Alcoholism Treatment in Los Angeles

As a reliable Southern California Teen Drug and Alcohol Rehab Treatment Center, we seek to educate our clients regarding the relationship between alcoholism and depression. Does depression cause alcoholism? Can alcoholism trigger depression? According to a study conducted by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, 30-50% of individuals with alcoholism also suffer from depression. At Teen Drug Addiction, we believe that by learning more about these two conditions, treatment and prevention can be more effective. Please read on to learn more.

Does depression cause alcoholism?

According to research conducted by UCSF Gallo Scientists, drinking alcoholic beverages releases brain endorphins which makes alcohol addicting. Endorphins, also known as the happy chemical, are activated in the nucleus accumbens, and orbitofrontal cortex – the parts of the brain responsible for feelings of reward and pleasure. Therefore, the more a depressed person drinks, the more “happy” they get, and the more they forget their problems and concerns at least temporarily. Alcohol makes a depressed person a little less sad and depressed. However, the effects of alcohol are temporary that urge a depressed person to drink more and more, which can lead to alcoholism.

Can alcoholism trigger depression?

However, the American Psychological Association also states that alcoholism can worsen the symptoms of depression, and it can trigger it as well. Alcohol is a depressant and while it can trigger the release of endorphins, the “happy” effects that alcohol can bring are only temporary. Constant alcohol consumption can lead to a disruption in the balance of excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters. When this disruption occurs, it can result in mood disorders and depression. Furthermore, alcoholism can lead to impaired emotional processing, it can take a toll on personal relationships, and it can lead to financial problems – all of which can also lead to depression.

At Teen Drug Addiction, we want to provide our help to teenagers who are suffering from alcoholism and depression. In providing Teen Rehabilitation in Los Angeles, California, we want to help them get out of this vicious cycle. To learn more about how we can help, please call our Teen Treatment Center in Los Angeles at 888-294-0977 for more details.

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