Depression can wear you down and become an all-consuming affliction that seems to impact every area of life. In some cases, it may seem like there is no reason to go on living. Alcohol can make these feelings even worse. For most people, treatment of both depression and alcohol use disorder can significantly reduce feelings of sadness and hopelessness. Depression and addiction treatment can be part of a dual diagnosis treatment program that can treat both conditions in tandem so you can discover how one influences the other.
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Can Alcohol Addiction Cause Depression?
Alcohol is a depressant, which means that it slows down the body’s ability to function. At first, it relaxes you and makes you happy, maybe almost giddy. But when you develop a drinking problem, it can negatively impact your life in many ways. For instance, it can lead you to spend more than you can afford on your habit, causing financial difficulties. Alternatively, you may have been involved in a vehicular accident as the result of your alcohol use, leading to legal problems. Both cases can cause depression symptoms.
Even without financial or legal difficulties, there are often underlying mental health issues associated with addiction. A dual diagnosis treatment program addresses the mental health disorder in conjunction with the alcohol abuse problem.
By first addressing what contributed to the propensity to abuse drugs, you can take steps to rectify the problem and make the path forward more clear. In some cases, people only seek treatment for only one aspect of their condition, meaning that they only seek care for either mental health or addiction. In that case, the other still lingers, and it may worsen. It is vital to address both conditions concurrently.
Coping Skills for Depression
A healthy diet may be the most impactful part of recharging your life. Omega-3 fatty acids are great mood stabilizers. They can be found in fatty fish or pill form.
You can also start a new exercise regimen. Even if it means just going for a walk every day, you are building a base of endurance that will benefit you in many ways. There is a range of ways of exercising, such as:
- Walking
- Running
- Yoga
- Swimming
Research shows that exercise promotes endorphins, which are the chemicals in the brain that cause happiness. With the help of exercise, many people are able to overcome their depression.
In addition, you should avoid isolating yourself from friends, family, and colleagues. These are the people who can offer you support during your recovery. There are support groups you can join and many social activities that you can take part in, even if it’s to make a new friend. You can turn over a new leaf to see what’s on the other side.
You may also want to give your serotonin levels a boost by spending some time in the sun. Fifteen minutes is all you need to accrue the benefits of sunlight exposure. It’s a proven mood enhancer, and the best thing is it’s free.
Reach Out to Ethan Crossing Recovery Today
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) may cause you to make bad decisions that have negative consequences. It can disrupt your personal relationships, cause you to lose your job, and cost you more money than you can afford to lose. In some cases, it can also lead to depression. At Ethan Crossing Recovery near Springfield, Ohio, we have a dual diagnosis treatment program. We use a range of treatments, including:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Dialectical behavior therapy
- Yoga therapy
- Music therapy
- 12-step therapy
We offer both residential and outpatient programs to suit your needs. When you’re ready to start the journey to recovery, please contact Ethan Crossing Recovery today at 833.691.0736.
