Depression and Addiction
It is difficult to determine which may have come first, the depression
or the drug and/or alcohol addiction. This dual diagnosis is very
common, and it is important to treat both in order to have a successful
recovery.
Depression is a kind of disorder that affects your mood, such as your
emotions or feelings. It can affect how you feel about yourself and
about your life.
Depression may be caused not only by lifestyle stressors, but also
actual chemical changes in your brain. Drug and alcohol addiction are
one way people try to treat depression, not realizing that these
behaviors will make the depression worsen. It is a painful see-saw that
often leads to relapse if a dual diagnosis treatment rehabilitation
plan is not used.
Some things you may experience if you are depressed:
-
Crying more easily
- Losing your appetite
- Not wanting to be with other people
- Feeling like you are doing everything in slow motion
- Feeling hopeless
- Crying easily
- Not caring about how you look
- Lack of interest in sex
- Not thinking as clearly or remembering as easily as usual
- Thoughts of hurting yourself or others
According to the National Institutes of Mental Health (NIMH), in any
given year 9.5 percent of Americans experience depression to some
degree. You aren’t alone!
Help for your addiction and depression is available. Just ask. Or help your family member ask.
We can help you find the most effective treatment plan specifically
tailored for your dual diagnosis of addiction and depression. This may
include inpatient or outpatient treatment, group or individualized
therapy, and medication.
No person struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, and a co-occurring disease such as depression, is exactly like anyone else. You deserve a
treatment that is as unique as you are.
It is essential to remember that family members of loved ones with
addictions may also be experiencing depression. It is important for you
to receive help with your depression, too.
Common Disorders Co-occurring with Addiction
Other Resources on Co-occurring & Dual Diagnosed Disorders