Key Takeaways
- Alcohol addiction can trigger depersonalization and derealization, causing emotional and mental distress.
- Chronic alcohol use disrupts brain function, leading to dissociative symptoms.
- Mental health disorders like anxiety and depression often worsen these feelings.
- Recovery includes managing both substance use and mental health symptoms.
- Professional treatment offers hope for healing and long-term recovery.
Introduction
When we think about alcohol addiction, we often think about the effects on the body—liver damage, withdrawal symptoms, and physical cravings. But alcohol use also has a deep and powerful effect on the mind.
One frightening symptom many people experience is a feeling of being disconnected from themselves or the world around them. This is known as depersonalization and derealization. It can feel like living in a dream—or like being trapped outside your own life.
If you or someone you love is experiencing this, you’re not alone. Let’s explore what depersonalization and derealization mean, how alcohol addiction causes these feelings, and most importantly, how recovery is possible.
What Is Depersonalization and Derealization?
Depersonalization happens when you feel separated from yourself. You might feel like you’re watching your life from the outside, like you’re a character in a movie instead of the main player.
Derealization is a little different. It’s when the world around you feels strange, foggy, or unreal. People, places, and things might seem fake or dream-like.
Both of these symptoms are types of dissociative symptoms. They are your brain’s way of trying to protect you from stress, trauma, or overwhelming emotions. But when they stick around too long or happen too often, they can become scary and overwhelming.
How Alcohol Use Can Trigger Depersonalization and Derealization
Alcohol changes how your brain works. It slows down brain activity, lowers inhibitions, and affects your mood. At first, drinking might make you feel relaxed or happy. But after heavy drinking or during withdrawal, the brain can get out of balance.
This imbalance can cause:
- Mood swings
- Anxiety or panic attacks
- Feelings of depersonalization or derealization
Some people experience these symptoms while they’re drinking. Others feel them hours, days, or even weeks after stopping alcohol use. Substance use disrupts brain chemistry, and sometimes the effects last longer than the buzz.
The Role of Chronic Alcohol Use in Dissociative Symptoms
When drinking becomes a regular habit, it does even more harm. Chronic alcohol use can permanently change how the brain handles stress and emotions.
Long-term drinking can:
- Damage neurotransmitters that regulate mood and perception
- Increase the chance of anxiety disorders
- Lead to panic attacks that bring on depersonalization-derealization episodes
The more a person drinks over time, the more their brain struggles to tell what’s real and what’s not. This makes depersonalization symptoms stronger and more frequent.
Over time, alcohol abuse can lead to full-blown depersonalization-derealization disorder, especially when mixed with mental health conditions like PTSD or depression.
Co-Occurring Mental Health Disorders and Alcohol Use
People with mental health disorders like anxiety, depression, or PTSD are more likely to use alcohol to cope with their feelings. Unfortunately, drinking usually makes things worse, not better.
Substance use disorders and mental health conditions feed into each other:
- Anxiety increases after alcohol use.
- Depression deepens during withdrawal.
- Trauma memories can trigger dissociative symptoms during drinking or sobriety.
This creates a painful cycle: drinking to feel better, but feeling worse after drinking. Many people get stuck in this loop without even realizing what’s happening.
Signs and Symptoms of Alcohol-Induced Depersonalization
If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol-induced depersonalization, you might notice symptoms like:
- Feeling detached from your own body
- Looking in the mirror and not recognizing yourself
- Feeling like your surroundings are distorted or blurry
- Feeling emotionally numb, like you can’t connect to others
- Having trouble remembering parts of your day
- Experiencing panic attacks with feelings of unreality
These symptoms can come and go. Sometimes they only last a few minutes. Other times, they stick around for hours or longer. Either way, they are a sign that your brain is under a lot of stress—and it needs help.
Managing Depersonalization and Derealization During Recovery
The good news is that with the right help, these symptoms can get better.
Here are some ways to manage depersonalization and derealization during recovery:
- Grounding techniques: Focus on your senses. Name five things you see, four things you can touch, three things you hear, two things you smell, and one thing you taste.
- Mindfulness practices: Deep breathing, meditation, and yoga can help you stay connected to the present.
- Physical activity: Exercise releases natural chemicals that boost mood and reconnect you to your body.
- Therapy: Talking with a therapist helps you understand your symptoms and learn new coping skills.
- Structured routines: Having a regular schedule helps your brain and body feel safe and stable.
Most importantly, recovery from alcohol use is the foundation for healing. Sobriety allows your brain to rebuild and regulate itself again.
Treatment Options for Alcohol Addiction and Dissociative Symptoms
Addiction treatment is about more than just stopping drinking. It’s about healing the mind, body, and spirit together.
At Virtue Recovery Killeen, treatment programs include:
- Medical detox: Safely removing alcohol from your system under medical care.
- Individual therapy: Addressing mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and trauma.
- Dual diagnosis treatment: Specialized care for people with both substance use disorders and mental health conditions.
- Group therapy and support: Connecting with others who understand your journey.
- Relapse prevention planning: Building strong skills to stay sober and manage symptoms long-term.
Healing takes time, but with support and professional guidance, recovery is possible—and life can feel real, bright, and connected again.
Conclusion
Depersonalization and derealization can feel scary and confusing. When tied to alcohol addiction, they become even more overwhelming.
But these symptoms are not permanent. With the right treatment options and caring support, you can reconnect with yourself, heal your mind, and build a joyful, sober life.
You don’t have to face this alone.
Call Virtue Recovery Killeen at 866-843-0545 today to start your journey toward healing and reclaim the real, fulfilling life you deserve.
FAQs About Depersonalization-Derealization Disorder From Alcohol Use Disorder
What is the link between alcohol and depersonalization?
The link between alcohol and depersonalization lies in alcohol’s effects on the brain. Alcohol consumption can alter perception and cognition, leading to episodes of depersonalization where individuals feel detached from themselves or their surroundings.
What are the symptoms of depersonalization disorder related to substance use?
Symptoms of depersonalization disorder can include feelings of unreality, detachment from one’s body, and a distorted sense of time. In the context of substance use, these symptoms may be exacerbated by alcohol’s impact on the brain.
How does alcohol consumption cause depersonalization?
Alcohol consumption can cause depersonalization by affecting neurotransmitters in the brain, leading to altered states of consciousness. This can result in experiencing depersonalization episodes, especially in those struggling with addiction.
Can managing alcohol-induced depersonalization help in recovery?
Yes, managing alcohol-induced depersonalization is crucial for recovery. Addressing substance abuse and understanding the effects of alcohol on mental health can help individuals regain a sense of reality and improve their overall well-being.
What should I do if I am struggling with addiction and experiencing depersonalization?
If you are struggling with addiction and experiencing depersonalization, it is essential to get help for alcohol. Seeking professional medical advice can lead to effective treatment options and support for both substance use and the symptoms of depersonalization.
Are there co-occurring mental health conditions that affect depersonalization episodes?
Yes, co-occurring mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression can increase the likelihood of experiencing depersonalization episodes. These conditions can be exacerbated by substance use, including alcohol.
How can I recognize the impact of alcohol on depersonalization?
Recognizing the impact of alcohol on depersonalization involves noting the frequency and severity of episodes after alcohol consumption. Understanding how alcohol can trigger these experiences is crucial for addressing the underlying issues related to substance abuse.
Is it possible to overcome the effects of alcohol on depersonalization?
Yes, it is possible to overcome the effects of alcohol on depersonalization through proper treatment and support. This may include therapy, support groups, and lifestyle changes to address substance use disorders and improve mental health.
What role does professional medical help play in treating depersonalization related to substance use?
Professional medical help plays a vital role in treating depersonalization related to substance use. A healthcare provider can offer a comprehensive evaluation, recommend treatment plans, and provide resources for managing both alcohol addiction and depersonalization disorder.
Resources
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10356638/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0006322398002571
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/262888
- About the Author
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Gigi Price holds licenses as a Master Social Worker and Clinical Drug Counselor. She completed her master’s degree in Social Work at Texas State University. Over the last decade, Gigi has been dedicated to utilizing evidence-based practices to enhance patient care and treatment planning, resulting in positive, long-term outcomes for patients and their families. Her passion lies in creating a treatment environment where professionals collaborate to bring about positive change and provide a safe, trustworthy therapeutic experience. Patients can be confident in receiving top-quality care under her leadership.
In her role as the Clinical Director of Virtue Recovery Houston, Gigi conducted research to identify the most effective approaches for treating patients with acute mental health diagnoses, PTSD, and Substance Use Disorder. She then assembled a team of skilled clinicians who could offer various therapeutic modalities, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
(DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Somatic Exposure, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT). Gigi takes pride in overseeing the development and implementation of Virtue Houston’s Treatment Program, which includes two specialized therapeutic curricula tailored to the unique needs of individuals struggling with mental health issues, addiction, and PTSD.
