Mood regulation dependent on alcohol?

Hi all, I am curious if any research has been done which indicates the brain can become "dependent" on alcohol. Here's a little background on me. I have always been cautious with alcohol and very aware of the dangers. When I was younger (19-23) I had a few bing drinking episodes and attended handful of parties with alcohol, and a few bar visits here or there. I was strictly a social drinker, only on the weekends. Whenever I did drink, I allowed ample time for recovery and consumed plenty of water. I am nearly 27 now and have had maybe 3 drinks in the course of 3 years, mainly due to the fact that I could abstain from alcohol for the rest of my life and not care. At 25 I was diagnosed with major depression, and take anti-depressants regularly. Now here is what concerns me. Although anti-depressants are very effective, I still do not feel as good as I use to before an onslaught of medical issues (linked to thyroid/immune system issues). But recently, after having a drink, I feel completely normal, happy and content for at least a 4-5 hours. Is this simply "alcoholism" or is some other mechanism at work here?

[ibizan]

there is a slew of research out there that says yes indeed the alcohol dependent persons brain does indeed become dependent on alcohol.....the info on the levels of glutamate in the brain when alcohol enters it in large quantities is interesting.I do believe in genetics.....i have a huge family hx of alcoholism.....i used to ask why me?but that answer is too complicated and i used to drive myself crazy trying to analyze this but it is what it is......i seem to have always lacked the OFF switch when alcohol entered my body...or any other mood altering drug 4 that matter......its like someone opened the closed gate at the dam.So in sum i accept that i have faulty wiring.....i tried for many years to control my use of alcohol/drugs and did not succeed so NOT putting it in2 my body was the best compromise!

[DreamNaut]

Thanks for the response. It definitely confirms my suspicions on how dangerous alcohol truly is. I have very high self awareness, which I find a curse and a blessing at the same time (I can tell if I am angry, sad, irritable etc.). I suffer frequently from anhedonia and am somewhat of a an emotionless machine. One or two drinks seems to flip a light switch on somewhere up there :)  

[ibizan]

i totally understand....i also have to beware of my thought processes sometimes which can head south and dark fast if i let it...my mom has a LONG history of depression...that in conjunction w/the familial hx of alcoholism are red flags for me and to remain vigilant about my moods...and my recovery!

[rpooo]

Just a little something to add. The alcohol probably intensifys the effect of your pills as it does with many other medications. This can be dangerous and in rare cases become fatal. Check your pills and pay particular attention to the warning labels.

Randy

[Moke64916]

No I don't believe you have alcoholism.  You show no signs of alcoholism.  Your just trying to escape your emotions by drinking.  A lot of people do that.  Through crisis situations.  Alcohol is a short-term solution for depression.  The feelings you don't want to feel willcome back when the alcohol wears off.  Depression always passes.  It doesn't last forever.  

[ibizan]

I think to advise DreamNaut that he does not have alcoholism or is not showing signs of it is naive by what limited information he has shared and diagnosing minus meeting w/someone physically and getting their full history.However the rest of ur statements after this do hold credence!