Depression is depression, and alcohol is a depressant. So why would anyone want to increase their depression by using something that causes depression? The answer’s very simple—because for some, alcohol actually sort of works to combat a bad mood or negative emotions, if only very briefly. So if an element works to combat depression in some small way, it makes sense that an addict would reach for that substance over, and over again.

But depression can linger, and last for a long time. And alcohol can prolong that depression in various ways.

Here’s how:

1) You drink because you’re depressed, and you’re depressed because you drink. Self-medication is so common; you’re far from alone. Self-medicating refers to when you use alcohol or another substance to deal with the symptoms of depression you are experiencing.
2) You might not know you are depressed. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms over a period of time: discontent, hopelessness, disinterest or lack of pleasure in activities you once enjoyed, general apathy and sadness over a period of time, it’s a good idea to talk with a doctor about what you are experiencing.
3) You might be exacerbating your symptoms. Over time, if you continue to use enough, excessive amounts of alcohol on a regular basis can make your symptoms of depression even worse.

While it might seem impossible to recover when your two disorders are informing the other—the depression makes you want to drink, and the drinking makes you depressed—you don’t have to stay locked into this pattern. ‘Dual diagnosis’ is a huge element of treatment, and addiction professionals make it a point to address the very common issue of co-morbidity—when two disorders occur at the same time. Depression and alcohol abuse walks hand-in-hand, but it’s still possible to recover, even when you feel hopeless.