I have long wondered, why people with depression, ADHD, anxiety disorders or OCDs tend to be more likely to have an alcohol addiction. I, for myself, have an anxiety disorder.

I can’t explain in detail why me or other people tend to have the problem with addiction, but one thing is for sure: Alcohol only gives you the illusion of relieving your disorders, because it basically depresses your feelings.

The problem is, it doesn’t only depress or numb your brain, it also has a direct connection to your hormone receptors. I don’t know exactly how dopamine, serotonin, cortisol and adrenaline work together here, but there is definitely a connection between dopamine release and the tweaking of your serotonin and cortisol, when alcohol (or other drugs) are consumed.

Effectively, you will accomodate your brain to drinking alcohol as disorder depressant, because the dopamine kick is imminent. Too bad it only lasts shortly, and soon enough the remorse and self doubts will set in, so you will need a quick and new dose of alcohol. And the more you rely on alcohol to depress your disorder, the more the body will yearn for the relief. The bottom line is that you will spiral down the line and end in addiction pretty quick. often quicker than you realize that alcohol will never be the solution to your disorder…

Until next time: Don’t lose the faith in yourself and take one step at a time.