonin receptors in the brain, offering a fleeting sense of relief, it ultimately leads to a crash, leaving the individual feeling worse than before. This creates a destructive cycle that is challenging to break without professional help.
Alcohol and Depression: Which Comes First?
Alcoholism and depression are both serious psychiatric illnesses that disrupt lives and impair functioning. The connection between the two is well-documented, but many wonder which condition precedes the other.
Research suggests that alcohol misuse doubles the risk of developing depression. Studies indicate that alcohol misuse is more likely to cause or exacerbate depression than the other way around. This highlights the importance of addressing alcohol use when managing depressive symptoms.
How Alcohol Worsens Depression
Alcohol misuse has a profound impact on mental health, often intensifying symptoms of depression. Here are six ways alcohol can worsen depression:
- Isolation
Excessive alcohol consumption often leads to social withdrawal and isolation. Humans are inherently social beings, and prolonged loneliness can significantly exacerbate depression.
- Economic Struggles
Alcohol misuse frequently leads to job loss and financial hardship. Chronic economic stress is a known contributor to worsening depressive symptoms.
- Health Crises
Alcohol misuse increases the risk of chronic illnesses such as fatty liver disease, heart disease, and diabetes. These health issues often contribute to or exacerbate depression.
- Biological and Hormonal Changes
Alcohol can disrupt the body’s metabolic and endocrine systems, leading to hormonal imbalances that worsen depression symptoms.
- The Depressant Effect
While alcohol may initially provide a temporary sense of happiness or relaxation, it is fundamentally a depressant. Over time, it suppresses mood, amplifying feelings of sadness and hopelessness.
- Impaired Judgement and Impulsivity
Alcohol impairs decision-making and increases impulsive behaviour, often leading to negative consequences. These outcomes can fuel guilt, shame, and despair, further deepening depression.
Breaking the Cycle with Support and Therapy
The combination of depression and alcohol misuse can create a self-reinforcing cycle that feels impossible to escape. However, recovery is possible with the right support. A qualified therapist can help individuals develop coping strategies to manage depression and address underlying issues driving alcohol misuse.
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) is particularly effective for individuals and couples grappling with the emotional fallout of depression and addiction. EFT works to strengthen emotional bonds and improve communication, providing a supportive foundation for recovery and healing.
Take the First Step Towards Healing
If you or someone you love is struggling with depression and alcohol misuse, reaching out for help is the first step to breaking the cycle. A therapist can guide you through recovery, helping you reclaim your life and sense of wellbeing.
If you would like support, please don’t hesitate to contact me via email. I work with clients online worldwide and in-person from my office in Hove. Together, we can explore how to navigate these challenges and build a healthier, happier future.
