One risk of untreated depression is the development of comorbid substance abuse, including alcohol abuse. Alcohol and drugs make people feel better temporarily, but this effect is only temporary; as the high wears off despair can set in. After the death of a spouse or other close family member, if excessive drinking develops it is reasonable to presume that a depression is present.
Alcohol abuse can often be missed in older women, particularly if it involves only consumption of wine or beer. Alcohol abuse can cause depression itself—in such circumstances recovery from the substance abuse usually leads to resolution of the depression. Often, depression precipitates the abuse of alcohol and/or drugs and thus will need to be treated to promote recovery from the substance abuse.