Bob: Many people who are depressed drink to feel better. That's understandable, they are trying to feel better and logic would have you think that since alcohol tends to make you feel 'happy' or 'better' 'more relaxed', etc. it is okay. However, this is the deceit of alcohol. It only makes you 'feel better' for awhile, then you'll probably feel worse after, so maybe next time you'll drink more to feel better. The other thing, If you are on an antidepressant it just hampers the benefits. Some medications also require NO alcohol. Check with your doctor. I know you asked about 'moderate' consumption but again, I'd be very careful. The experience I come out of is that my husband tried drinking to feel better for years, but depression kept getting worse and his drinking more out of control because he was trying so hard to feel better. When he finally gave up drinking all together and got on the right combination of meds, he's feeling so good that he can't believe he ever even wanted/needed to drink! So, proceed with caution...j