My drinking started out as a "sympton", I am a survivor of childhood sexual abuse and I think I was born chemically depressed, alcohol alieveated the pain for many years. I've been treated for PTSD and depression and taken medication for it but discussion was never held about my drinking because when asked I never acknowledged being anything more than a 'social drinker'. Funny thing though, once I quit drinking I was finally able (nearly 40 yrs after the fact) to forgive not only myself but my childhood abuser, and through the forgiveness and sobriety my PTSD and depression lifted and I haven't needed and meds in over 2 yrs.