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

No I think you can not. Because when you have depression you should definitely see a professional. Drugs are really bad.

Although the use of alcohol and recreational drugs may seem appealing to "numb" depression or take your mind off things, in the long run it will have more of a negative effect and may make things worse.

Its not a good idea to do so as it could worsen your state of mood. Also if you are taking medication for depression it is really a no no.

You shouldn't. While the high can be wonderful, drugs and alcohol essentially fry your dopamine (pleasure) receptors, making the crash afterwards worse than the depression was to begin with, and forcing you to use more every time you want to get high. It becomes a vicious cycle.

Using alcohol or drugs to mask depression can often lead to addiction, but I believe if the substanes are consumed purely on a recreational basis there is no harm.

Drinking Alcohol and recreational drug is not the solution to deal with depression. They will badly affect your health and will disturb you mentally as they have many side effects. instead , Spend time someone you love, with friends, family and giving time to yourself to figure out what make you depressed and how to deal with it. Start with simple steps to avoid depression and have a cheerfull life ahead.

It's a VERY bad idea. Alcohol is definitively a depressant, which of course, does not mix with depression. Any drugs that AREN'T depressants-- but "Uppers"-- will eventually have a "comedown," or "crash." Drugs and alcohol are statistically shown to significantly increase the effects of depression, and the suicide rate for depressed people who are under the influence of alcohol and drugs is drastically higher than those who are not.

I wouldn't advise drinking alcohol as it's actually a depressant in itself and can add to your depression, I wouldn't ever recommend taking recreational drugs as the effects are unpredictable and dangerous.

I don't think using recereational drugs or drinking can help when you are depressed. It makes it worse.

Alcohol can only make you forget and feel light for a while. I prefer to talk to someone. And do things I love the most, be busy and as much as possible stay away from the things depressing you.