Depression is one of the most debilitating disorders that can affect a person. Despite the fact that it is not caused by a malicious foreign body, it can severely cripple a person in virtually every physiological and psychological aspect of life. One factor that seems to be in close relation with the disorder is alcoholism. Alcoholism and depression are closely linked because based on evidence one of these disorders can cause the other. Alcoholism depression occurs when a person develops a dependence for alcohol and starts to exhibit depression like symptoms if they haven’t consumed the intoxicant for a considerable period of time.
The flipside also tends to occur. People who are depressed turn to alcohol to get rid of their negativity and apathetic feelings. While there is no concrete evidence to suggest that alcoholism can cause depression, based on monitoring brain patterns and reactions of people who are depressed, it has been deduced that people under the influence of alcohol and people who are depressed have brains that react in the same manner. This suggests that depression and alcoholism is in fact connected.
Despite the close link between alcoholism and depression, these two disorders are quite different. The main similarity however is that they are both psychological in terms of effects and triggers. During intoxication however, symptoms are dramatically different, exactly the opposite in fact than depression. Treatment for alcoholism and depression can be done quite easily using unobtrusive techniques. Both of them are effective, the key ingredient is detecting, recognizing and acting on the disorders early in both cases.
With alcoholism, talk therapy Is the most effective way to get over it. Alcoholics Anonymous groups and meetings are quite popular nowadays due to the fact that they are very effective. Most of all having some company such as a close friend can help the alcoholic exercise self-restraint and eventually get over the addiction. Similar treatments can be used to treat depression as well although it may require more vigorous measures. Antidepressants are commonly prescribed for the disorder due to its ability to provide instant relief. Using methods such as talk therapy however is more effective and safe in the long run. Lifestyle changes can also be very effective in treating depression.
Alcoholism and depression are both life threatening disorders and can be very dangerous if they occur simultaneously. Watch out for any of the tell-tale signs if you tend to notice certain changes in behavior that suggests a person may be an alcoholic or depressed.