How Alcohol And Depression Are Related

Medically reviewed by Karen Foster, LPC
Updated October 9, 2024by BetterHelp Editorial Team
Content warning: Please be advised, the below article might mention trauma-related topics that could be triggering to the reader. Please see our Get Help Now page for more immediate resources.

Content/Trigger Warning:  This article contains topics of addiction that may be sensitive to some. If you or someone you know needs help, please contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: Call 1-800-662-HELP (4357). Please see our Get Help Now page for more immediate resources.

Depression is common in adults in the US;  roughly one in ten people report experiencing symptoms. According to researchers, a large percentage of those people also experience alcohol use disorder at some point in their lives. Whether people drink because they’re experiencing depressive symptoms or if people with a substance use disorder develop depression later may be unique to the individual. Still, experts agree that there is a solid, albeit potentially complicated, connection between the two. 

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Depression and alcohol use may be related

Nature vs. nurture: Potential causes and risk factors 

There can be similar risk factors for substance use disorder (SUD) and depression:

Environment

People from families with one or more caregivers who have a depressive disorder or SUD are more likely to develop one as well. It’s also commonly known that people with a history of traumatic experiences are more likely to develop depression or SUD. 

Genetics

Some scientists believe alcoholism may be genetic since studies between twins and adoptive parents/children reveal a correlation between genetic makeup and SUD. Other scientists, however, believe that the correlation between SUD and genetics is weak. 

Environment and genetics

There's also the theory that alcoholism and depression are epigenetic. This means there may be a gene responsible for the condition but that an external factor (e.g., a traumatic event or the presence of alcohol) must activate it. There are also those who believe that alcohol may trigger a depression gene. While this would explain the high number of people with both alcoholism and depression, more research is needed to reach a definitive conclusion. 

Sociological factors

Some experts believe there’s a correlation between SUD and sociological influences such as institutional, professional, and cultural ideologies; gender roles; and socioeconomic factors.

Even with the encouraging volume of research dedicated to determining the relationship between SUD and depression and the causes/risk factors of both, it could be important to remember that there are still many unanswered questions, so more research is needed.

The effects of alcohol on depression

Alcohol is classified as a central nervous system depressant, which may provide a clue into its relationship with depression. But while alcohol can slow down neurological functioning and subsequently inhibit how it communicates with the body, it can also make a person feel more relaxed and uninhibited. 

Alcohol in large quantities can cause physical issues like slurred speech, impairments of reaction and movement, and perceptual disturbances. Excessive amounts can result in unconsciousness, respiratory failure, and death.

Psychologically, the effects of mild to moderate alcohol consumption may seem advantageous to someone experiencing depression. Alcohol may create a sense of euphoria and happiness and feel like a means of stress relief. It can also reduce self-consciousness and feelings of anxiety around social situations. It might also help someone temporarily cope with the stress associated with day-to-day difficulties. 

Still, the so-called “positive” psychological effects of alcohol are generally short-lived. When the effects wear off, the individual may return to the same mental state as before. This could prompt them to drink again to achieve the same results, which might lead to dependency over time. 

Both the short and long-term effects of overindulgence in alcohol can have a notable negative impact on a person’s psychological state. Alcohol can interfere with our serotonin and dopamine levels, so the “high” one receives under the influence of alcohol may result in a deficiency once it wears off. It can also cause anxiety symptoms and interfere with healthy physiological functioning such as sleep levels, cardiovascular functioning, and digestion.

Depression and alcohol use may be related

Treating SUD and depression comorbidity

Treatment for individuals who have been diagnosed with a combination of depression and SUD may be similar to the treatment of each individual disorder with a few exceptions. Both begin with a thorough examination of the patient’s medical history and family history, a psychological self-assessment via questionnaire, and a preliminary interview. Once the psychologist has referenced their findings with the DSM-5, a dual diagnosis may follow. 

Treatment options for depression and alcohol use disorder may include behavioral therapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy and medication. Depending on the severity of the patient’s dependence on alcohol, medication might consist of a combination of anti-depressants and medicines designed to help people stop or reduce their alcohol consumption. 

It may be necessary for patients with a chemical dependency on alcohol to undergo a detoxification procedure in a clinic under the care of a physician specializing in addiction. Group therapy and treatment at a rehabilitation center may also be prescribed. 

Because comorbidity between depression and SUD is common, it can be easy for one to obscure the other, and either can be overlooked in the process. For this reason, it may be important for people experiencing SUD or depression to seek medical attention from a licensed medical professional. Once a medical doctor determines the patient isn’t in immediate physical danger due to the effects of alcohol, therapy can be the next step. 

Benefits of online therapy

Visiting a therapist in person can be difficult for some, especially those experiencing symptoms of depression or using alcohol as a coping mechanism for depression. The stigma sometimes associated with SUD may also prevent people from seeking help. 

With the rise of online therapy, these barriers to treatment may be removed. Online cognitive behavioral therapy provides a feasible solution for logistical issues; there’s no need to leave the comfort of your home to speak to a mental health professional. Online therapy is also effective for treating conditions such as major depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and substance use disorder. Also, you don’t have to have a diagnosis of alcohol use disorder to benefit from therapy. Some people who engage in binge drinking or occasional alcohol misuse (formerly called alcohol abuse) may benefit from the support of a therapist.

Takeaway

Recovery can begin with the choice to get help, and with online therapy, you can find the help you need. If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of depression and/or SUD, a therapist can help you get started toward healing. BetterHelp can match you with a licensed mental health professional who has experience helping people with concerns related to alcohol and depression. Take the first step toward getting support and contact BetterHelp today.
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