Many people don’t realize it, but alcohol and depression are very closely linked. It’s important to understand these situations so you can get the help you need. Part of getting help and overcoming alcoholism as well as depression is understanding what’s happening to your brain.
Understanding Depression
Depression is one of the primary mental health disorders that people struggling with any type of addiction experience. Depression impacts different neurotransmitters in the brain that are responsible for your well-being. Chemicals like dopamine, serotonin, endorphins, and melatonin help you experience joy, motivation, connectedness, and other important aspects of life.
How Alcohol and Depression are Linked
When it comes to alcoholism and depression, it’s sometimes difficult to say which one came first. Alcohol is a mind-altering substance that changes brain chemistry. Therefore, long-term abuse can lead to depression. For some people, however, symptoms begin to disappear after remaining sober for a period of time.
Depression can lead to an assortment of symptoms which range from feeling worthless to not feeling anything at all. Some people turn to alcohol as a way to deal with depression so they can feel something. Eventually, self-medicating with alcohol turns into a psychological dependence, and individuals lose all control.
Recovering from Alcohol and Depression
When you’re trying to get sober, it’s important that you go to a treatment center that specializes in mental illness as well as addiction. For those struggling with depression, learning how to manage the symptoms without alcohol is a major step in addiction recovery.
An untreated co-occurring disorder is one of the leading causes of relapse. When you go to a rehab that offers dual diagnosis therapy, you’re going to have a much higher chance of succeeding in your recovery.
How Ashley Addiction Treatment Can Help You Overcome Issues with Alcohol and Depression
Located in Havre de Grace, Maryland, Ashley Addiction Treatment offers a wide range of clinical and holistic methods to help you overcome alcoholism as well as depression. We also offer ongoing substance abuse programs for all of our clients once they leave our facility to help support their recovery.
Don’t let issues with alcohol and depression go untreated. Call Ashley Addiction Treatment today at 866-313-6307.