Depression and HIV

October 2003     View PDF     En español
Reprinted from www.aidsmeds.com, US

What is the relationship between recreational drug use and depression?

Many recreational drugs can cause depression or anxiety; this includes alcohol or alcohol withdrawal, amphetamines, cocaine, ecstasy, crystal and ketamine (Special K). We lack adequate scientific data about the relationship between depression and recreational drug use, but do have significant understanding based on clinical experience.

Depression may lead you to seek relief in the use of alcohol or other recreational drugs. In turn, these drugs may cause or exacerbate depression. If you are taking antidepressants and extensively using recreational drugs, it will decrease your chances of getting better. You need to seek help in reducing drug use as well as getting direct treatment for the depression.

It is important to be honest with your psychiatrist about the extent of your recreational drug use. You have a need and right to report this without receiving a morally judgmental response.

The drug Ecstasy affects the serotonin system, the same neurotransmitters that are affected by antidepressants. There is growing reason to fear that Ecstasy may have very long-term effects that may ultimately bring on depression and anxiety problems. For some individuals, it may not take much Ecstasy use for this to occur.

“Crystal” (methamphetamine) is likely to lead to periods of depression and anxiety. In addition, its use may lead to the development of paranoid psychotic symptoms.

Both alcohol and marijuana, when used on a frequent basis for an extended period of time, tend to lead to depressive symptoms in some people. If you are depressed and are smoking pot or drinking alcohol regularly, you may be able to decrease your depression by abstaining from substance use for a period of time.