Alcohol use can also affect how antidepressants work, which can affect depression treatment.
For some people, treating alcoholism will relieve depression.
This co-occurring disorder isnt uncommon, but it can be difficult to treat.
Verywell / Madelyn Goodnight
At a Glance
If youre battling depression, alcohol isnt going to make you feel better.
It may temporarily suppress feelings of isolation, anxiety, or sadness, but that wont last.
And more than likely, your depression will worsen.
Alcohol is a depressant.
Yet, many Americans drink alcohol, even if theyre depressed.
The more alcohol you drink, the more severe the symptoms.
According to Kennedy, for those taking antidepressants, combining them with alcohol can reduce their efficacy.
Yet, there are certain factors that can put you at a higher risk of experiencing these comorbid disorders.
In the United States alone, an estimated 17.3 million adults have had at least one major depressive episode.
Depressive symptoms can result from life stressors, mental health conditions, medical conditions, and other factors.
Depression can also be directly resulting from alcohol in the case of a substance-induced disorder.
Though depression is experienced by many, it can often go undiagnosed and untreated.
Reach out to a mental health professional to talk about treatment and strategies for dealing with depression.
“Alcohol makes us feel drunk and confused because alcohol makes the cells drunk and nonfunctional.”
Kennedy suggests that treatment options can vary depending on the severity of your condition.
You might see a therapist in an outpatient setting once a week.
Or you might attend an intensive inpatient group a few times each week.
Residential treatment is also an option.
A dual diagnosis can be complicated to treat, no matter the circumstances.
You may also consider joining a community-based group such asAlcoholics AnonymousorSelf-Management and Recovery Training (SMART) Recovery.
They can be helpful for many, so talk to your doctor about this option.
Naltrexone, Acamprosate, and disulfiram are also FDA-approved medications that can help curb alcohol cravings.
If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact theNational Suicide Prevention Lifelineat988for support and assistance from a trained counselor.
If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
2021 May 13:1-27. doi:10.1080/10550887.2021.1925617
Boden JM, Fergusson DM.Alcohol and depression.Addiction.
2011;106(5):906-914. doi:10.1111/j.1360-0443.2010.03351.x
McHugh RK, Weiss RD.Alcohol use disorder and depressive disorders.Alcohol Res.
2019;40(1).
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Excessive alcohol use.
National Institute of Mental Health.Major depression.
American Psychiatric Association (APA).Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.
5th ed, text revision.
Washington, D.C.; 2022.
Kelley KW, Dantzer R.Alcoholism and inflammation: Neuroimmunology of behavioral and mood disorders.Brain, Behavior, and Immunity.
2011;25:S13-S20.
2013;22(2):100-108.
Patel AK, Balasanova AA.Treatment of alcohol use disorder.JAMA.
2021;325(6):596.
