Many people find that alcohol and depression are a tough combination to beat. The way that alcohol affects the mind can be especially pronounced in people who struggle with clinical depression. If you are struggling with the use of alcohol and depression, you’re not alone. At Promises Five Palms, our counselors understand how easy it can be to fall into a pattern of problem drinking when you’re struggling with depression, and we’re here to help.
The Link Between Alcohol And Depression
To understand how the use of alcohol and depression affect one another, it’s important to first understand how alcohol affects the brain. Alcohol is a depressant. Contrary to popular belief, this does not mean that it makes you emotionally depressed. Rather, it slows the systems in the body, including breathing and heart rate. Alcohol can also have a mild stimulant effect, especially at low doses. This can account for the openness and increased sociability shown in many people who drink.
When someone who has depression drinks alcohol, they may feel a sense of relief from their depression, even though it does not last for long. Their thoughts may slow down, and they may enjoy socializing more than normal. When the effects of the alcohol wear off, however, the symptoms of depression return with a vengeance. Alcohol withdrawal symptoms can vary from person to person, and often include anxiety, insomnia, fatigue, and other symptoms that frequently accompany clinical depression. When alcohol withdrawal and clinical depression occur together, many people experience extremely strong cravings for more alcohol. This can create a downward spiral that leads to addiction.
What Is Dual Diagnosis?
If you struggle with alcohol use and depression, you must get treatment at a dual diagnosis facility. This means the facility has staff trained to treat clients dealing with both addiction and mental health issues.
Alcohol and Depression Treatment At Promises Five Palms
At Promises Five Palms, we understand that dual diagnosis clients need specialized care, and we’re here to help you get the tools you need to live a life in recovery. When you start treatment with us, you’ll work with your counselor to develop a treatment plan that makes sense for both your substance use and mental health needs. Our counselors understand the unique needs of dual diagnosis clients. Many of our clients find that they have success employing several different modalities of treatment, including
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Dialectical behavioral therapy
- Group therapy
- Individual therapy
- Family therapy
When you choose treatment at Promises Five Palms, we’ll be there for you every step of the way. From the moment you make the first phone call to the moment you walk out the door, you’ll have our support and care.
Ready To Get Help? We’re Here.
If you’ve had enough of dealing with the effects of alcohol and depression on your day to day life, we’re here to help. At Promises Five Palms, we focus on mental health, and we understand that a healthy mind is a sound foundation for a healthy life. We’ll work with you to unravel exactly how you got to this place, and we’ll help you get your life back. When you call Promises Five Palms at 1.844.675.1022, you’ll talk with a caring admissions staff member who will work with you to understand your treatment needs. We’ll give you more information about our programs, allowing you to decide if what we offer is a good fit for you. There’s no pressure to make an immediate decision, just support and information. You deserve to live a happy, healthy life. The first step is picking up the phone.
