Depression is a problematic condition with millions of people suffering from this illness every year in United States alone. Depression results in continuous feelings of sadness, despair and hopelessness among individuals along with feelings of guilt. Depression tends to affect the normal functioning of individuals and they may not find joy in activities that were pleasurable at one point of time. Alcohol and depression are very closely related and using alcohol can be one of the worst ways to deal with depression.

Depression in fact can be the direct effect of substance abuse and alcohol and depression are very closely related as consuming alcohol can increase the severity of the depressive symptoms. People suffering from depression may consume alcohol as it tends to produce pleasant feelings and make the individual feel relaxed. However alcohol cannot be used to lift moods as increased tolerance for alcohol results in people drinking more amounts of alcohol to get the positive effect.

Alcohol is noted to increase the depressive tendencies and so alcohol and depression are rather closely related. Alcohol tends to result in impaired judgment and impulsive behavior and also results in increasing aggressiveness. This is particularly worrying as research indicates that depression can result in suicide. So alcohol can contribute towards risky behavior and even suicide in some cases.

Those suffering from depression often tend to experience insomnia and can use alcohol so as to induce sleep. Using alcohol to reduce feelings of pain or to induce sleep can make alcohol and depression a dangerous combination. Research indicates that alcohol tends to lower the levels of serotonin as well as norepinephrine. It may temporarily reduce the stress hormone effects but in the long run alcohol can make the depressed individual feel even worse as it depresses the nervous system and brain.

Alcohol and depression are also closely related because some of the systems responsible for causing anxiety, poor sleep and low mood also tend to be affected by alcohol. So alcohol can lead to depression. Stressful situations can result in alcohol problems as well as depression. Those taking alcohol observe that once the alcohol wears off the depression tends to become worse.

Alcohol and depression are related as alcohol or consumption of drugs can result in activation of gene that is responsible for causing depression along with other mental problems. Men tend to experience depression equally as women do. However more men are likely to use alcohol to gain relief as compared to women. It is advisable for those having a history of depression within the family to refrain from consuming alcohol. Likewise those seeking treatment for depression should stay away from alcohol and other forms of substance abuse.