Guide On Postpartum Depression and Alcohol Addiction Treatment

Are postpartum depression and alcohol addiction common and fatal? Yes, up to 10 to 20% 1of new mothers are seen falling prey to clinical postpartum depression.

A cross-sectional study on postpartum depression and its correlates was conducted on 186 women from different parts of the world. The research shows that it increases the chances of depression up to 5 years ². And eventually, that depression leads to the use of alcohol. 

Start your healing journey with ChoicePoint’s dual diagnosis program, catered to addressing both addiction and mental health challenges. We accept many commercial insurance programs to make your journey easier. Connect with our online practitioners today. 

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What Is Postpartum Depression?

Postpartum depression ⁴ is a clinical mood disorder that arises after childbirth and can increase the chances of impairing a mother’s ability to care for herself and her child. 

While the “baby blues” are common and usually temporary, PPD lasts for weeks or months, often requiring medical intervention. 

So the question here is, can postpartum depression lead to alcohol addiction? Yes, it does, and becomes a silent crisis. The period following childbirth can be as emotionally fragile as it is physically demanding. While society celebrates the joy of new motherhood, many women find themselves grappling with dark thoughts, isolation, and overwhelming pressure. 

There are several contributing factors in this, and top mom influencers share tips on how to recover from this baffling addiction. For some, the emotional weight becomes so heavy that they turn to alcohol or substances as a coping mechanism.

The reality is sobering. According to Reproductive Health, approximately 1 to 8 women in the U.S 5 experience symptoms of postpartum depression (PPD). Among these, a growing number also struggle with alcohol or substance use disorders, compounding the danger and making treatment more complex. 

5 Key Characteristics of Postpartum Depression

1. Persistent sadness or emptiness
2. Difficulty bonding with the baby
3. Overwhelming fatigue or insomnia
4. Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
5. Feelings of hopelessness, shame, or guilt  

Who Is at Risk for PPD and Alcohol Addiction?

It cannot be generalized that all mothers are equally vulnerable or prone to PPD or substance abuse. The risk increases due to genetic predisposition, life circumstances, and medical history.

High-risk Groups Include

• Women with a history of depression, anxiety, or trauma 
• Those who experienced addiction or substance abuse before or during pregnancy
• Mothers with limited support systems who generally feel isolated
• Individuals facing financial stress, domestic conflict, or any insecurity
• Women with unplanned pregnancies or difficult labor and delivery

A study published in the Archives of Women’s Mental Health highlights that mothers with previous substance use disorders have a 45% greater chance of developing postpartum depression than the general population. 

Free Addiction Assessment

Please note this assessment is an initial self-screening, and it is not meant to be a medical assessment or clinical diagnosis of addiction. For proper diagnosis and treatment, schedule an appointment with ChoicePoint.

2 Top Reasons How PPD Leads to Addiction?

When untreated, postpartum depression often becomes a gateway to substance misuse. The overwhelming emotional pain combined with a lack of coping resources can push women toward alcohol or drugs as a form of self-medication.

1. Underlying Psychological Mechanisms

1. PPD disrupts dopamine and serotonin levels, the brain’s neurotransmitters associated with feelings of well-being.
2. Alcohol temporarily boosts GABA, a neurotransmitter that promotes calmness, giving short-term relief.
3. Over time, this relief turns into dependence, as the brain’s natural regulation falters. 

2. Social Reinforcements

1. Drinking is often normalized in culture as “mommy wine time.”
2. New mothers may feel too ashamed to talk about their emotions or seek therapy, leading them to internalize pain.
3. The binge use of alcohol and excessive drinking has become the bandwagon, making it quite hard to resist

Early Warning Signs of Postpartum Depression

Why Do Women with PPD Turn to Alcohol or Drugs?

This behavior is not only related to the concept of “partying” or recreational use, but also becomes more about survival. For many women, alcohol becomes a medium of numbing their feelings of inadequacy, loneliness, or fear. 

4 Most Common Triggers

1. Emotional Overload: Feelings of failure or incompetence 
2. Social Withdrawal: Absence of community or partner support
3. Exhaustion: Extreme sleep deprivation that impairs emotional regulation
4. Cultural Pressure: Societal expectations to recover quickly and “have it all together

Recovery is Possible From Alcohol Addiction and Postpartum Depression 

At ChoicePoint, specialized consultants are providing personalized consultancy for mental health treatment and postpartum depression. They believe in treating with empathetic care while deploying scientific strategies. Our treatments are available in the following settings:

1. Discuss Dual Diagnosis Treatment 

In our dual diagnosis treatment, we address co-occurring mental health disorders and substance use together, ensuring both conditions are treated simultaneously. This integrated approach prevents relapse and supports sustained recovery.

2. Mental Health and Addiction 

Mental health struggles and addiction often go hand in hand. At ChoicePoint, we recognize how these issues interact and affect one another. Our programs are designed to treat completely. 

3. Alcohol Detox and Addiction Treatment

We offer medically supervised detox to help patients safely manage withdrawal symptoms. Following detox, a structured addiction treatment plan helps get alcohol out of your system. 

4. Therapy and Psychiatric Care

Our licensed therapists and psychiatric professionals deliver personalized therapy and medication management. We offer talk therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and psychiatric behavioral evaluations, too. 

ChoicePoint tends to treat all kinds of patients and emphasizes providing quality treatment. Patients who struggle with postpartum depression and severe alcohol addiction fall into the category of inpatient treatment. Whereas, patients with mild addiction can opt for outpatient addiction treatment plans.

Free Addiction Assessment

Please note this assessment is an initial self-screening, and it is not meant to be a medical assessment or clinical diagnosis of addiction. For proper diagnosis and treatment, schedule an appointment with ChoicePoint.

Expert-Recommended Preventive Strategies

To prevent it beforehand, it needs to be taken care of before childbirth. A proactive support system and education can reduce the risk and severe outcomes. 

5 Major Proactive Steps

1. Prenatal mental health screenings
2. Access to lactation consultants, doulas, or postpartum coaches
3. Encouragement of partner involvement from early stages
4. Community support matters the most
5. Nutritious foods to boost your mental health

Final Thoughts

Postpartum depression is a complex and deeply personal condition that affects far more than mood. It can reshape a woman’s sense of self, her relationship, and her ability to cope. When combined with substance use, particularly alcohol, the consequences can become even more severe. It creates a dangerous cycle that is difficult to break without support. 

With the right consultation, compassionate treatment, and care, the chances of recovery are higher than expected. The right and effective medical intervention, therapy, and community support are a must.

CALL NOW FOR FREE SCREENING

Top Queries of Mothers Fighting With Depression and Alcohol Abuse

NO.1. Is it common to feel depressed after childbirth?

Yes, many women feel emotional ups and downs due to hormone shifts. If symptoms last more than two weeks, it may be PPD and requires professional help.

NO. 2. Can alcohol worsen depression?

Absolutely. Alcohol is a depressant. While it may provide temporal relief and ecstasy, it ultimately leads to disastrous depressive symptoms.

NO. 3. What’s the best first step if I have PPD and am drinking too much?

Speak with ChoicePoint’s consultants to get professional help immediately. They can refer you to mental health professionals experienced in maternal care.

NO. 4. Can I get treatment without losing my baby?

Yes. Our treatment program is designed to support maternal bonding and family preservation while helping mothers recover.

References

1. Langdon, K., & Carberg, J. (2024, April 2). Postpartum Depression Statistics | Research and Data On PPD (2024). PostpartumDepression.org. Retrieved May 29, 2025, from
   https://www.postpartumdepression.org/resources/statistics/
2. Zakeri, M.A., Khoram, S., Bazmandegan, G. et al. Postpartum depression and its correlates: a cross-sectional study in southeast Iran. BMC Women’s Health 22, 387 (2022).
   https://doi.org/10.1186/s12905-022-01978-6
3. Laborde, N. D., & Mair, C. (2012). Alcohol use patterns among postpartum women. Maternal and child health journal, 16(9), 1810–1819.
   https://doi.org/10.1007/s10995-011-0925-3
4. Carlson K, Mughal S, Azhar Y, et al. Perinatal Depression. [Updated 2025 Jan 22]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from:
   https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519070/
5. Symptoms of Depression Among Women | Reproductive Health. (2024, May 15). CDC. Retrieved May 29, 2025, from https://www.cdc.gov/reproductive-health/depression/index.html