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From personal experience as an alcoholic and not a medical professional, my answer to the question “do I drink because I’m depressed or depressed because I drink?” is; yes.

My depression from alcohol was the result of several things. Firstly, it was a reaction to the remorse and guilt I felt for the way I was living my life while addicted to alcohol. Even before I realized I was probably an alcoholic, I knew my drinking was something that was controlling my life. Even though I would tell myself I was having a good time and just enjoying the party life, deep inside I simply could not imagine a life without alcohol in it.

What I learned in recovery about alcohol depression is that since I began drinking at such an early age, I never really learned how to deal with my emotions in a healthy manner. Drinking was so often a part of my life that my emotions were numbed out most of the time. It makes sense now that I look back and most of my relationships which never really lasted that long.

As my alcoholism progressed, so did the depressive behavior and thoughts. Even though I managed to abstain from alcohol for several years at one point, I did not learn how to deal with my depression and emotions in a healthy manner and eventually drank again. Drinking just helped numb the uncomfortable feelings. Granted I had no idea that is what I was doing until several years into working a recovery program.

There are still times when I experience slight depression, but I know how to deal with it now and realize that it is only temporary. I have learned tools in recovery that helps me deal with such issues and I know I have help if I need it. I do know that no matter how depressed I may feel in recovery, it’s nothing compared to what I felt while drinking.

Alcoholism detox will be among the hardest matters an individual experiences; however, it represents a vital component in renewal and healing recovery from alcoholic abuse. There may be one fundamental drawback, and it is the nature of the detoxification process, also called “withdrawal.” The natural elimination of alcohol from the body can be dangerous. Once a person develops a compulsion to alcohol, biochemically, the substance damages the central nervous system and causes unmistakable suffering. In serious cases of withdrawal, detoxification from alcohol use produces an array of complex and dangerous physiologic symptoms including but not limited to palpitations, agitation, headaches, nausea, sweating, impatience, appetite loss, sleep disorder, hysteria, excessive restlessness, and seizures.

The control of harmful alcohol consumption should be implemented under the supervision of medical specialists. Anyone who wants to stop drinking should contact a professional organization in order to get alcohol detox. They can provide support to assist in determining the best practice to help individuals regain their lives from the shackles of addiction. Supported by the intensiveness of symptoms, it may be necessary for the individual to be admitted to a medical treatment center for evaluation and monitoring by medical professionals. Often doctors prescribe tranquilizer, anti-epileptic, and/or other medications to manage the symptoms associated with alcohol withdrawal. This method eases the pain and provides safe withdrawal with few physical and emotional ailments. The process of withdrawal can take anywhere from 1-2 weeks for completion, contingent on any unforeseen complications.

Unfortunately, rehabilitation from alcohol dependence will not prevent relapse.  What is really needed to do that is a more holistic alcohol treatment that includes information about how to live a sober life.  Preferably, recovery constitutes an ongoing process that can help expose the source of the habit. Habit-forming behavior can be controlled. The soundest way to break the cycle of addiction encompasses professional rehabilitation. Specialized rehabilitation assists individuals in overcoming their physical and emotional alcohol-dependent, impulsive behavior. A step-program combined with counseling can break the cycle of addiction.

If you are struggling with alcoholism or alcohol addiction then you should take action and quit drinking.  For anyone who is trapped in the cycle of addiction this can seem overwhelmingly difficult, and indeed, it is no easy task.  But there are some things you can do to make the transition into sobriety more manageable.

The first thing you can do when you try to stop drinking is to go to a treatment center.  There they can help you in several ways, the first of which is with a safe detox process.  Withdrawal from alcohol is dangerous if you are not supervised and your body is dependent on it.  Going to treatment is also helpful in simply removing you from temptations that exist out in the real world.  Alcohol is far to accessible for most people and being in treatment gives you some protection from instant relapse.

Of course you will get support and new knowledge in treatment as well, which is important for those who want to establish a life of sobriety.  Peers can be especially helpful in getting the support you need in order to stay sober.  Informative lectures and group therapy will also play a vital role for those who are trying to quit drinking.

If you are determined to stop drinking on your own, this is still possible, but it is much more difficult than if you ask for help.  Asking for help is critical because most alcoholics cannot stop on their own even when they make a genuine effort to do so.  When we ask for help in recovery, it is an empowering admission that allows us to correct our behavior and start living in a different manner.  Without this form of surrender, most people cannot really change their life on a deep level.  It takes this crushing surrender in order to change our life in such a profound way.