Originally Posted by
Dave42001 
from my experience Alcohol drove me into deep depression..
I'm sorry you had that experience, Dave. It sounds like you're one of those "lucky ones" who gets well by just avoiding alcohol or other CNS depressants. Have you found helpful coping skills to replace the alcohol?
Alcohol is technically central nervous system depressant. Depressants work by slowing down respiratory and heart rate. The do this by affecting the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Neurotransmitters are the brain chemicals which provide communication between brain cells. GABA works by decreasing brain activity. Most depressants operate in this same manner.
The chemistry between alcohol is very interesting. My doctor once explained that we need to find things that naturally raise our GABA. He boiled it down to: work, family, hobbies, friends and one other I think health but I don't recall.