Alcohol Dependence and Depression

From our archives: Previous articles that have some relevance today

Original date: 09/2009

For years clinicians have noted the link between major depression and alcohol dependence. Quite often discussions center on the “chicken and egg” argument. That is, do people drink because they are depressed, or are they depressed as a consequence of their drinking? A study appearing in the August issue of Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research attempts to go beyond correlation and explain a causal relationship between mood and alcohol.

The report, although far from conclusive, does seem to shed some light on the subject. For example, samples indicate that the majority of those dealing with alcoholism have also had a history of depressive symptoms. Conversely, most of those suffering from depression have not had long periods of heavy drinking or a history of alcohol dependency symptoms.

Researchers also found, among other things, that there may be a gender component. For instance, depression followed by alcoholism is more prevalent in females, while the opposite is true of males.

Alcohol abuse and depression can cause many problems in the workplace. For more information on how to maintain an alcohol free workplace, contact Working Partners.