Antidepressants and alcohol: What’s the concern?

Consequently, this drives the requirement for future studies that examine other anti-depressants with a different mechanism of action in this clinical setting. A 2011 study of adolescents seeking treatment for mental health conditions such as depression found that at the 1-year follow-up, teens who alcohol and depression drank alcohol were more likely to attempt suicide or engage in other forms of self-harm. However, drinking alcohol to improve your mood can still put you at risk for developing AUD. Over time, you may build up more tolerance to alcohol and need increasing amounts to feel relief from depression.

However, only 19% of these patients seek medical help for themselves, where most of them were alcohol dependence [4]. Despite the availability of information on the correlation between depression and SUD and/or alcohol dependence, their causality is still controversial [5]. The association between substance use and depression has been specified more significantly for some substances, including alcohol, cannabis, and opioids. Some data are also available on stimulant agents and benzodiazepines [6]. The widespread struggles of major depressive disorder are quite serious and, without care and support, can be too overwhelming for someone to manage on their own. This often leads them to find ways to “manage” their depression and often results in alcohol use disorders (AUDs) developing.

Signs and Symptoms of Depression

The mood disorders that most commonly co-occur with AUD are major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder. Medical practitioners have discovered that to truly be effective in treating these conditions, they must be treated simultaneously. Treating depression alone does not stop alcohol use from occurring when an alcohol use disorder has developed.

• Depression may even cause people to begin consuming large amounts of alcohol.
• Alcohol consumption can lead to feelings of depression due to chemical reactions.
• You might feel depressed after drinking because alcohol itself is a depressant.
• People with anxiety disorders may have both psychological symptoms, such as apprehensiveness and irritability, and somatic symptoms, such as fatigue and muscular tension.
• This includes options for NHS support, links to charities, helplines and communities, and tips on self-care.

Although these studies raise important questions, researchers cannot draw definitive conclusions about the association between alcoholism and psychiatric disorders for a number of reasons. The major problem encountered in these studies involved the use of research methods that failed to address several important issues that might have explained the observed relationships (Allan 1995; Schuckit and Hesselbrock 1994). Specifically, some studies focused on drinking patterns rather than on alcohol dependence or described mood/anxiety symptoms rather than true psychiatric disorders.

Effects of Alcohol Use

One of the authors would like to acknowledge the University of Nairobi for waiving this tuition fees for this Ph.D. This work is based on Ph.D. thesis, University of Nairobi by the lead author, supervised by the 2nd and 3rd authors. Cultivating a positive outlook and expressing gratitude can help shift focus away from negative thoughts and improve overall well-being. Practice gratitude daily by reflecting on things you’re thankful for, and challenge negative thoughts by focusing on solutions and positive aspects of life. Keeping the mind active through learning, problem-solving, and creative activities can help preserve cognitive function and protect against depression. Engage in intellectually stimulating activities such as reading, puzzles, playing musical instruments, or learning new skills.

The only certain way to prevent depression after drinking is to avoid alcohol entirely. You can, however, take steps to lower your chances of emotional side effects when drinking. Taking some time for productive relaxation can also help ease feelings of depression. Spending time in nature can also have health benefits, including improving your mood. If the sun is out, that’s even better — sunshine can trigger the release of serotonin, which can help relieve depression.

Depression and Alcohol Use Disorder: Are They Connected?

In one 2018 study, 60 people who recently detoxed from alcohol experienced fewer depressive symptoms after participating in Sudarshan Kriya Yoga for just 2 weeks. Still, many people who receive a diagnosis of substance-induced depression are later re-diagnosed as having depression because symptoms continue after they stop drinking. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), if depression symptoms persist after one month without consuming alcohol, then a different depressive disorder diagnosis would apply. One study of 421 people found that 25% had both alcohol misuse and depression. The good news is that treating both alcohol misuse and depression can make both conditions better.

• Antidepressants focus on treating the dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine neurochemical receptors by promoting increased chemical balance within the brain.
• If you’re dealing with severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms, such as anxiety, insomnia, nausea, and hallucinations, among others, then your doctor may suggest medications such as chlordiazepoxide or other benzodiazepines.
• CBT operates on the concept that being able to recognize and better understand the connection to one’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors can assist in reducing negative thoughts and promoting positive behavior change.
• Nearly one-third of people with major depression also have an alcohol problem.
• Several separate lines of evidence cast doubt on the possibility that high proportions of alcoholics have severe, long-term depressive or anxiety disorders.