Facts About Depression

4. Substance Abuse

Excessive alcoholism and the abuse of substances are a significant cause of depression. There are links between the over-consumption of alcohol and drugs and the biochemical changes associated with depression. Alcohol and drugs used extensively decrease the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. Serotonin is often called the happy chemical because it regulates our sleep patterns, emotional responses, as well as manage the activity in immune pathways in the gut. In some cases, recovery and rehabilitation from abuse of addictive substances lead to the onset of depression in individuals. Cases of depression due to a lack of substance falls under the category of substance-induced mood disturbances.