Heavy Alcohol Use and Depression Effects
Most of the studies in alcohol related cases are exclusively conducted with men rather than women, yet women suffer from heavy alcohol abuse as well. Determining the underlying causes of the mixture of alcohol and depression is very difficult at best. In most cases there is little cooperation from the person who is suffering from the risks of heavy alcohol usage. How does a family member approach someone without becoming alienated? Statistics show that thirty percent to fifty percent of individuals as known alcoholics also are afflicted with some form of depression. This is surely a very deadly combination and does cause much difficulty with other family members.
Children involved unfortunately see and sometimes become the victims in this devastating combination. Home life is kept a secret as children never wish to have their friends come over because they are always living in fear the secret might reach the outside. Girls will take over the daily activities of their mother by cleaning the house, washing dishes, and fixing dinner. Boys will take on the responsibilities of their father by mowing the lawn, making the necessary repairs around the house, and any other activity to keep the appearance that all is well in the home.
Signs of depression are everywhere and usually when an individual is this deeply involved there are also health issues to consider. Alcoholics drink because of the underlying problems they believe they are suffering and this is their way to alleviate the pain they refuse to accept as a part of their life. It is difficult to say what the pain is because in general the depressive disorder manifest internally and very rarely reaches the outer surface. The problem for the alcoholic is the initial problem that caused this type of weak behavior never goes away, it lingers and manifests outwardly in various forms.
Overcoming depression is difficult especially when the individual, as most do, insist there is no problem to begin. When there is a family history of alcohol and depression this only adds to the difficulties because the individual is now at a great risk margin. Many times, depending on how deep the clinical depression is, suicide might rear and become part of the picture. When a man is going through a divorce, fired from his place of employment, or coerced to relocate to keep a job, depression stress sets in. Although women have turned to alcoholism to rid themselves of facing their problems, this is more predominant with men.
Family members who try to talk with the individual must do so very delicately. The outcome is to find a way to help, not to alienate the individual even more. The depression symptoms will only become progressively worse with the added admonitions, so family members must treat this dilemma as a physical disease if their goal is to help. Depression symptoms are often readily treatable today with a variety of depression medications, but the first step is to get the individual to admit they have a problem and make an appointment with a medical physician.
Medical physicians, after a very careful physical of the individual will have the expertise to recommend a psychiatrist, psychologist, depression therapy, or the assistance of an alcohol rehabilitation center within the community for the individual to receive the help needed. Alcoholism in some patients may cause a relapse, especially when an alcohol depression is in the picture. Depression medication may also be mandatory because the symptoms of an alcohol relapse are greatest when an individual first ceases drinking the alcohol.
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