As a legal substance, alcohol is widely accepted in social settings and holds a significant place in our society. Consequently, many individuals may find themselves consuming it excessively. Unlike with illicit drugs like heroin or cocaine, there is less social stigma or alarm around people who drink casually or even regularly. However, because alcohol is so prevalent and readily available, it is easy for someone to develop a drinking problem. Without early intervention and proper treatment, alcohol abuse can quickly and dramatically take over someone’s life. To become sober safely and successfully, those struggling need to enroll in a professional treatment center.
Many are often aware of the physical and behavioral dangers of alcohol, such as liver damage or drunk driving. However, drinking can have significant impacts on your mental and emotional well-being as well. If you are struggling with alcohol abuse alongside a mental health condition, you are not alone, and it is pretty common. At Washburn House, we understand the connection between alcohol and mental illness, which is why we provide dual diagnosis treatment to help our patients heal and overcome both conditions. Call our team at 855.298.3104 or contact us online to learn how we can help you.
Understanding the Relationship Between Alcohol and Depression
It is not uncommon for people to enjoy a night out at the bar with friends or drink a glass of wine with dinner. There are plenty of individuals who can drink alcohol without it developing into a more significant issue. However, those living with alcohol use disorder are unable to control their drinking and are preoccupied with alcohol. When someone struggles with alcohol addiction, there are most likely underlying causes that lead to their poor drinking habits.
There is a strong connection between alcohol and depression. In some instances, a person may be living with an undiagnosed mental illness, which leads to a lot of emotional turmoil and challenging feelings. A person may resort to drinking alcohol to cope with the side effects of depression. In other instances, an individual’s poor drinking habits can deteriorate their mental health and lead to a mental health condition like depression. When someone is struggling with both an alcohol use disorder and a mental illness, it is called a dual diagnosis. The best way to achieve recovery is by treating both disorders simultaneously to address how they are connected.
The Dangers of Self-Medicating
When someone abuses substances, like alcohol, as a way to cope with poor mental health, it is called self-medicating. They are not seeking treatment from a professional but rather taking matters into their own hands to find temporary relief. Unfortunately, this is an ineffective and dangerous way to deal with poor mental health.
Some of the dangers of self-medicating include:
- Exacerbating a pre-existing mental illness
- Engaging in high-risk behavior
- Physical side effects like liver problems or stroke
- Becoming addicted or dependent on the substance
At Washburn House, we know that addiction is not the result of a moral failing or a lack of discipline. In our dual diagnosis treatment program, we work with patients to help them understand the root causes of their addiction struggles. Individuals learn to identify their triggers and develop healthy coping mechanisms to manage and maintain their mental health properly.
Start Your Treatment at Washburn House Today
You do not have to continue struggling with addiction and untreated mental illness. Our dedicated team of professionals is here to provide the care and support you or your loved one needs to heal physically, mentally, and emotionally. We will help patients through every step of their recovery journey to ensure they are ready to take on a new, healthier lifestyle. Call 855.298.3104 or contact our team online to enroll today.