Alcoholism is an addictive disease from which other disorders, such as depression, often derive. Depressive disorder is a mood syndrome that affects a person’s emotional, cognitive, motivational, and psychomotor state, influencing their relationship with their environment.
Unhealthy lifestyle habits, such as alcohol consumption, can be a factor that causes depression. Other times, alcohol abuse is the consequence of a depressive disorder that has evolved over time.
When depression precedes alcoholism, the individual seeks relief from depressive symptoms in alcohol. Alcohol is a relaxant and inhibitor that can allow the person to temporarily disconnect from negative sensations and thoughts, which, in depressed individuals, remain active all day. The problem is that alcohol is a potent depressant and, furthermore, it alters the functioning of antidepressant medications, meaning the depression can worsen rapidly.
On the other hand, when alcohol consumption is what causes depressive problems, there may not have been any mood issues prior to the abuse. However, it is the excessive consumption of alcohol that will produce increasing physical and psychological deterioration. This causes health problems, mental decline, personal neglect, and the reduction or abandonment of social relationships, all of which aggravate the depression.
It acts on nervous system receptors, which is why it is related to emotions. In small doses, it disinhibits and reduces anxiety, increasing heart and respiratory rates as in a state of excitement. With larger doses, it functions as a depressant, decreasing the level of consciousness, motor coordination, respiration, and heart rate.
Not only does it fail to combat depression, but after providing slight relief by altering the conscious state, its depressant properties actually aggravate it. This triggers an increase in feelings of guilt and imbalance. It also diminishes self-worth, as the individual sees themselves losing control and abandoning social, professional, and/or academic obligations.
There is always a way out
An alcohol addict cannot stop drinking drastically, as they will suffer from severe withdrawal syndrome, with symptoms such as tremors, sweating, tachycardia, and anxiety. Therefore, the first step is to turn to professionals and convince the individual, if necessary, of the need to seek this support.
At CC Adicciones, our goal is to return control of the patient’s life to them, providing all the necessary support and medical supervision to allow the patient to stop drinking.
During an initial visit, which is free of charge, the medical team will advise on the most appropriate type of detoxification treatment for each case.
