Depression is a significant and potentially problematic factor in recovery from alcohol and other substances abuse disorder. People frequently report significant depression in early weeks of recovery. Often this subsides, in most cases. There are those who will experience serious bouts of depression on into their recovery.
The symptoms of depression are broad and vary depending on the individual and his or her situation. They include a persistent sad, anxious or "empty" mood, feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, worthlessness, restlessness, irritability and feelings of guilt. This can be compounded by substance use or misuse. You may experience loss of interest or pleasure (referred to as anhedonia) in hobbies and activities that were once enjoyed, including sex. A decrease in energy or fatigue, difficulty concentrating, remembering details or making decisions may occur. The individual may also go to different extremes; overeating or under eating, drinking alcohol, or using other drugs, may experience insomnia or may also oversleep. Depressed individuals often experience physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment such as headaches, digestive disorders and chronic pain. In extreme cases, an individual may have suicide ideations and in worst case scenario have attempted suicide. A depressive episode is diagnosed if five or more of these symptoms last most of the day, nearly every day, for a period of 2 weeks or longer. Ask your GP.
Part of the problem with depression and alcohol use or abuse, is that the primary effect of the drug ethanol, found in alcohol, is a depressant. Although the effects at low doses appear to be stimulatory, the increase in mood and behaviour is the result of "disinhibition", the inhibition of normal inhibitions. In other words, behaviour that is normally suppressed by fear or anxiety is released by the inhibitory effects of ethanol. There is a pendulum effect that alcoholics know well, that of a high, to start, followed by a low that increases to become little or no high, and a very bleak and low mood involving very bad brain dehydration (hangovers), and a very bleak view of life. Alcohol users/abusers are known to medicate the low mood with cocaine, to stimulate the depressive state.
The other end of the scale is mania, the flip side to depression for someone with bipolar (or manic depressive disorder) can be characterized by the following symptoms: Feelings or illusions of grandeur, unusual irritability, decreased need for sleep, abnormally good mood, increased talking, racing thoughts, noticeably increased energy, and poor judgment are just a few possible side effects. We have heard of people medicating this mental illness with alcohol, to bring them down.
Excess cocaine use is known to produce depression as constant use empties the brain’s tank of Dopamine, the natural chemical that creates happiness. When none is left, individuals feel gloomy. Abstinence gives time for the internal chemicals to be replaced and balance can return naturally.
