>I am not a doctor but I suspect there is some type of overlap between some forms of alcoholism and depression. (Not making any excuses for anyone but I think there's some overlap)
>
>There is treatment for depression, too, if one cares to seek it.

That's true, there is. And you're right - but sometimes people are just in denial, or don't realize what it's doing to them.

I can't speak on alcoholism, but I can speak on depression. I was diagnosed with it about 10 years ago. And there were people who had to get up in my face and threaten me, to get me to admit it. I didn't want to admit it and thought having it was a weakness/flaw and yet I was clinging to the symptoms.