Struggling with depression and alcohol abuse can be a dangerous combination. The effects of alcohol abuse on depression can be severe, leading to worsening depression and potentially suicidal thoughts or behaviors. Abusing alcohol can lead to further risks to a person’s health and well-being that should be addressed by professionals in order to treat the effects of alcohol abuse as well as the effects that depression can have on a person’s life.
Effects of Depression
Depression is a mental health condition that can wreak havoc on a person’s lifestyle. It often leads to isolation, lack of motivation, feelings of worthlessness, and changes in appetite. While it is classified as a mental health condition, it can also lead to impacts on physical health in individuals who are struggling. Depression is a life-changing condition that can be treated and managed with proper care. Without proper care, depression can lead to weight gain or loss, insomnia, memory problems, constricted blood vessels, fatigue, and a weakened immune system. The symptoms of depression are treatable, and seeking proper care is crucial to managing symptoms and avoiding major impacts on health and overall wellness.
Effects of Alcohol Abuse
Alcohol is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant. The CNS is a crucial system responsible for many functions within the body. These functions include motor movement, cognitive function, and breathing. When the CNS is depressed, it can lead to slurred speech, slowed motor function, slowed cognitive function and response, and slowed breathing. Alcohol abuse is a range of practices surrounding alcohol consumption that include binge drinking and alcohol dependence. Alcohol abuse is dangerous and leads to potentially life-threatening results. It can affect a person’s ability to function on a daily basis without using alcohol, lead to loss of job, broken relationships, and impact to health and wellness.
When someone is struggling with depression and alcohol abuse it can be an extremely difficult situation to endure. Often, those struggling with depression turn to alcohol as a means of coping with the feelings and symptoms that arise. It can seem as if alcohol makes them feel better. However, this is a false narrative. As a CNS depressant, alcohol leads to worsening depression and anxiety. Someone who struggles with depression and turns to alcohol as a means of coping can potentially also develop anxiety and other personality changes. Proper help is crucial to avoiding severe impacts to lifestyle and personality.
Signs of Alcohol Abuse
Alcohol abuse takes many forms. This varies from binge drinking, to continued drinking that can lead to dependence. Signs that could potentially be indicative of alcohol abuse can include:
- Drinking at inappropriate times
- Not being able to go a day without drinking
- Drinking despite negative consequences
- Drinking to avoid feelings
- Drinking in order to feel better
- Withdrawal symptoms
Someone who is struggling with depression and alcohol abuse could be experiencing worsening depression, loss of control over their drinking, symptoms of anxiety, and changes in personality that could be drastic. Getting the right help can be life-saving and help to alleviate the symptoms of depression as well as addressing the symptoms of alcohol abuse and addiction. There is help available, and it can make a huge difference in the lives of those that are struggling.
Symptoms of Alcohol Withdrawal
Alcohol withdrawal can be very dangerous. Those who are struggling with dependence to alcohol could potentially experience some extremely uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms that can lead to life threatening results. This is why it is highly recommended for those struggling with alcohol to seek professional help in order to begin healing and remove the substance from their system. Symptoms of alcohol withdrawal can include:
- Tremors
- Sweating
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Changes in blood pressure
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Changes in heart rate
- Headache
- Irritability
- Agitation
- Seizure
The symptoms of alcohol withdrawal are treatable. Professional care can help prevent severe impacts to health and well being. Having professional monitoring through the process of alcohol withdrawal can make a world of difference in its outcome. It is common for people who attempt to quit drinking using the “cold turkey” method to return to drinking in order to alleviate these symptoms. With professional care, not only can these symptoms be managed, but the symptoms of depression and alcohol abuse can both be professionally addressed and treated. Reaching out for help is simple, and The Healing Center can help.
Healing From Alcohol Addiction in Massachusetts
Alcohol abuse can be extremely dangerous. It can lead to a myriad of health concerns that could potentially be life-threatening. Alcohol abuse can result in changes to a person’s personality and overall well being. If you or a loved one are struggling with alcohol abuse, there is help available. At The Healing Center, we offer comprehensive and personalized care for those who are struggling with alcohol abuse to begin healing and find themselves again. Our team of professionals is standing by to help as you begin your journey to recovery. Call us today.
