There is a relationship between alcohol and depression. using alcohol may start off seeming pretty innocent. It can make people feel good and likable because you become the social butterfly at the party.
In order for us to feel good, the brain produces a neurotransmitter called dopamine. Dopamine travels into the synapse area where some of it lands in receptor sites where it is then carried on through the body.
Dopamine enters into a pathway called the "pleasure pathway". Drugs that mimic dopamine and enter the pleasure pathway motivate the drug user to repeat the pleasurable experience. This process can lead to wanting the drug again. However, long-term alcohol and drug consumption can cripple the brain by altering dopamine levels and receptor sites.
For instance, when alcohol enters the body, there is an over activity of dopamine. The brain tries to adapt to this by not making the normal amount of dopamine it once did.
Once the drug user has “come down”, the individual will need to take the drug again in order to get the same effect of feeling good. This is dependency.
With continual usage, the brain continues to adapt to the new drug in its system. This creates life-altering changes in the brain, and the drug user becomes dependent. This is how alcohol cripples the brain over time. Alcohol also disrupts serotonin in the brain, which also contributes to anxiety, depression, and compulsive disorder.
Over time, the regions outside of the reward pathway are also affected. Regions that regulate judgment, learning, and memory become “hard-wired”. For example, drugs can alter the shape or density of neurons.
To recap, see the illustration below. The first set of neurons shows a normal process of dopamine being dumped into the synapse area and landing in receptor sites on the bottom neuron. The second set of neurons shows an influx of dopamine and alcohol in the synapse area. As the brain tries to correct the over activity, it produces fewer dopamine as shown in the third set of neurons.
Symptoms of alcohol dependency can include:
You cannot quit drinking
You want more to drink
You have tried to quit but have been unsuccessful
When you try to quit, you have symptom such as anxiety, sick to your stomach, or sweat.
Alcoholism is treatable. If you or someone you know needs help, look for treatment centers near you.
