Question 1

does alcohol make you feel more depressed the next day after drinking?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant.  If you are depressed, you should abstain from alcohol.  I see no benefit coming from it's use.  If you are depressed and not under treatment, please a mental health provider and get an evaluaiton and please stop th alcohol for now.

Question 2

can alcohol cause long term depression?

Accepted Answer

If used long term: Mood changes (depression) due to alcohol usually clear up once drinking stops.  Of course, if drinking doesn't stop, the depression can be ongoing.  Severe chronic alcoholism can cause permanent brain damage, which may include depression as a symptom even after drinking stops.

Question 3

how to deal with depression and alcohol?

Accepted Answer

Dep. tx: Schedule appointment with mental health counselor for assessment and possible referral for medications if needed.

Question 4

how to deal with depression after alcohol relapse?

Accepted Answer

Do you have both: Depression and alcohol dependence? Are you working a 12 step program? Do you have a sponsor? If yes, are you in touch w your sponsor daily?  Don't know when your relapse was? If recent - have you considered 90/90 (90 meetings in 90 days)?  Have you considered working w a therapist to deal w depression? When you fall flat on your face - the best thing to do is get up ; take care of basics.

Question 5

how does alcohol physiologically causes depression?

Accepted Answer

Brain changes: Alcohol affects your brain chemistry by altering levels of neurotransmitters, in particular glutamate, gaba, and serotonin. Alcohol suppresses glutamate which slows down your brain. It causes more GABA to be produced, which creates a depressing effect (like taking xanax). Alcohol can also inhibit serotonin which is one of the main chemicals linked to depression.

Question 6

is alcohol ever a good method for helping deal with depression?

Accepted Answer

No.: Alcohol is itself considered to be a depressant due to its effects on the brain. It is never considered a good treatment for depression. Anyone who feels depressed should be evaluated by their primary care physician or psychiatrist to be diagnosed and treated properly.

Question 7

can you guys tell me how alcohol physiologically causes depression?

Accepted Answer

Multiple causes: Alcohol has been found to lower serotonin and norepinephrine level which causes depression. It also affects two other neurotransmitters, GABA and acetylcholine, causing the entire brain to depress neuron activation.  See the added image which reflects the depressed brain activity.

Question 8

what to if i am really depressed, is it normal im self medicating with alcohol?

Accepted Answer

No: Normal ( for someone with your excellent level of understanding of the link between this two disorders) is to get help by a professional, and obtain the care that you deserve. Please consult with a psychiatrist on the best way to start recovering you from depression and alcohol.

Question 9

does alcohol exacerbate depression and anxiety?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Alcohol is a unique drug. It offers short term anxiety relief followed by depressed mood and often rebound anxiety.

Question 10

can alcohol still make you depressed if you're already improving by taking anti-depressants?

Accepted Answer

Etoh + meds: Are you taking antidepressant & alcohol together? Don't recommend that. Alcohol alone can lead to significant depressive symptoms. Please have a candid talk with your prescribing provider.

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Doctor answers about:

Does alcohol make you depressed

A member asked:

Does alcohol make you feel more depressed the next day after drinking?

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Can alcohol cause long term depression?

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How to deal with depression and alcohol?

A member asked:

How to deal with depression after alcohol relapse?

A member asked:

How does alcohol physiologically causes depression?

A member asked:

Is alcohol ever a good method for helping deal with depression?

A member asked:

Can you guys tell me how alcohol physiologically causes depression?

A member asked:

What to if i am really depressed, is it normal im self medicating with alcohol?

A member asked:

Does alcohol exacerbate depression and anxiety?

A member asked:

Can alcohol still make you depressed if you're already improving by taking anti-depressants?

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