Lots of addicts (alcohol, drug or gambling) think they have depression and that is why they drink or use. Lots of alcoholics and addicts tell their doctors they are stressed and depressed. Even if they know their moods are really because they drink too much or use drugs – and so get anti-depressants. Drink and many drugs are depressants.
It’s important to remember that for people suffering an addiction, depression is often more a symptom of their Addiction rather than the cause of it.
We also have a lot of shame and guilt around our behaviour when we are drinking or using. So it is no surprise that many alcoholics and drug addicts are genuinely depressed. Anti-depressants combined with alcohol and drugs often will not work. Anti-depressants can become addictive in themselves. Certainly it is not advisable to suddenly stop taking them as there can be physical withdrawal symptoms.
Find we aren’t depressed at all!
In recovery, we come off the chemical depressants (drink or drugs) and stop the depressing behaviours – lying, being argumentative, vindictive, nasty, destructive etc. Miraculously, many of us find we are not clinically depressed at all! Some of us then have to come off the antidepressants themselves. Go through a slightly uncomfortable period, especially if we have been taking these anti-depressants for many years.
We may be reluctant to let these ‘little helpers’ because we have been reliant for so long on something to change our feelings. Anti-depressants are our last little crutch. Some of us with a more addictive nature like to have pills to ‘pop’ be they pain killers, sleeping pills anti-depressants or whatever. If you are on anti-depressants, it is a good idea to try coming off them as only then will you know if you really need them. You should do this under the supervision of a doctor.
Pink Cloud
In early recovery we often go into a ‘pink cloud’ period during which we appreciate how much better life is than it was before. Eventually though we adjust to ‘normal’ living and begin to experience the more normal ups and downs of everyday living. It is all too easy to forget how bad life was and to start to feel a bit discontented now and again. We can even start to feel ‘depressed’.
If you work a 12 Step Programme you should feel generally positive about life. Nonetheless some of us will actually be clinically depressed despite this. From experience this might apply to around 10% of those who thought they had depression when they first gave up drinking or using. If this is the case for you, and you have tried not taking anti-depressants for some weeks and are still feeling depressed. There is no shame in taking medication.
Depression Treatment
Some people in recovery believe that anti-depressants are mind altering drugs and should not be taken. The sensible view is that this is not the case. Clinical depression is an illness like alcoholism or drug addiction. If you have tried life totally free of alcohol, drugs and anti-depressants. Are really depressed, then see your GP, get a prescription, and get on with your life.
If you have an addiction problem, please call 01462 851414 for free and confidential advice and help.
