According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), a depressive disorder “interferes with daily life, normal functioning, and causes pain for both the person with the disorder and those who care about him or her.” Depression is a brain disorder and although research is still being conducted to determine the exact causes, the NIMH states “it likely results from a combination of genetic, biochemical, environmental, and psychological factors.” Alcohol is a well-known depressant drug, which means it relaxes the body and causes a person’s reaction time and mood to be altered through slowing down the central nervous system. Since alcohol has a direct impact on the brain, and it also alters a person’s biochemistry, the possibility that alcohol may trigger depression has been worth scientific study.

In New Zealand, a new study has been conducted to determine if alcohol may cause depression. Over 1,000 adults were monitored for alcohol abuse and depression at different ages – 17 to 18, 20 to 21 and 24 to 25. The results of the study were unable to conclusively link alcohol as a cause of depression, but rather indicated that alcohol may trigger a genetic marker that increases the risk of major depression.

“The underlying mechanisms that give rise to such an association are unclear; however, it has been proposed that this link may arise from genetic processes in which the use of alcohol acts to trigger genetic markers that increase the risk of major depression. In addition, further research suggests that alcohol’s depressant characteristics may lead to periods of depressed affect among those with alcohol abuse or dependence.”

Major Depressive Disorder is estimated to affect approximately 14.8 million people, or over 6% of the American population each year. Even though alcohol cannot conclusively be associated as a cause of depression, research shows that the two are connected. People who are suffering from or diagnosed with depression would be well-advised to discuss their alcohol consumption with their doctor to determine if drinking is right for them.

According to the American Holistic Health Association, the term “holistic” refers to treating the whole person – the body, mind and spirit – instead of focusing just on physical and psychological symptoms of the disease that traditional treatments emphasize. Some holistic treatment programs may use alternative medicines and techniques that are not scientifically proven to work.

However, not all holistic practices are unfavorable. In fact, many of them are positive and may yield results. For example, improving a person’s diet or participating in yoga may not be scientifically grounded practices that help teens recover from addiction – but these tactics may be just what the doctor ordered, so to speak. Activities and lifestyle changes that improve the young person’s mind and lift their spirits may help trigger their desire for recovery and a new life. This motivation is invaluable in the recovery process. While some holistic practices may not be grounded in science or medicine, the idea of helping a young addict through a rehab program that serves their complete individual needs shouldn’t be ignored by traditional treatment providers.

When choosing an alcohol or drug rehab, check to see if the establishment is recognized by industry experts, such as the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration or the National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers. High-quality care and treatment is key to a successful recovery.

Making the decision to enter into rehab is extremely difficult for any addict. Choosing to follow a path completely clean of alcohol or drugs is a fear-inducing prospect, amplified by the strong possibility that your attempts may result in failure. Many users are not so much afraid of coming down from drugs, but leading a fulfilled existence without them. Here are a few tips to help the newly sober embrace life after quitting:

 1. LEAN ON OTHERS If you’re worried that you won’t be able to make it by on your own without booze or pills — you’re right. You can’t make it on your own, with or without substances to take the edge off. But you will succeed if you reach out to others for support. 12-step programs like AA are successful because they encourage building a network of trusted friends; they act as a safety net in times of trouble and reinforce the positive effects of sober living.  Every person needs someone to turn to during both happy and dark moments. Maturity comes with acknowledging this basic human need and welcoming the help of others. 

2. ACCEPT RECOVERY AS AN ON-GOING PROCESS Once you leave rehab, or vow to never swallow Vicodin again, it doesn’t mean your relationship with drugs is over. Like real, personal relationships — especially the unhealthy kind — it’s not common to just quit on a friendship without maintaining some emotional connection to the experience. Returning to the substances, behaviors or relationships that have given you both extreme joy and pain can occur to even the most strong-willed of people. Overcoming the urge to stop using is a challenge that takes a sustained effort to maintain, so don’t expect to let go of your dependence immediately. 

3. FOUCS ON THE PRESENT What are you doing right now that is supporting a healthy and sober lifestyle? Is your “self-talk” encouraging or destructive? When you focus on the here and now and make healthy choices that are reflected in your current situation, you are more likely to choose positive paths down the road. In contrast, if you allow yourself to falter — like having just one beer on holidays — you are more likely to justify using in later scenarios — entering a chugging contest because all your friends are doing it on New Year’s Eve. Identifying triggers for substance cravings prior to their occurrence can prevent the pressure to use from becoming overwhelming.

Relapse is not only possible, it’s likely. But that shouldn’t dissuade you from trying to conquer your addiction. Remembering the realities of your disease and trying to incorporate the above methods can help ease the transition from life as a drug abuser to sobriety. Recovery is a journey; it can be a new and exciting time of self-discovery if you let it.

“At addiction centers, longer treatment programs are proving key to ending the relapse-rehab cycle” was the headline for a recent Los Angeles Times news article. Relapse is often the bane of rehabilitation. We often hear about celebrities or witness people in our own communities who are released from 30 day rehab programs only to return several months later. While it’s true that relapse is quite often part of the recovery process, studies are showing that the risk of relapsing occurs less often in people who have received long-term treatment.

The article cites two distinct studies conducted by the National Institute on Drug Abuse and one UCLA study focusing on teens. In all of these studies, the research shows relapse rates are higher for people who received short-term treatment. It’s reported that people who received treatment for 90 days or longer were less likely to revert to their previous abusive habits. Some other interesting points:

-  “Treatment programs of 28 or 30 days are still common. But this template was never based on medical evidence, says Dr. David Lewis”

- “Brain scans of recovering addicts support the idea that changes are still taking place three months or more after treatment. Chronic drug use damages the brain, such as reducing the number of dopamine receptors, chemical pathways that allow for normal brain functioning. Changes in the brain during recovery correlate to clearer thinking and more honesty on the part of the patient” – Dr. Harry Haroutunian.

The issue of jail was also brought up. After release from imprisonment many addicts return to drugs and/or alcohol. This supports the idea that it isn’t just abstinence that helps people recover. To successfully change a person’s lifestyle, they need time to “learn to handle stress, develop ways to cope with environmental cues that could trigger drug use and improve relationships that are needed to sustain recovery.”

It might seem like a double standard – parents telling their kids not to drink, but the teens know their parents enjoy a few drinks over dinner, at the game, or at parties. It is very easy for teenagers to feel like their parents are just treating them like “children” when they council them not to drink. Others say the drinking age was established because young adults are not responsible enough and that they lack the maturity to monitor their alcohol consumption.

However, a recent article in the U.S. News and World report suggests there is much more to it than all of that. New research shows that people, who have their first drink as a young adult – prior to age 18, increase their risk of becoming alcoholics.

"The key finding of this study was that people who started drinking before age 15, and to a lesser extent those who started drinking at ages 15 to 17, were more likely to become alcohol-dependent as adults than people who waited until 18 or older to start drinking," corresponding study author Deborah A. Dawson, a staff scientist at the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism said in a news release from the institute.

Underage drinking isn’t something to take lightly. It can be the first step to a lifetime of alcohol abuse.

All the time, young adults hear about the troubles their favorite singers got into for underage drinking or the car accidents from the actors/actresses who decided to drive drunk. Athletes, superstars, and role models everywhere are making poor life choices, giving teens and young adults the idea that it’s okay to drink alcohol or abuse drugs.

But not all celebrities have problems with alcoholism. In fact, there are more people in the public eye who don’t drink alcohol than you might think. Some used to be alcoholics and they gave up the drink to stay sober and clean up their lives. Samuel L. Jackson, David Bowie, and recently Gary Oldman learned to abstain from alcohol to get rid of its damaging effects.

Some people just don’t do alcohol, period. Take Bruce Lee for example. He didn’t drink or do drugs, because he believed in keeping his body clean – and his body was unbelievably healthy during his lifetime. CNN reported that legendary comedian Jay Leno “drinks no alcohol and says he’s never smoked a cigarette or a joint.” Wikipedia has a whole list of famous people who have decided not to drink alcohol, complete with sources for verification. It’s a positive resource, especially if you’re looking for some support or starting to think staying clean is impossible.

Everyone can make good life decisions or poor life choices – even celebrities.

All the time, young adults hear about the troubles their favorite singers got into for underage drinking or the car accidents from the actors/actresses who decided to drive drunk. Athletes, superstars, and role models everywhere are making poor life choices, giving teens and young adults the idea that it’s okay to drink alcohol or abuse drugs.

But not all celebrities have problems with alcoholism. In fact, there are more people in the public eye who don’t drink alcohol than you might think. Some used to be alcoholics and they gave up the drink to stay sober and clean up their lives. Samuel L. Jackson, David Bowie, and recently Gary Oldman learned to abstain from alcohol to get rid of its damaging effects.

Some people just don’t do alcohol, period. Take Bruce Lee for example. He didn’t drink or do drugs, because he believed in keeping his body clean – and his body was unbelievably healthy during his lifetime. CNN reported that legendary comedian Jay Leno “drinks no alcohol and says he’s never smoked a cigarette or a joint.” Wikipedia has a whole list of famous people who have decided not to drink alcohol, complete with sources for verification. It’s a positive resource, especially if you’re looking for some support or starting to think staying clean is impossible.

Everyone can make good life decisions or poor life choices – even celebrities.

There are several signals or hints that someone you love is drinking too much and needs treatment. A few of those signs are when the person exhibits gross drinking behavior. That means the person drinks more often and the quantity of the alcohol is considerably higher than non-alcoholics. Another sign is when the person has a blackout or extended period of time that she can’t remember what happened. Gulping or sneaking drinks is one way that alcoholics maintain the state of drunkenness. They will swallow a whole drink in one mouthful or take drinks when they think no one is looking. Finally, a chronic hangover is another sign that drinking alcohol has gone from abuse to addiction.

Overall, these are just a few of the signs that alcoholics show that can signal that they need help. Once these signals are noticed, it is imperative that the alcoholic go to long-tern alcohol treatment. Alcoholism cannot be cured but there are things that can make living a sober life possible.

Gatehouse Academy is an extended care treatment center for young men and women in need of long term drug rehab or alcohol rehab. We offer the opportunity for young adults from the ages of 17-25 to learn life skills, continue formalized education, enhance physical well-being, and recover from the detrimental effects of chemical dependency.

If you have any questions please contact us.