How Long Does Alcohol Induced Depression Last?

If you struggle with alcohol abuse, it isn’t uncommon to also experience symptoms of depression. Many people grapple with alcohol use disorder and co-occurring depression, as these conditions are often linked. Is the depression a direct result of the alcohol abuse? So, how long does alcohol-induced depression last? To get answers about alcoholism and depression, please read on.

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About Depression

Before we explore alcohol-induced depression we first need to have a basic idea of what major depressive disorder is. Depression in the clinical sense differs from a transient bout of the blues caused by an adverse life event. All of us go through those episodes of sadness from time to time.

Major depressive disorder, though, is a mental health disorder that tends to persist and worsen. When the symptoms of depression cause impairment in function, relationship issues and health problems, it is likely clinical depression.

Symptoms may include:

• Suicidal thoughts. You may spend a lot of time thinking about death or suicide.
• Sadness. You feel down, empty, sad, and hopeless most of the time.
• Loss of interest. You have no desire to engage in usual activities.
• Change in eating habits. You may overeat or you may lose your appetite.
• Change in sleep habits. You may have insomnia or you may sleep too much.
• Fatigue. You feel tired and low energy most of the time.
• Irritability. You may feel restless or agitated over minor issues.
• Trouble concentrating. You may struggle to concentrate or make decisions.
• Feelings of guilt or shame. You may have feelings of unworthiness.
• Slowed or agitated movements. Speed of movements and thoughts may change.

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Can Alcohol Cause Depression?

There are two ways to answer the question, “Can alcohol cause depression:”

1. Alcoholism can lead to depression. The adverse effects of being addicted to alcohol can pile up. It can cause damage to several areas of a person’s life, such as career, marriage, finances, and health. As these negative effects compound and cause harm in your life, it can result in depression. It is also true that depression may appear first. In this case, alcohol is used as a coping tool to numb the unpleasant symptoms.

2. Alcohol abuse causes temporary depression. Alcohol is a depressant that impacts the central nervous system and affects brain chemistry. Heavy drinking increases serotonin making you feel mild euphoria, but then the levels drop off as the alcohol wears off. The resulting withdrawal symptoms that include low mood are referred to as a depression hangover. Fatigue, foggy thinking, and depressed mood are also symptoms of depression, however a depression hangover tends to resolve within two days.

If you have experienced the depression symptoms after drinking, you may have wondered how long does alcohol-induced depression last. If the symptoms of depression persist or worsen, it is important to visit a doctor for guidance. Depressive disorder should never be ignored.

The Link Between Alcohol Use Disorder and Depression

Studies have revealed a strong link between alcohol use disorder and co-occurring depression. In fact, depression is the most common mental health disorder coupled with alcohol use disorder. According to one article, about 20% of adults with alcoholism also suffer from clinical depression. When both disorders are present at the same time, it is referred to as a dual diagnosis.

The role of alcohol and its relationship with depression is complex and not yet fully understood. Research is clear that people who struggle with alcohol dependence are 3.7 times more likely to develop major depression. However, alcohol-induced depression more commonly occurs as a symptom of a hangover than as a persistent mental health disorder. It is when the symptoms of depression do not resolve, even after prolonged abstinence, that clinical depression is suspected. 

Treatment Options for Alcoholism and Depression

Treatment for the dual diagnosis will involve a full spectrum of therapeutic interventions that work together in an integrated approach to recovery. There are two primary treatment settings: outpatient and residential.

Residential Program: The residential setting provides housing for the individual for the duration of their treatment program. Residential rehab offers 24-hour supervision and a safe, structured treatment environment. This inpatient setting offers a more intensive treatment experience, and is recommended for those who struggle with dual diagnosis.

Intensive Outpatient Program: The outpatient rehab experience allows you to live at home while in treatment. This type of program works well for those who cannot take a leave of absence from their jobs. The IOP features about nine hours of treatment programming weekly.

Treatment Elements for Alcohol Use Disorder and Depression

A dual diagnosis treatment program is equipped with the expertise to provide treatment for both the alcohol problem and the depression. It is important to obtain treatment for both disorders at the same time for the best recovery outcomes.

Treatment elements include:

• Medical detox: Alcohol detox should always be supervised by medically trained detox experts. This is because for a small number of people, dangerous withdrawal symptoms can surface. Throughout the detox, symptoms are managed with benzos and other medications.

• Talk therapy: Therapy is a core treatment element for those in alcohol recovery and dual diagnosis. Through the use of CBT, the goal is to attain new thought and behavior patterns that change response to triggers.

• Group counseling. Group sessions support peers in recovery within a setting that encourages them to be accountable to each other.

• 12-Step. The 12-Step program of A.A. provides a structured and spiritual approach to recovery.

• Medication. Drugs are accessed to manage the mental health disorder and/or the alcohol use disorder.

• Relapse prevention: Clients create a detailed relapse prevention strategy by defining specific triggers that could lead to relapse.

• Nutrition and fitness. An emphasis on restoring health and wellbeing in recovery includes nutritious meals and daily exercise.

Think to yourself: “This is a minor blip. And I am fully equipped to handle it without being triggered to use or spiraling into negative thoughts. The ability to bounce back quickly without self-judgment is something I’ve worked hard to develop”.

Avila Heights Recovery for Alcohol Use Disorder

Avila Heights Recovery offers luxury addiction recovery services for those who struggle with alcoholism and depression. We provide expert addiction treatment within a lovely coastal enclave. If you are asking “How long does alcohol-induced depression last” then you may benefit from our program. Please reach out to us today at 831-264-1267