My mother has been drinking since my dad died. Is she suffering from depression?
One risk of
untreated depression is the development of co-morbid substance abuse,
including alcohol abuse. Alcohol and drugs make people feel better
temporarily, but this effect is only temporary; as the high wears off,
despair can set in. After the death of a spouse or other close family
member, if excessive drinking develops, it is reasonable to presume that
a depression is present. Alcohol abuse can often be missed in older
women, particularly if it involves only consumption of wine or beer.
Alcohol abuse can cause depression itself - in such circumstances,
recovery from the substance abuse usually leads to resolution of the
depression. Often-times, depression precipitates the abuse of alcohol
and/or drugs and thus will need treatment to promote recovery from the
substance abuse.
