Alcoholism is a chronic and progressive condition that requires long-term treatment to fully recover. While completing an alcohol rehab program is a huge accomplishment, it does not mean you have finished the work. You’ll have to continue improving your mental and behavioral health to fully reap the benefits of sobriety.

Unfortunately, it is all too common to experience depression after quitting alcohol. It can be a result of post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS), an underlying mental health condition, or simply the stress of making a huge life change. No matter what the reason is for your depression, you need to know how to cope with it healthily.

If you are experiencing depression after giving up alcohol, you should establish a daily routine, build a support network, use healthy coping mechanisms, attend regular therapy, and consider trying medication to lessen your symptoms of depression.

In this article, you will learn:

• Why depression is common in early sobriety from alcohol
• How to cope with depression after quitting drinking
• Why therapy and medication are great tools for battling depression

Why Are You Depressed After Giving Up Alcohol?

There are many reasons that you could be depressed after quitting alcohol.

First, you could be experiencing post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS).[1] After your initial withdrawal symptoms subside, psychological symptoms can persist. PAWS is known for causing depressive symptoms that can last several weeks to a few months.

Next, you could have a co-occurring mental health condition. Addiction and depression often go hand in hand. According to a study, 25% of people with major depressive disorder suffered from substance abuse.[2]

Lastly, it is possible that making such a huge change is causing you to feel a bit down. Quitting alcohol can also mean completely changing your lifestyle. Major life changes are a risk factor for developing depression.

It is important to remember that if you are experiencing depression, you should reach out for help. Seeking support from a healthcare professional will reduce the risk of severe symptoms like self-harm or suicidal thoughts.

Ways to Cope with Depression In Sobriety

Dealing with depression in sobriety can be difficult. You can no longer use alcohol to cope with feelings of sadness, emptiness, or despair. Instead, you’ll have to use healthy coping mechanisms to ensure that you remain sober.

The best ways to cope with depression in early recovery include:

Establish a Routine

Having a structured daily routine can help you stay busy instead of focusing on your depression. It can also alleviate symptoms like sleep disturbances by having a full day that allows you to feel tired at bedtime. You should have a morning routine, scheduled time for focusing on recovery, and include moments for self-care at the end of the day.

Build a Support Network

Having a support network can make it easier to cope with your depression. You can create connections with people in alcohol recovery support groups like 12-step programs. Once you have been in these support groups for some time, you will make connections with people who can offer guidance and advice that is useful for overcoming depression.

Use Healthy Coping Mechanisms

Dealing with alcohol use disorder and depression can be difficult. Now that you can’t use alcohol to mask the symptoms of your depression, you’ll need to incorporate healthy coping mechanisms into your daily life.

Examples of healthy coping strategies for depression include:

• Yoga and meditation
• Reaching out to friends and loved ones
• Art or music therapy
• Regular exercise and healthy eating
• Sticking to a sleep schedule
• Engaging in self-care like relaxing baths, reading, or watching a comfort show

Attend Therapy

If you are having a hard time coping with depression, you should consider using therapeutic interventions. Speaking with a therapist about your symptoms can help you get a better idea of how to cope daily. They can provide you with homework assignments and coping strategies that you might not think of on your own.

Try Medication

Lastly, medication might be the answer if your depression is becoming severe. If you find that the symptoms of your depression interfere with your daily life, medication might be necessary. Thankfully, antidepressants are non-habit forming, which means they will not trigger your substance use disorder.

Even further, sometimes medication is only necessary short-term. It can alleviate symptoms immediately until your therapy provides the changes you need to wean off of your meds.

Find Support for Early Sobriety from Alcoholism

Co-occurring disorders like depression can make early sobriety from alcoholism more difficult to cope with. If you have just completed a treatment program for alcohol misuse and are still experiencing depression, you might need a little extra support. Thankfully, sober living programs can offer the structure and support you need to stay on the right track.

Under the guided and compassionate care of New You Sober Living, our clients live together as a community and family. We promote community involvement and raise awareness about the disease of addiction. We strive to improve the quality of life for those in the early stages of recovery, leading to a brighter future and ultimately being a fully productive member of society while maintaining your sobriety for the long term.

Contact New You Sober Living today to learn more about how we can help you cope with depression in early sobriety from alcohol dependence.

References:

1. The National Library of Medicine (NLM): Management of Post-Acute Alcohol Withdrawal: A Mixed-Studies Scoping Review
2. Science Direct: Prevalence of comorbid substance use in major depressive disorder in community and clinical settings, 1990–2019: Systematic review and meta-analysis