Glad your depression has lifted after a long journey.
Alcohol is a depressant. I too tried SSRI's but they made me crave and actually drink more....weird side effects. Tried Topomax too , really weird for me.
For me it all comes in small steps and my impatience has gone down over the years. My slips and slides are fewer but of course the punishment worse each time.
I am on a quad cyclic, Remeron and Wellbutrin and that works well when I don't drink....
Lucky I have a great Dr . She and I go over side effects and efficacy so we found the right combo but key is err don't use depressants if your depressed ...gee who'd of thunk.