Depression and alcohol abuse affects millions of people worldwide. While it cannot be said that one causes the other, the two are deeply interconnected. Estimates predict that nearly one-third of people who suffer from major depression also have an alcohol use disorder. In many cases, alcohol abuse is a symptom of depression, as individuals turn to drink to try to cope with or escape their emotional pain. Alcohol withdrawal can pose serious health risks. If you or a loved one suffers from an alcohol use disorder, the alcohol detox center at Harmony Hills can help. Depression and alcohol abuse do not have to control your life. Call us at 855.494.0357.
The Connection Between Alcohol and Mental Health
Alcohol is not only legal but its consumption is widely promoted in popular culture. Because of this, many, especially young people, do not view alcohol in the same way they do other drugs, even though it can be just as dangerous and even deadly.
Alcohol is a depressant and has significant impacts on the brain and the body, especially with heavy or prolonged use. Long-term and excessive alcohol use can significantly affect mental health issues because it impacts the areas of the brain that control our moods and thinking. Alcohol use reduces our inhibitions and influences decision-making. The following are common side effects of alcohol misuse:
- Increases levels of anxiety and depression
- Disrupts sleeping patterns
- Impacts memory and concentration
- Increases risk-taking behavior
- Heightens aggression
- Increases risks of self-harm and suicide
- Significant impacts on physical health
Frequent or heavy alcohol use intensifies these effects, especially mood regulation. While a drink or two might seem to alleviate stress and make you feel more relaxed, alcohol dramatically contributes to increasing depression. For individuals who suffer from depression and alcohol use disorder, it is critical to treat both simultaneously. Harmony Hills offer dual diagnosis treatment for alcohol addiction and depression. Call 855.494.0357 to learn more about our mental health treatment programs.
Find Help From a Depression Treatment Program
Depression is one of the most common and severe mental health disorders globally, affecting people of all ages. People often say they are “depressed” when they are experiencing temporary sadness that is a normal part of the highs and lows of daily life. Clinical depression is a pervasive sadness that does not go away and significantly impacts a person’s ability to function.
Left untreated, the symptoms of clinical depression will worsen over time. At Harmony Hills, we offer various mental health treatment programs and mental health treatment therapies to help clients overcome depression and co-occurring alcohol use disorder.
In our depression treatment program, we provide holistic and evidence-based therapies, including:
- Individual therapy
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- EMDR therapy
- Trauma therapy
- 12-step therapy
- Family therapy
When individuals suffering from depression become dependent upon alcohol or other substances to manage their emotional pain, they stop developing coping skills and problem-solving skills. Life becomes overwhelming, and function deteriorates while the affected individual becomes more and more stuck in a vicious cycle. Harmony Hills can help break this cycle for you or your loved one. Contact us today by calling 855.494.0357.
Contact Harmony Hills for Alcohol and Mental Health Treatment Programs
Coping with untreated depression can cause immense suffering and a progression of worsening symptoms. There is a strong connection between depression and alcohol abuse or addiction. At harmony Hills, we understand the importance of treating these conditions simultaneously for clients to achieve long-term recovery. We offer programs that provide many different levels of care, such as:
- Detox programs
- Partial hospitalization program (PHP)
- Intensive outpatient program (IOP)
- Residential treatment program
- Substance abuse treatment programs
- Aftercare planning
- Alumni program
To learn more about treatment for depression and co-occurring alcohol use disorder, contact Harmony Hills at 855.494.0357. We are available 24/7. The sooner you begin treatment, the sooner you will be able to break the cycle of depression and alcohol abuse and begin to heal.
