Some people drink alcohol to "grieve" after a breakup, job loss, or other stresses in life. Yes, because alcohol makes you sleepy, a few beers or wine can help you relax and be more comfortable.
Occasionally drinking a little is a little. But every time there's a problem, every time you drink a cocktail, it's a sign of alcohol abuse.
Heavy alcoholism and depression are quite closely related. The question is, does drinking lead to depression, or do depressed people tend to drink more?
Nearly one-third of people with major depression have alcohol problems. Usually depressed first. Studies have shown that children are more likely to drink alcohol, and even adolescents with severe depression are twice as likely to drink than those without depression.
Women are twice as likely to suffer from alcoholism if they have severe depression. Experts have shown that women are more likely to drink than men when they have a mental breakdown.
The more you drink, the worse it gets. People who are depressed and drink a lot will be more likely to get depressed, and are more likely to have suicidal thoughts. Drinking too much alcohol will make the effects of antidepressants less effective.
