I've been on effexor for about 18 months (this time) and have just reached 38 days sober. I know that the alcohol certainly exacerbated the depression, which I have been diagnosed with, but stopping the drinking, whilst making me feel physically a lot better has not had a huge effect on my illness. Today I have been in severe depression mode all day - wanted to come on here and offload but couldn't write the words down. Will maybe try in a minute. Anyway,I don't know if that has answered your question, but in my case, I think the illness is bigger than the alcoholism - although stopping drinking is stillthe best thing I've done for a while!!
sas