hi all, after recieving some information from my therapist about alcohol and depression, i thought i'd share some of it in case it can help anyone at MWO.
How does alcohol effect the brain?
al is like many other drug that act upon the brain, such as tranquilizers. if we drink it regularly, we find it has less effect on us. we need to drink more and more to get the effect we want. this is called tolerance and is a powerful part of becoming addicted to alcohol. alcohol can also lead to dementia, phsycosis, dependance, withdrawal even suicide.
we know there is a connection between depression and alcohol. self harm and suicide are much more common in people with alcohol problems. it can work in two ways. if we drink too much, we can become depressed, there is evidence that alcohol changes the chemistry of the brain itself which increases the risk of depression.
hangovers create a cycle of feeling ill, guilty, jittery and anxious. it causes family arguments, poor work memory loss and sexual problems. if we drink to relieve anxiety and depression, we will become more anxious and depressed.
depression and stopping drinking
there is evidence if heavy drinkers suffer depression, most will feel better within a few weeks of abstainig. it is usually best to deal with the alcohol first and then consider the depression if it has not lifted.
after a few weeks you will feel less depressed. friends and family may find you easier to get along with. if your feelings of depression lift, this will strongly suggest it was caused by your drinking.
if the depression os still with you four weeks after not drinking, talk to your gp about getting help. it may be useful to talk about your feelings, particularly if related to relationship problems, unemployment, death or some other significant loss. counselling may be helpful. if the depression still does not lift and is particularly severe, your gp may reccommend cognitive phsycotherapy or suggest anti depressants. in either case, you will need to abstain from alcohol for several months. treatment for both alcohol and depression can be very successful. it helps to see someone you trust regularly, either your gp, counsellor or specialist phsyciatrist. changing our habits and style of life is always a challenge and takes time to achieve.
places that can help
your gp
MWO
AA OR AL ANON
LOCAL ALCOHOL AGENCIES
Royal College of Psychiatrists
Depression Alliance UK | Help & Information About Depression Symptoms and Self Help Groups | Get Support For Depression
www.alcoholconcern.co.uk
How does alcohol effect the brain?
al is like many other drug that act upon the brain, such as tranquilizers. if we drink it regularly, we find it has less effect on us. we need to drink more and more to get the effect we want. this is called tolerance and is a powerful part of becoming addicted to alcohol. alcohol can also lead to dementia, phsycosis, dependance, withdrawal even suicide.
we know there is a connection between depression and alcohol. self harm and suicide are much more common in people with alcohol problems. it can work in two ways. if we drink too much, we can become depressed, there is evidence that alcohol changes the chemistry of the brain itself which increases the risk of depression.
hangovers create a cycle of feeling ill, guilty, jittery and anxious. it causes family arguments, poor work memory loss and sexual problems. if we drink to relieve anxiety and depression, we will become more anxious and depressed.
depression and stopping drinking
there is evidence if heavy drinkers suffer depression, most will feel better within a few weeks of abstainig. it is usually best to deal with the alcohol first and then consider the depression if it has not lifted.
after a few weeks you will feel less depressed. friends and family may find you easier to get along with. if your feelings of depression lift, this will strongly suggest it was caused by your drinking.
if the depression os still with you four weeks after not drinking, talk to your gp about getting help. it may be useful to talk about your feelings, particularly if related to relationship problems, unemployment, death or some other significant loss. counselling may be helpful. if the depression still does not lift and is particularly severe, your gp may reccommend cognitive phsycotherapy or suggest anti depressants. in either case, you will need to abstain from alcohol for several months. treatment for both alcohol and depression can be very successful. it helps to see someone you trust regularly, either your gp, counsellor or specialist phsyciatrist. changing our habits and style of life is always a challenge and takes time to achieve.
places that can help
your gp
MWO
AA OR AL ANON
LOCAL ALCOHOL AGENCIES
Royal College of Psychiatrists
Depression Alliance UK | Help & Information About Depression Symptoms and Self Help Groups | Get Support For Depression
www.alcoholconcern.co.uk
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