You aren't alone - substance abuse is very common among people who suffer from depression. A lot of people use alcohol or drugs) to make them feel better - but alcohol is a central nervous system depressant, and can actually trigger depression symptoms like lethargy, sadness, and hopelessness. It becomes a vicious cycle with substance abuse worsening depression, which worsens the substance abuse, and on and on...So please try to not open that bottle of whiskey when your nephew goes home. I know it's hard - I ate cakes and cupcakes, etc to make me feel better which made me obese - and depressed me further.

i self medicated with alchohol fof many years not uncommon for veterans took my saying she would not tolerate it for me to quit i know it is not easy keep trying you can do it loads of positive energy

I've self medicated on-and off with alcohol for years. At worst drinking 8 strong pints of beer and two bottles of wine three or four times a week. This is the third time in my life I've tried to stop drinking. I'd beg anyone to not let alcohol get its claws into them

I am a recovering alcoholic and drug user the key for me was treating the addictions and the mental illness at the same time.

I have recently stopped taking Codeine. Made me feel 'normal', how I wanted to feel. Stopped taking it but lately have hit the bottle too hard on occasions, which is depressing me further.