For sure my friend, it hounded me in early days. I'd been drinking a long, long time and suffering the consequences so it would take a while to be restored to health and happiness. For me it wasn't until I had done the work of the 12 Steps that I was okay so my sponsor and I got down to business and I did them quick - thoroughly but quickly. I did them again at the 5 year mark but that was just a choice I made personally.

Hi Doc, no doubt you have depression because of the alcohol addiction/withdrawal, but you may also have clinical depression.

I think I read before that you are in the 90-day residential treatment program. That gives you some time to sort things out.

Alcohol and withdrawal really does cause bad depression, but honestly, I think I've always known the difference between depression caused from alcohol and just plain overwhelming, debilitating depression. Only after I started taking antidepressants was I able to think it's a "different" type of depression. For me it was, anyway.

Could you talk to a counselor there? Pretty sure you're required to go to AA. Have you got a sponsor or someone that really cares about you and your well being?

I hope you keep posting here in DS. It helps to at least vent and get the junk off your mind.

Just like I cant force myself to go to sleep, I cant force myself to not be depressed :)

I would say I'm a man in remission...have many good days strung together at the moment but it has taken time, patience and a willingness to reach out for help as well as determination to go into things I might not normally want to go in to.

Chicken and egg...alcohol caused and reinforced depression for me but I know what it's like to face the 'Black Dog' sober and so its not all linked.

Theres hope my friend, maybe you can come back and say that to someone else one day

P

They cannot diagnose comorbid depression until one has gone through the withdrawal. If you are still depressed after withdrawal it may need to be treated as a separate entity.

Yes, I have been dealing with depression since I was 13 yrs old. Unfortunately, it runs in my mom's rof the family.
True, alcohol makes you feel better for a while and then you have to deal with the aftermath of depression.

While in the facility, talk to someone about your concerns. I am sure that other folks have felt or are feeling the same w
May God keep you and bless you from this day forward.

Thanks for sharing.

Hi Doc, I believe addiction of alcohol causes depression and that cannot be left out so simply. But it can be cured with Rehab treatment program. I read above that you are in residential treatment program which helps you to come out from depression. Addiction of alcohol really causes very bad depression and it causes bad health effects. So, be motivated towards treatment program and overcome from your depression. It's sure to get better results.

Talk to a physician!! Part of your discharge planning may need to include treatment for clinical depression. Keep moving ahead and stay well!! We are all pulling for you!

I agree with lostnurse. Talk to your dr.
Alcohol caused me anxiety and some depression. When I sobered up, this lifted. One of the many miracles of sobriety.
However if you have clinical depression yup will need a dr. A talk to a good one!

Hi, jpf777777

I agree with lostnursetoo and stickywick. Find a mental health professional you like and stick with it as long as it takes. Personally, I am bi-polar. After 6 1/2 years without a drink/drug I ended up in a locked ward without drinking, thinking what just happened? Luckily, I had been seeing a counselor (no meds) from the start of my recovery, about every 3 months at the end of the 6 years to check in. So when I became a bit toasty (manic) fortunately I had the presence of mind to call her. Don't know if I would have reached out as quickly if I did not have a long term trusting relationship with that counselor. Alcoholism can do a number on your emotions, take out that insurance policy of a trained mental health professional, IMO. Sponsors can be hit or miss in this area.

How long do these periods of depression last?

Alcohol is a depressant so you are actually making things worse by drinking. It may be that you need to be medicated for depression. This will have no effect upon your sobriety. Anti-depressants do not give a high, they simply balance the chemicals in your brain. You need to be properly assessed and diagnosed. If the facility will not allow that, you may need to wait until you leave there but it is important to see a doctor as soon as you leave.

I work in the field of psychiatry and the psychiatrists would typically want someone to be free from alcohol for at least 3 weeks to see if they are still feeling depressed or not. If someone is, they will see a place for antidepressants and prescribe accordingly. The psychological work with a therapist or counsellor is equally, important though in the long run, but it is nearly impossible to focus on psychological work if you have a serious clinical depression. Hang in there, you're doing great :)

Hi. I also suffer from depression....have had it all my life. Yes, I tend to want to drink when I am miserable, or stressed out. Just like a drug it helps for a while and then u want more. Best thing is to not pick up that first drink.....of course, it is easier said then done for most folks.

good luck with ur treatment.

I haven't read anyone elses responses, but I did feel that way. I was never in a program, I tried but that is a story for a different day.

My 'trick' was because everyone thought I was so strong, they didn't drink like me and they didn't know the weakness. I tried to take someone with me when I went someplace, that way I forced myself to behave. Our town doesn't sell alcohol on Sunday. That was my shopping day.

We had just one car and I let my husband go take the car to work and I stranded myself at home. That didn't help the depression but it kept me sober.

i ran into a Walgreens then own last spring, the drive up line for prescriptions was too long. I told my mother, I will just run in and drop off and then dad can stop on his way home.

I walked into the store, glimpsed over at the liquor department. Thought nobody is in there. I could grab a pint and be out in no time. I drop the prescription off. I talked myself out of it on the way to the exit door. And right when I walked out the door, my mom walked around the corner of the liquor side and said oh, there you are I thought you must of passed me and were back at car. Blatantly obvious she was watching me, I felt good for telling me NO. holly

Egwene is spot on in post #11. I have nothing further to add...