Earth Clinic Mobile: Home Remedies for People and Pets

Home > Ailments > Depression > Depression Q&A > Many years struggling with depression and alcohol binges

Many years struggling with depression and alcohol binges

Posted By Bob (Memphis, Tn) on 08/20/2009

I read this site daily and have not seen my exact condition posted. I would like to see if anyone recognizes my problem and if they possibly have any natural solutions I might try.

I have a problem with depression. I have come to realize it started in about 1990 when I gave up smoking. Heavy smoker for 16 or years, about 2 packs a day. I don't ever remember having depression issues during the years I was a smoker or as a child. Anyway, I one day figured out that alcohol would kill the depression. Rather odd, because alcohol is supposed to cause depression when used in excess. I'm trying to not make this too long so the short of the short is I go on binges of drinking at 5pm until pass out time for months on end. After damaging my health in the form of nerve damage I will give it up. I don't have a problem giving it up, usually can last up to 3 months or so. Then, the depression kicks in and it gets so bad the only thing I can think about is killing the depression with alcohol. I remember one time I was working in the yard and the depression was with me the entire day. Around 5pm I gave in, drove to the store, bought some beer and stopped and killed one behind a vacant house before finishing the drive home. After a couple of more when I got home the depression was gone. But the beer is only when I started back after not drinking for 2 to 3 months. It doesn't take long til I am back at buying the vodka or wine to drink on a nightly basis. So, I am to the point of quitting again and would like to know if anyone out there has ever heard of such a story and perhaps have a natural cure that I might try. About a year or so ago I went to the Doctor with my problem and he gave me a popular drug that we see on TV and I really didn't like the way it may me feel. I also read quite a lot on the internet about the bad side effects it had as well as the side effects to get off of it. I was only on it for about 3 weeks and even in that short period of time it was difficult getting off of it.

I like this site, tried the ACV for underarm odor and it was stink city. I went back to using a deodrant soap and regular deodorant. I've been doing urine therapy for the past 6 months or so. The biggest benefit I can tell from it is it has greatly helped my allergies which I have suffered with my entire life. The urine therapy is one that I have not seen much of on this site. It was hard to get used to but after a while it came easy. For those interested google it to find out the benefits.

Thanks for any suggestions.

Replied by James (Seattle, Washington) on 08/22/2009

Bob;

The problem might be solved with chromium supplements. When you smoked you were also supplementing chromium. Chromium is in tobacco. Seems our food supply is short of chromium, except for brewers yeast.If you google "depression" "chromium" you get about 350,000 hits.

Another thing about chromium is it makes insulin and glucogon work more efficently. These two hormones effect weight. So a quick cut off of chromium after quiting smoking might account for the weight gain heavy smokers have.

I quit in January and gained 20 pounds before I started supplementing chromium.I hope this helps you.

Replied by Cherie (Nashua, Nh, Usa) on 08/21/2012

Chromium, great idea! I hope Bob looks into it and that it helps, it's such a great thing that more and more people are smart to think of a natural supplement over a damn pharmaceutical.

Back to Depression Q&A