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Alcohol Addiction and Depression: Does Alcohol Cause Depression?

A woman wondering, "Does alcohol cause depression?"

Do you need alcohol addiction treatment in Tampa, Florida? If so, you may also need treatment for depression. Why? There is a strong connection between alcohol problems and depression. In fact, your drinking may be a direct cause of depression. However, even when it isn’t, it can make depression more likely to occur. These facts explain why so many people in alcohol recovery need additional mental health support.

Want to know more about the link between depression and alcoholism? Talk to the rehab professionals at Sophros Recovery Tampa by calling 813.686.6306. With our help, you can get a better idea of how your drinking impacts your mental health. You can also get the treatment you need to recover from depression while in alcohol rehab.

The Connection Between Alcoholism and Depression

You have higher odds of developing depression than any other mental health condition. At the same time, alcohol abuse and addiction are the most widespread substance problems. Given these realities, it’s not surprising that depression and alcohol problems can impact you at the same time.

However, the link between the two problems goes beyond random statistical chance. If you’re affected by alcohol addiction, your:

  • Risks for major depression increase by almost 300%
  • Chances of developing less severe depression increase by almost 200%

More than one out of every three people in alcohol rehab have some form of depressive illness.

But Does Alcohol Cause Depression Symptoms?

The link between alcohol addiction and depressive illness raises an important question. Namely, does alcohol cause depression? The answer to this question varies. In some cases, chronic heavy drinking can be an actual source of depression. However, in others, it doesn’t play such a direct role.

Depression that’s caused by alcohol use is known as alcohol-induced depression. How common is this form of the illness? No one knows for sure. Research shows that as many as 60% of all people in alcohol treatment may be affected.

However, the underlying cause of depression isn’t always clear. Some people first diagnosed with alcohol-induced symptoms later receive a different diagnosis. In other words, their depression turns out to be unrelated to their drinking. Generally speaking, severe alcoholism is more likely to lead to depression than mild or moderate alcoholism.

Depression and Alcoholism Treatment

When it occurs, how long does alcohol-induced depression last? There is no one-size-fits-all reply to this question. Several factors may have an impact on your experience, including:

  • How long you’ve been affected by alcoholism
  • The severity of your alcoholism symptoms
  • How severely you’re affected by depression
  • The form of depression affecting you
  • How well you do in alcohol treatment

As a rule, the key is getting help for both alcohol problems and depression at the same time. This approach is known as dual diagnosis treatment. It’s specifically designed to support both aspects of your recovery.

Why is dual diagnosis care so important? Even if you’re not affected by alcoholism, drinking can interfere with your depression recovery. Critically, untreated depression also reduces your chances of recovering from alcoholism. When you get help for both problems, you doubly benefit. Alcoholism recovery becomes much easier. The same is also true for your recovery from depression.

Seek Help for Alcoholism and Depression Today at Sophros Recovery

Does alcohol cause depression? Yes, it can have this effect on some people. If that’s true for you, you may need help for alcoholism, along with help for your depression symptoms. You’ll find effective support in a customized dual diagnosis program.

How long does alcohol-induced depression last? Numerous factors can impact the length of time required for your recovery. Need more details? Sophros Recovery Tampa is your source for up-to-date information on this crucial subject. Just call us today at 813.686.6306 or use our online contact form. We’re also there for you when it’s time to enroll in your dual diagnosis treatment plan.