Depression and Alcoholism
Depression and alcoholism are one of the most common combinations of dual diagnosis today. According to the National Institutes of Health, an estimated 16.2 million adults in the United States had at least one major depressive episode. This number represented 6.7% of all U.S. adults. Many depressed people are unaware that alcohol only compounds their issues. Stepping Stone Center for Recovery is a dual diagnosis drug rehab center that effectively treats depression and alcoholism.
Are Depression and Alcoholism Only Based on Genetics?
Researchers are always exploring different ways that someone develops both depression and alcoholism. It seems that both may be impacted by family history and environment (nature and nurture) and therefore need to be treated together in the same drug rehab center.
Family history is one of the leading contributing factors to an addict developing depression.
Myrna Weissman, Ph.D., professor of epidemiology in psychiatry at Columbia University Medical Center, published a study and found that “people who have a family history of depression have long been known to be at greater risk of the mental illness themselves, probably for both genetic and environmental reasons.” Studies report that people with a family history of alcoholism have a higher tolerance to alcohol and are more susceptible to addiction. Researchers at Indiana University published a study reporting that “Those with a family history of the disease quickly adapt to the alcohol.” This means that if you are born into a family with alcoholism, you have a greater risk of developing alcohol addiction based on your genetic makeup.
Three Interactions of Depression and Alcoholism
Depression and alcohol adversely affect each other. When feeling depressed you may think that alcohol will help you feel better. Alcohol will ease symptoms of depression temporarily but will contribute to your depressed mood. Genetics play a part in your brain chemistry and whether or not you are predisposed to develop depression. Usually, between the ages of 18 and 25, a young adult will begin to notice a decrease in their mood. Isolative behaviors, low energy, lack of interest and disorganization may all be indicators of depression. Family history tells us what the likelihood is of a person developing depression.
Many people with no history of depression may find themselves depressed while active in their alcohol addiction. Alcohol is classified as a depressant and will cause you to feel depressed after drinking.
Three Interactions of Alcohol and Depression
- Self-medication for depression symptoms
- Genetic tendency toward both conditions
- Depression as a result of alcoholism
Dual Diagnosis Treatment: Depression and Alcoholism
Stepping Stone Center for Recovery specializes in treating the dual diagnosis of depression and alcoholism. Our medical and clinical staff have been specially trained to help you overcome depression and alcoholism in the same drug rehab center.
