Drinking alcohol and depression symptoms often go hand in hand. If you struggle with depression, you may find that it’s tempting to numb the seemingly never-ending symptoms with alcohol and/ or drugs. While this coping mechanism may work for a time, it’s not a good solution long-term. At Recovery Ranch TN, we’re here to help you understand the connection between alcohol and depression, and get you the help you need to get well. At our treatment facility, we’re qualified to treat clients who deal with both mental health and substance abuse issues.

Alcohol and Depression

To understand the cycle of alcohol use and depression, it’s key to understand how alcohol affects the brain. Alcohol is a depressant, but that does not mean that it causes depression. Rather, it means that it slows down the body’s natural processes. This means that thoughts, breathing, heart rate, and other processes do not happen as quickly as normal. For many people, alcohol initially also has a mild stimulant effect, which can make it easier to bond with others and socialize. While drinking, these effects can temporarily relieve the symptoms of depression. Alcohol can also cause the symptoms of depression to intensify, depending on your state of mind, the amount of alcohol consumed, the environment, and other factors. Regardless of what happens while drinking, alcohol withdrawal symptoms will set in after the effects of alcohol wear off. Alcohol withdrawal symptoms – including anxiety, shaking, rapid heart rate, insomnia, and upset stomach – can mimic the symptoms of depression. This can create intense cravings for more alcohol. It’s easy to see how alcohol and depression can create a downward spiral of mental health issues. While it’s not easy to ask for help if you’re struggling with depression and alcohol use, it’s key that you talk to a qualified professional about how to get your life back. But it can be very difficult – even impossible – to recover on your own. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness; it’s a sign of strength.

Treatment At Recovery Ranch TN

When you begin treatment at Recovery Ranch TN, you’ll work with your counselor to create a treatment plan that makes sense for you. Each of our clients gets an individual plan to address their needs. You’ll discuss your history of alcohol use and mental health with your counselor, along with any other issues relevant to your treatment. Because we understand it can be tough to open up to a stranger, your counselor will work with you to make you as comfortable as possible. Many of our clients find that they have success working with several therapeutic modalities, including:

12 Step Program
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Program
Equine Therapy Program
Family Therapy Program
Individual Therapy Program
Nutrition Therapy

As you progress through your treatment plan, you’ll meet with your counselor ensuring you’re making efficient progress. But if you and your counselor decide that you need to switch things up, it’s no problem to adjust your treatment plan. We’ll be with you every step of the way.

Ready to Break the Cycle? Call Us.

If you’re ready to stop the cycle of alcohol and depression, we’re here to help you get your life back. We know how hard it can be to take steps toward positive change, especially when you’re struggling with the symptoms of depression. By researching the connection between alcohol use and depression, you’re already taking steps toward changing your life. Pick up the phone and call Recovery Ranch TN at 888.483.7718. You’ll talk with a caring admissions counselor who will talk you through how our treatment programs can help you get your life back. Recovery is possible, and you don’t have to do it alone. We’re here to help you live the healthy, sober, happy life you deserve.

Alcohol and Depression: Breaking the Cycle