This article covers everything it’s crucial that you know about the connection between alcohol and depression.
Westend61 / Getty Images
Does Depression Drive You to Drink Alcohol?
Depressioncan lead some people to drink more alcohol.
Westend61 / Getty Images
One study of 421 people found that 25% had both alcohol misuse and depression.
Does Drinking Too Much Make You Depressed?
Likewise, excessive alcohol consumption can also contribute to depression.
This is due to a rush of the “feel-good” chemicaldopamine.
However, this response is short-lived.
This could have a carryover effect on depression since loneliness and lack of social support are linked to depression.
How Long Does Alcohol-Induced Depression Last?
Is It Genes or Lifestyle?
Emerging research has found that there is agenetic linkbetween AUD and depression.
On the other hand, both conditions also share certain risk factors, such as genetics and social isolation.
Having either depression or alcohol use disorder increases your risk of developing the other condition.
Talk to a healthcare provider about possible treatments.
2018;270:483-489. doi:10.1016/j.psychres.2018.10.013
National Institute of Mental Health.Substance use and co-occurring mental disorders.
McHugh RK, Weiss RD.Alcohol use disorder and depressive disorders.Alcohol Res.
2019;40(1):arcr.v40.1.01.
doi:10.35946%2Farcr.v40.1.01
Nunes EV.Alcohol and the etiology of depression.AJP.
2023;180(3):179-181. doi:10.1176/appi.ajp.20230004
Yale Medicine.How an addicted brain works.
2015;174:503-510. doi:10.1016/j.jad.2014.11.052
American Psychiatric Association.Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders.
2019;49(7):1218-1226. doi:10.1017/S0033291719000667
