Can I drink alcohol or use recreational drugs when I have depression?

I wouldn't advise it because alcohol is a depressant and will exasperate the situation you are in. Similarly drugs puts you in a false sense of happiness and so you dip when they wear off

Physically, you can, but it it`s not recommended. Alcohol is a depressant, and it`s easier to become addicted to it if you are feeling depressed, and it`s the same for drugs. There are many more healthier ways of coping with depression and getting support for yourself. Stay strong, keep fighting!

Doing anything that would make you forget about your state might become an addiction during depression. So it's best to avoid those things. Because once it becomes an addiction, it will only lead to a vicious cycle and you would escape from the reality using that addiction. It can get very dangerous. You should use music instead of all those things. It might help you forget even if fir a little bit and it is perfectly healthy. It would also help you to keep your memory controlled as it is known to have some kind of a memory loss during depression. But doing anything that you liked during depression excessively might become an addiction. So as long as you successfully stay in the real world and don't forget your problems, it's fine if you're using some safe means to escape from the reality. Like watching movies, playing games, reading, music etc. Doing things that you like, which are not hazardous for you.

It is recommended to AVOID alcohol and drugs when you are in any stage of depression. The logic is that alcohol and drugs will give you euphoria and can be relaxing for some time but that feeling is only temporary and does not actually deal with the main issue at hand, your depression. The best course of action would be to find healthy alternatives you might like such as a playing a sport, reading books, socializing with others whenever you feel like you want to use any harmful substances. It is important to get help with a certified mental health professional to get cognitive behavior therapy / psychotherapy and possibly medication. Therapy will be long, tedious, and emotionally painful but it is a much better approach than drinking and using drugs to cover up your depression.

No. It will only make you worse. Alcohol and drugs are something that are addictive. You won't be able to get out of it and it will make you feel much worse!

Alcohol is a depressant so I would always try to avoid excess when you have depression, especially if you're currently on medication. If you do drink or use recreational drugs and have any adverse feelings or side effects please make sure you are not alone and can access help if you need it. Please be aware that use of drugs or drinking can easily become a coping mechanism during depression and again seek help if it becomes a problem.

It would not be in your best interest to do so. People often use them as a way to cope, but in fact, it can make your depression worse by making you feel like you'll never feel as good while you're sober because of the temporary, fleeting high that is produced when a person drinks or uses drugs. Overall, it can seriously complicate your depression in the long-term, leading to dependence, causing alcoholism and drug abuse problems. The best is to find alternative methods to cope, such as getting involved in activities you enjoy, and seeking help by talking to someone.

It wouldn't benefit you, I think. If you are on any medication the answer is that you can't. If you are not the you technically can but you probably should find another way to deal with the emotions and feelings that cause you to be depressed. You should ask your doctor to make sure!

If you use these while you are in a weak state, (depression) there is a much higher chance of getting addicted, and worse getting found out by someone you love.

No you can not. Doing so will only help you for a little while. Eventually you will feel bad again and things will only get worse.