Hello jamienolan0327,

You are very welcome to the DS forum. Depression and alcoholism often go hand in hand but ultimately, drinking tends to make depression worse rather than helping with it.

Drinking does help to smooth away problems at the beginning but after a while, alcohol causes bigger problems rather than solving them. Many alcoholics find it helpful to go to meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous where they can get face to face support. AA also offers a programme of recovery that allows the alcoholic to address background issues and get to love themselves again.

You are definitely worth it and you can have a fantastic future but you will need to do some work to get there. Why not check out AA meetings in your area and go along to a few to see how you get on?

Hi jamienolan0327, I am new to this forum. I was looking for some help on the other side of the fence; living with someone who turns to alcohol when he is depressed, angry, sad, lonely...he is lost to me at the moment which is heartbreaking. You have already realized that there could be a problem and that you are turning to alcohol to help yourself feel better, but that it's only a temporary escape.

I've been to Al-Anon. It was scary to go that first time, but everyone was so accepting and understanding and I'm so glad I went. There comes a certain relief when you are with people who know what you're going through. I would try AA and see what you think!

Stick around here too, you'll find support from very kind and lovely people. You're definitely worth it! :)

I was in the same place not too long ago, I was convinced that i needed alcohol but when I finally did quit I realized the alcohol was the cause of most of my depression. It is possible to live without it and once you get clear headed things are much better. It was like a death sprial. Drink, hate myself, drink, hate, drink , hate. I found help in the rooms of aa. After 5 years I still pop in to get relief
1is2many

You need to tell your doctor if your depression medication is not working. That is very important! They always start you off at the lowest dose but most people end up having it increased to the next higher dose.

It sounds like you would rather self medicate with alcohol and use your "medication not working" as a crutch!

I blamed all kinds of things for my drinking, except myself. When I got my own medication straightened out, I had no more excuses to drink so I did something about it by going through detox, followed by an IOP, followed by group counseling, followed by AA meetings. I had to be willing to do everything it took to stay sober.

9 years later, I have a great life and I have never been happier! You are welcomed to join me!

God Bless

Taking drugs that control your thoughts or to relive them is very may become your new crutch. Start going tonmeetings and sharing your feelings with your sponsor. Sharing with another AA member is cost effective, it works, and it frees your thought process without drugs.

You are doing a wise thing in seeking advice on your situation. There is good news. You have a bright future ahead of you - but you will have to make some positive changes to make it happen. I have heard really good things about Celebrate Recovery groups. They should have a location near you. Check out one of their meetings. The program will allow you to replace destructive habits and thoughts with positive ones. Be sure to pray also. Prayer is so powerful in helping people overcome any problem. Prayers for a new life ahead of you!

Clinical depression is a very real condition and I empathize with your situation. However, as others here have suggested, alcohol will only provide temporary relief and eventually intensify your depression. You mention that working more hours has prevented your drinking so much lately and perhaps activity is a key in finding a more sustainable solution for your depression. I find working out and exercise along with volunteer activities key to keeping a positive mindset for myself, and this may help you as well. However, it's most important that you contact your doctor and inform him or her that the meds currently prescribed for your depression are not working as needed. Please consider this first along a change in your activity level, and letting go of alcohol as a feasible solution. Wishing you the best Jamie and please stay in touch with updates of your progress.

Antidepressants do a better job than alcohol.