Alcohol addiction is a problem, which if not treated in time, can affect one’s life adversely. One of the main side effects of alcohol is depression, and this condition can be worse for individuals who are addicted to alcohol. One of the better ways to handle the problem is to enroll in drug treatment centers that help people with depression and alcohol addiction. One must follow the scheduled recovery plan that they suggest. However, before doing so, it is imperative that one understands the impact of alcohol addiction and its relationship with depression.

What are the signs of alcohol addiction in individuals?
Some common signs of alcohol addiction are:

• Drinking alone
• Drinking in secrecy
• Alcohol cravings throughout the day
• Loss of interest in family and social life
• Extreme mood swings when sober
• Drinking first thing in the morning
• Feelings of guilt
• Inability to control or stop at a limit while drinking
• Inability to let go of the habit even when firmly determined
• Experiencing alcohol withdrawal symptoms after becoming sober

How is alcohol related to depression?

• Alcohol can worsen the symptoms of depression.
• Alcohol lowers serotonin levels, which in turn, causes extreme mood swings and aggravates depression.
• Alcohol can disrupt normal sleep patterns and also alter thought processes, thus causing depression.
• Studies have revealed that alcohol tends to activate a gene in the body which can cause depression and other mental problems like manic-depressive behavior.
• Alcohol can reduce the levels of folic acid in the body, thereby triggering depression.

What are the benefits of joining a program or treatment center for alcohol addiction and depression?

• A stable and secure environment for recovery
• Certified counselors to guide and help victims of alcohol abuse
• Learning opportunities from professional treatment centers for alcohol addiction and depression
• Peer support in the form of people experiencing the same problem
• Daily routines to help patients recover from alcohol addiction faster and more efficiently.
• A range of treatment options to choose from, including one-on-one therapy, group therapy, support group therapy, alternative therapy, etc. according to personal requirements.
• Strict zero tolerance policy which ensures that all forms of drugs and alcoholic drinks are banned from the center, thus allowing patients to recover without any temptations.
• People who aren’t social can opt for the private treatment plan as it lets them get treatment without letting anyone know that they are facing alcohol addiction.
• Proper aftercare offered to ensure that the patient continues to recover and abstain from alcohol consumption after leaving the center, thus preventing relapses.

What are the withdrawal symptoms experienced while getting treated for alcohol addiction?
The symptoms may be mild or grave depending on the level of addiction. Some of these signs are:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Restlessness
• Mood swings
• Fever
• Hallucinations
• Disturbed sleep
• Insomnia
• Shakiness, usually in the hands
• Mood swings
• Unstable changes in heart rate and blood pressure
• Seizures (as part of a life-threatening condition called Delirium Tremens – DTs)

What are the different types of programs provided at alcohol and depression treatment centers?
Most of the programs fall under two categories:

• Inpatient treatment: In this program, the patient lives in the hospital or treatment center throughout the recovery process.
• Outpatient treatment: In this program, the patient visits the hospital or treatment center during the day but goes back to their home with family or relatives.

How should one go about choosing a proper treatment center for alcohol addiction and depression?

• Prepare a list of needs and requirements which outline whether you can opt for outpatient care or are better off with an inpatient treatment program.
• Check for licensed depression rehabilitation centers near your home. For instance, if you live in Phoenix, Arizona, you can run an internet search for treatment centers which have trained and certified staff.
• Check for reviews to find out the success rate of these centers.
• Check the cost of the programs and the types of insurance accepted by the centers.
• Ask for sample treatment plans and testimonials of previous patients.
• Ask for counseling and medical services offered as part of the treatment program. This information will be useful if the patient has an underlying medical condition.
• Check for an aftercare program.