Exploring the Connection Between Binge Drinking and Depression in Florida

Data shows that nearly 20% of adults in Florida engage in binge drinking, but even more worrisome is the information on the connection between binge drinking and depression. Scientists have explored the relationship between binge drinking and depressive symptoms, and results imply a bi-directional link exists. It often emerges from self-medication and the neurological effects of alcohol. This two-way connection is making many people susceptible to dual diagnoses and related mental health issues. 

To understand how binge drinking and depressive symptoms are intertwined, we will share details on both of these phenomena. We will shed light on binge drinking problems in Florida specifically and provide insights on prevention and options for addressing these problems if they are part of your reality.

The Reality of Binge Drinking in Florida

Understanding how impactful the relationship between binge drinking and depression is starts with understanding the severity of binge drinking in Florida. CDC shared data on the US overall and states that one in six adults engages in binge drinking. Data on Florida specifically shows that 16–18% of its citizens binge drink, making it close to the US average but also ranking it 12th among all the states. Data on binge drinking also shows a slight increase in the past few years.

These numbers, however, are not too surprising when taking into consideration that Florida is known to be a spring break destination and a year-round vacation spot, both of which promote a drinking culture. Additionally, binge drinking is an omnipresent problem that comes with social pressure, especially among younger adults, who are the group most frequently engaging in this type of consumption.

Understanding Depression

The other side of the binge drinking and depression connection is clinical depression. It is not to be mixed with sadness, although having sad feelings is a part of the symptomatology of depression. Temporary sadness is, as the name suggests, only temporary, while depression is diagnosed if the overwhelming feeling of sadness is longer-lasting and surpasses two weeks. 

Causes and signs of clinical depression are an important topic everyone should be familiar with. In terms of the connection between binge drinking and depressive symptoms, the most relevant symptoms of clinical depression are persistent sadness, feelings of hopelessness, loss of interest in activities, changes in appetite and weight, sleeping problems, lack of energy, difficulties concentrating, and intrusive thoughts of self-harm and suicide.

The Bi-directional Link Between Binge Drinking and Depression

The link between alcohol and depression is complex and bi-directional. It becomes even more obvious in the case of binge drinking. The connection between binge drinking and depression also goes both ways, meaning binge drinking can be an unhealthy coping mechanism for dealing with depression as well as its cause. The intercorrelation is both medical and psychological. 

Many chose to address their feelings of sadness with alcohol. They see it as a way out, a way to feel something different. In short, alcohol helps. It causes relaxation and keeps intrusive thoughts out. Alcohol may also make you feel emotionally numb, which is a good alternative to feeling hopeless. Finally, alcohol can temporarily improve mood, directly addressing sadness. 

On the other hand, binge drinking might not be the answer but rather a cause of depression. Keeping in mind that alcohol is a depressant that impacts the central nervous system—more precisely, neurotransmitters related to mood—over time, it can lead to depressive symptoms. Longitudinal studies show that binge drinking can predict symptoms of depression. 

Florida’s Challenge: Binge Drinking and Mental Health

There is a steady trend of binge drinking in Florida. The binge drinking problem is especially pervasive among young adults aged 18–25. On average, 600.000 young adults in Florida only enjoyed binge drinking, creating a prevalence of over 30%. Data also shows that less than 60.000 people looked for substance abuse treatments, implying that many are not aware of the severity of the problem they are facing. 

Binge drinking can both affect and cause mental health issues. It is well known that alcohol can heighten depressive and anxiety symptoms. It’s especially dangerous for those being treated for their disorder, for instance, by taking antidepressants, as alcohol can increase the side effects of those medications. In situations where a mental health problem already exists, where drinking is a form of self-medicating, and the experience of binge drinking repeats, the odds of this type of alcohol consumption affecting mental health exponentially increase.

Although binge drinking does not necessarily lead to alcohol dependence, this possibility cannot be excluded. Keep in mind that binge drinking is often related to social events and is a result of peer pressure, so it can easily become intertwined with other substance abuse, like illicit drugs, leading to substance abuse disorders. Heavy alcohol consumption in short periods of time also impacts the chemicals of the central nervous system related to mood, opening up the possibility of developing mood disorders. In conclusion, the co-occurrence and bi-directional link between binge drinking and depression is impacting the prevalence of different mental health issues and, with that, public health issues as well.

How Binge Drinking Aggravates Depression

Many will lean into binge drinking as a form of self-medicating for depression symptoms. Although alcohol can alleviate some of them in the short term, its effect of that sort quickly disappears, and it begins having the opposite effect, meaning it aggravates depression. Here are a few ways binge drinking and depressive symptoms are negatively intertwined. 

• Feelings of sadness. Alcohol can help with feelings of sadness and hopelessness, as it numbs them down. However, after this initial effect, a person is likely to have intrusive thoughts and intensified negative feelings about life and oneself.
• Troubles sleeping. People with depression often struggle with insomnia and can start drinking with the idea of falling asleep with more ease. It is a common myth that alcohol helps with sleep issues. On the contrary, it prevents you from entering the deep sleep phase, preventing you from getting a good night’s sleep, and consequently aggravates symptoms such as lack of energy and difficulty concentrating. 
• Loss of interest. As alcohol initially brings relief from depressive symptoms but quickly wears off, people will likely repeat the consumption in order to repeat that sense of relief. With time, this can lead to alcohol dependence and additional loss of interest in things and activities, as alcohol and binge drinking become the main activity a person is interested in.

Addressing Binge Drinking and Depression in Florida

Those who enjoy binge drinking are at risk of developing depressive symptoms and vice-versa. Those who are depressed are at higher risk of self-medicating with alcohol. The risk of developing a dual-diagnosis state is high in both cases. Choosing an adequate depression treatment Florida can prevent the escalation of the issue, but if these two problems co-occur, receiving a dual-diagnosis treatment can be a solution for you. 

We Level Up Tamarac FL specializes in dual-diagnosis treatments and can help you address both depression and any alcohol abuse problem. We successfully treated many co-occurring states, like depression and ADHD. The key to our success lies in first-class facilities, professional medical and psychotherapy staff, and a strong client-centric approach, aiming to provide you with carefully tailored solutions that address your particular circumstances. 

We understand that making a decision about the mental health treatment Florida doctors suggest is not easy, and we invite you to consider your needs when making it. You will want a trusted partner to guide your recovery and ensure life satisfaction. 

Don’t Ignore the Signs, Ask for Help

The relationship between binge drinking and depression is a complex one, and it should not be ignored. Anyone struggling with either of these issues is at high risk of developing a comorbid state leading to a dual diagnosis. 

The bi-directional link between binge drinking and depressive symptoms is the exact reason these two problems should not be addressed separately. By addressing them together, you get to take care of the questions of causality, dysfunctional coping mechanisms, and relapses. Seeking professional help provided by dual-diagnosis centers, such as We Level Up Tamarac FL, is the way to go about it, as a licensed and experienced staff is able to provide adequate care, assistance, and empowerment needed for overcoming mental health problems. These issues should be addressed as soon as they occur so they don’t escalate. If you or your loved ones are struggling, we encourage you to seek help and minimize consequences by not wasting time.

Whether to look for more information, receive advice, or schedule a treatment, reach out to We Level Up Tamarac FL for immediate assistance and help.