Cocaine addiction rehab centres – depression and addiction go hand in hand.

Published 22/03/2009

A day doesn't seem to go by without a news report on the TV commenting on the UK's drinking habits. Alcohol is intrinsically linked to our country's DNA; whether reaching for a glass to celebrate or commiserate, to wind down or speed up. 

However, there is increasing research that links excessive drinking  to mental health issues as well as physical complaints.  In fact, more and more rehabilitation centres are now treating depression alongside alcohol and drug abuse. 

The DrinkAware Trust has this to say to those who find themselves reaching for the bottle when they feel anxious or low:  ‘Drinking alcohol is linked to both anxiety and depression.  A recent British survey found that people suffering from anxiety or depression were twice as likely to be heavy or problem drinkers.  Alcohol has also been linked to self-harm, suicide and psychosis.'

As is well documented, alcohol is a depressant, and those struggling with alcohol related problems will also, in the majority of cases, be battling some form of depression as well.  Sue Allchurch, director of Linwood Group, explains further: "People who regularly drink alcohol in order to cope with difficult situations or emotions find that this form of ‘self medication' eventually leads to even more extreme situations and emotions.  In fact, apart from affecting your mental health, consuming alcohol also affects your memory and brain function and can be linked to increased anxiety levels and panic attacks and in severe cases with paranoia and mental confusion.

"At Linwood, we are increasingly dealing with the treatment of depression as well as alcohol related abuses.  We have found that typically, depression associated with alcohol problems resolves itself when the alcohol dependency ceases; giving those struggling with alcohol dependency even more reason to seek help and support."

When is it time to sit up and take notice of your drinking habits and the damage they are doing to your mental health?  The Royal College of Psychiatrists lists the following as warning signs:

• you do not feel right without a drink, or need a drink to start the day
• you get very shaky, sweaty, and anxious/tense a few hours after your last drink
• you can drink a lot without becoming drunk
• you need to drink more and more to get the same effect
• you try to stop, but find you can't
• you carry on drinking even though you can see it is interfering with your work, family and relationships
• you get "memory blanks" where you can't remember what happened for a period of hours or days.

If you recognise any of these warning signs in yourself or a family member, it is probably time to seek help and advice from qualified experts.  Appropriate alcohol dependency help can help you address the difficulties that alcohol is causing to your mood and your life. 

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