About Drinking When Depressed

Many people report drinking alcohol in order to alleviate stress and feelings of depression. However, research has shown that alcohol can actually cause these symptoms to become much worse.

Significance

• Approximately 16 percent of individuals currently suffering from major depression have a co-morbid alcohol use disorder. This compares to 7 percent of the general population that has an alcohol use disorder.

Function

• Alcohol increases cortisol levels, which leads to a reduction of serotonin levels. Low serotonin levels are associated with depression.

Considerations

• Individuals with co-morbid depression and alcohol abuse are more likely to commit suicide than individuals with depression who do not consume alcohol.

Misconceptions

• Alcohol is not an effective way to self-medicate for depression, since alcohol increases intensity of depressive symptoms.

Treatment

• Medications such as disulfiram and acamprosate are available to help an individual quit drinking, and after alcohol consumption is ceased, an antidepressant medication can be used to treat depressive symptoms if necessary. Psychotherapy and support groups are other treatment options that help teach ways to cope with alcoholism and depressive symptoms.