Depression and Substances

DEPRESSION AND SUBSTANCES

Depression and drinking or using other substances

People with problems like depression may try using alcohol or other substances as a way to feel better. Some may not be aware that they are struggling with depression, and they only notice that they feel good after they have had a few drinks or have used substances.

Even though it feels like it might be drinking alcohol or using other substances can actually make depression worse. They only provide short-term relief, and their negative effects can cause more problems. You might be able to forget your troubles for a few hours, but you aren’t building any long-term skills or strategies to deal with the challenges of depression.

Some facts

• Alcohol lowers a person’s mood because it is actually a depressant.
• Alcohol and other substances only cover up symptoms for short time and in the long run they can make symptoms worse.
• The brain has the ability to achieve the same feelings of well-being that people get from drinking or using other substances.

What you can do

• Check out the Tips for Managing Low Mood and choose a few to try.
• If you do continue to drink or use other substances take a look at our Tips for Safer Alcohol Use and Tips for Reducing the Risk of Harm From Substance Use.
• For information on where to get support take a look at the Get Support section and at the Tips for Talking with Someone if you’re not sure where to start.