Welcome to the Sober is Dope Podcast with your host, POP Buchanan. This episode talks about the connection between Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), alcoholism and drug addiction.

Seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, is a form of depression that affects some people at about the same time each year, usually beginning in the late fall or early winter and dissipating in the spring or summer. SAD is associated with biochemical brain changes that occur with decreased sunlight and changes to a person’s internal clock (also known as their circadian rhythm).

The Relationship between SAD and Substance Abuse

When the dark days come, and the symptoms of SAD present themselves, some people may self-medicate with substances. A lack of energy may cause some to turn to stimulants. Others may seek to numb the pain of depression with drugs like opioids or alcohol. Research has shown that some individuals with alcoholism misuse alcohol seasonally, so they may be self-medicating SAD.

Approximately 50% of all people who struggle with a mental health disorder will also experience a substance use disorder at some point.

Self-medicating with substances may lead to addiction. Additionally, the use of alcohol and drugs may worsen the symptoms of SAD, so while self-medicating may feel like it’s effective in the moment, it may worsen depressive symptoms overall and set the person on a path to a substance use disorder.

Per the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, about 20% of Americans with an anxiety or mood disorder, such as SAD, also struggle with a substance use disorder, and vice versa. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, approximately 50% of all people who struggle with a mental health disorder will also experience a substance use disorder at some point.

Resources-

American Addiction Center - SAD

https://americanaddictioncenters.org/treating-depression-substance-abuse/sad

PUB MED- Alcoholism and Seasonal

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14671737/