In RR that state is considered an AV attack and the rationale is that as soon as the act of drinking is about to take place the depression suddenly lifts. The thinking of, "Ohhhh I can't live like this, I'm so depressed, everything is meaningless....... if I'm going to kill myself I might as well go ahead and drink!" And as soon as the addict has that drink in hand and is anticipating that first sip, "Ahhhh, mmmm that feels good." Depression suddenly vanishes.
Of course, people can be legitimately depressed and suicidal, in that case, they are best to get medical attention and not a prescription of shots of whiskey.