Long periods of alcohol abuse and heavy drinking can harm a person’s health and well-being. With support, people can stop drinking and learn the skills to avoid relapse.
Quitting drinking can have unexpected consequences, including depression. People who struggle with depression during the recovery process must take steps to address it. This may mean participating in therapy, making lifestyle changes, or taking medication.
This article will explore how to handle depression in alcohol addiction recovery. You will learn:
- The symptoms of depression
- Why some people develop depression after quitting drinking
- Why depression in recovery can be dangerous
- What to do to manage depression in recovery
- Where to find treatment and support
If you or someone you love struggles with depression or needs recovery support, you are not alone. Reach out to the intake specialists at Agape Behavioral Health to explore our programs or to schedule an appointment.
What is Depression?
Many people think about depression as feeling “down” or sad. However, depression is more than just feeling sad. It is a mental health condition that can affect a person’s physical health, emotional well-being, and daily functioning.
The symptoms of depression can vary from person to person. People may experience symptoms that come and go or change over time.
Common symptoms of depression include:
- A feeling of hopelessness
- Emptiness
- Changes in eating or sleeping habits
- Thinking about death or dying
- Feeling sluggish or “slowed down”
- Fatigue
- Feelings of shame or guilt
- Persistent, ongoing sadness
- Hopelessness
- A loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed
- Trouble remembering things or maintaining focus
- Not feeling happy about anything
People with depression may develop self-harm or suicidal thoughts. It is critical to recognize the symptoms of depression and seek treatment right away.
What Causes Depression After Quitting Drinking?
Many people develop depression after they stop drinking. But why is this the case?
Depression is a complex mental health condition and it affects up to 20% of people with alcohol use disorder. It can be difficult or impossible to determine the roots of depression in some cases. However, mental health experts believe several factors may cause someone to develop depression after quitting drinking.
Here is a brief overview of some of the reasons people may develop depression in recovery.
Brain chemistry
Long periods of alcohol abuse can change the way your brain functions. It can alter how your brain makes a chemical called dopamine. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter involved in your brain’s pleasure and reward systems. People who stop drinking may develop depression symptoms as their brain returns to its natural state.
Life challenges
Drinking alcohol excessively can impair daily functioning. People with alcohol addiction may not be able to manage daily responsibilities. When they stop drinking, some people discover that they must address serious social, legal, and financial issues. This can be overwhelming or lead to hopelessness.
Relationship difficulties
Alcohol addiction can impact a person’s relationships. While some people believe their relationships will naturally heal when they stop drinking, this isn’t usually the case. Recognizing how they have hurt their loved ones can cause shame, guilt, and depression.
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Boredom
People may have a hard time adjusting to a slower pace of life in recovery. People can become isolated, bored, or depressed. People in recovery must find new activities and build new relationships.
Pre-existing depression
The effects of alcohol can mask depression or other mental health symptoms. When people stop long-term drinking, they may become aware of symptoms they had been covering up.
Post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS)
Some people develop a condition called post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS) when they stop drinking. This condition causes long-lasting withdrawal symptoms, including depression. People who develop PAWS must seek treatment to avoid relapse.
Treatment programs, support groups, and other forms of treatment can help people manage depression after quitting alcohol. People who seek treatment for alcohol dependence must be aware of the risk of depression in recovery. They must seek support in managing it as soon as they recognize the symptoms.
How to Cope With Depression After Stopping Drinking
There are many ways to manage depression during alcohol use disorder (AUD) recovery. Here are some of the steps people can take to cope with depression.
Therapy
Talk therapy is essential in helping people manage depression and anxiety disorders in recovery. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the most common types of talk therapy used to treat depression.
Medications
Some people may require medication to manage their depression. Symptoms typically respond well to antidepressants, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It is important to remember that people should also participate in therapy to learn new coping skills for a successful recovery.
Lifestyle changes
Lifestyle changes can make depression symptoms more manageable. Some helpful lifestyle changes include:
- Eating a nutritious diet
- Limiting caffeine
- Exercising regularly
- Using mindfulness, yoga, breathing exercises, and other holistic therapies to reduce stress
- Journaling
- Being socially active
Making these and other lifestyle changes may help to reduce depression symptoms. They may also increase a person’s overall health, making recovery more manageable.
Find Treatment Now
Coping with depression in recovery can be challenging, but you are not alone. You can find support, treatment, and helpful resources at Agape Behavioral Health. Contact our intake specialists to learn about our treatment programs for depression and alcohol abuse or to schedule an intake appointment.
References:
- American Psychiatric Association (APA): What Is Depression?
- National Institute of Health (NIH): Alcohol Use Disorder and Depressive Disorders
- Psychiatry Online: Alcohol and the Etiology of Depression
- National Institute of Mental Health: Depression
