Does Completely Giving Up Alcohol Help Depression?

[TeaLeaf]

I used to binge drink as a way to cope but drink way less these days. Anyway I have been wondering if even moderate drinking contributes to my depression. Of course the only way to really find out is to try however I am not so sure that 1-2 drinks a day/ a few times a week has a significant impact on depression.

I'm wondering if anyone has went from moderate drinking to no drinking and has seen a change in their level of depression?

 

[KwanYingirl]

I self medicated my anxiety with wine and beer for years. I am a grateful recovering alcoholic with 23 years of sobriety. The alcohol did work at bringing my anxiety down for awhile, but eventually I was just living waiting for the next drink. It increased my depression because I knew I was addicted but had no luck controlling it until I went to AA.

I've tried every antideppresive drug out there none worked. I have major depressive disorder.

 

[TeaLeaf]

Kwnyinggirl- Thank you for your reply and congrats on your 23 years sober!

 

[Deleted member 1860]

Since alcohol is a depressant, I can see how giving it up completely could improve your depression. I think that some may be able to drink in moderation and be ok, while others see a spike in depressive symptoms with just a few drinks. We are all different, so I think the only way you'll know is if you quit and stay sober for awhile. I am extremely sensitive to medications, and it carries through in that I'm extremely sensitive to alcohol, too. Good luck!

 

[SpikeBall]

I find my PTSD symptoms are much harder to manage/cope with/understand if I self medicate by drinking..at least sober I can understand that I shouldn't be lashing out and blah blah, but I have a harder time fighting flashbacks, impulsivity and inappropriate emotions, when I'm drunk or hungover. I need to be as strong as I can to fight it and stay in control. If you try to fight your depression at all, I imagine it's the same-harder not to give in to the symptoms, easier to slip into it. But everyone is different.
You might be surprised by how good you feel if you give it up completely and take up a healthier hobby instead.
I still indulge once in awhile, but I've taken up enough healthy hobbies I really enjoy that it is few and far between I even want to drink