can sobriety cause depression? An image of a woman looking out the window

The misuse of alcohol and other substances is linked with depression, anxiety and other mental health issues. But can sobriety cause depression?

Getting clean and sober from addiction or prolonged substance misuse can be a very challenging process. There may be withdrawal symptoms to deal with – both physical and psychological – and recovery can be mentally and emotionally taxing.

Sobriety-related depression can be an issue for some people, and it is important to acknowledge and address mental health issues as part of any recovery.

What is Sobriety-Related Depression?

The basic definition of sobriety is the condition of not having any effects from alcohol or mind-altering drugs. Most people are sober some of the time – even those with serious addiction and other substance misuse issues – but sobriety-related depression refers more specifically to the depression associated with the long-term quitting of drugs and alcohol.

Depressive symptoms may have already been present and possibly disguised by other aspects of drinking or drug use. In other cases, the challenges of sobering up, withdrawal and associated mental and physical changes may trigger or worsen depression and other mental health issues.

Some signs of sobriety-related depression could include the following symptoms showing or persisting after sobering up:

  • Tiredness and lack of energy
  • Lack of motivation
  • Disinterest in people and activities that used to be pleasurable
  • Feelings of sadness or hopelessness
  • Finding it hard to cope with everyday tasks
  • Feelings of restlessness
  • Crying or wanting to cry
  • Changes in appetite

Why Can Sobriety Lead to Depression?

The links between sobriety and depression can be very complex. There may be many factors contributing to depression during recovery, and it is relatively common. One study found that 40% of those in treatment for an alcohol use disorder and 60% of those with a drug use disorder also had an independent mood disorder.

In some cases, depression and other mental health issues may already exist alongside the addiction or substance misuse issue. More than 60% of adolescents in community-based substance use disorder treatment programmes, for example, also meet diagnostic criteria for a co-occurring mental illness.

In others, becoming sober can trigger or exacerbate depression. Long-term substance misuse can lead to changes in the brain as your system adjusts to the presence of the drug. When the substance is removed, there are neurotransmitters and other chemical imbalances that can have a range of effects – commonly known as withdrawal symptoms.

Other factors could be the general emotional strain of sobriety, particularly in the early stages. You may be seeing parts of your life with greater clarity, which could involve the harm you have done to yourself, loved ones and others around you while drinking or using drugs.

Recovery can also disrupt sleep patterns, which can have a knock-on impact on your mental health.

How Long Does Sobriety-Related Depression Last?

If you do experience depression after quitting alcohol, it could be relatively short-lived, but it often lasts for weeks or even months. There are a number of factors that can influence the duration of depression in sobriety, including the length of substance use, type of substance and individual mental health history.

While the duration of any depression can vary quite widely, you should seek professional help if symptoms persist. If symptoms, including depression, persist for 4-6 months or longer, it could be a sign of post-acute alcohol withdrawal syndrome (PAWS).

How Can You Manage Depression in Sobriety?

There are a number of ways you can manage depression during recovery, including looking after your physical and mental health and making some lifestyle changes.

Physical Health

Physical and mental health are connected in a number of ways, and improving one can be very beneficial for the other.

Eating healthily and staying hydrated is very important, as is getting regular exercise that is suitable for your overall fitness and any health conditions you may have. All this might also help to undo any damage caused by your drinking or drug use.

Healthy sleep is also very important for mental health and recovery. Good sleep hygiene and bedtime routines can help your body to get the sleep it needs to heal and recuperate.

Mental Health

Any comprehensive rehab or treatment programmes such as those provided at Step One Recovery will put a great store in therapy – and for good reason. Therapy is an essential tool in addressing the psychological aspects of addiction and underlying causes of substance misuse. Therapy and counselling can also be a valuable way to address ongoing issues during sobriety.

Techniques such as mindfulness and meditation can also be useful for managing stress and anxiety – which can contribute to depression and potentially lead to relapse during recovery.

Lifestyle Adjustments

Establishing a healthy daily routine can also help both in terms of improving your mental health and in relapse prevention. It is not always possible to avoid stressful situations, but you can work on minimising them. You can also work on identifying and avoiding triggers associated with your former substance misuse.

Is Professional Help Necessary?

It’s important to get the right support for mental health in sobriety, as well as during treatment. At Step 1 Recovery, we use comprehensive, evidence-based treatment programmes to treat both addiction and mental health issues, including depression and anxiety.

Often, it is necessary to treat both elements when they co-occur, a process known as dual diagnosis treatment. Rehab aftercare can provide vital support after treatment, but persistent depressive symptoms may still require professional treatment and attention.

How Can Support Systems Help?

Support groups and peer networks can provide vital support that is valuable in a number of ways. It can help to provide motivation and sharing experiences with others who understand the challenges of recovery can help in both relapse prevention and in managing depression.

Sobriety-related depression can be very challenging, but deciding to address your addiction or substance misuse is always a courageous and positive step forward. With the right support and treatment, you can move forward into a more positive life free from the grip of drugs or alcohol.

If you’re struggling with alcohol addiction or any of the issues mentioned in this article, contact us today to learn how we can help.