Depression And Addiction
The National Institute of Health Sciences has reported that about one-third of people with major depression also have a problem with alcohol. The good news is, that there’s dual diagnosis treatment available for common co-occurring conditions at Origins Texas Recovery located in South Padre Island, Texas.
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Depression and Addiction
People with depression have an uphill battle every day. Many signs of depression overlap with signs of addiction. This makes it vital for them to get the appropriate treatment for both disorders. Depression and addiction can both cause a person to:
- Lose interest in social activities or hobbies
- Deny any problem
- Have issues with personal relationships
- Become isolated from others
For a person battling depression, it is tempting to want to ease the feelings with alcohol or drugs. In the end, though, abusing substances to relieve depression can bring even more harm.
Understanding Depression
The Relationship Between Depression and Addiction
People struggling with depression feel there’s no end to it. Alcohol and drugs sometimes seem to be an easy solution for it. While substances may temporarily decrease the emotional pain and bring a sense of happiness, they can also become addictive. The more you use a substance, the more dependent your body becomes on it. In the long run, substance abuse can make the symptoms of depression worse and lead to health problems.
What is Depression?
Causes/Risk Factors for Depression
Anyone can be affected by depression—even people who seem to have it all. Depression can be caused by a complicated combination that includes:
- Biochemical factors: Differences in some brain chemicals may add to symptoms of depression.
- Genetic factors: Depression can run in families.
- Personality: Individuals with low self-esteem, are easily overwhelmed by stress, and are generally pessimistic
- Environmental: Constant exposure to violence, abuse, neglect, poverty, or severe losses
- Women are also more likely to be affected by depression
Signs and Symptoms of Depression
Common Types of Depressive Disorders
Major depressive disorder is one of the most common types and affects about 7% of the national population at any given time.
Individuals with dysthymia endure a “gloomy mood” that lasts for 1 to 2 years. It’s a milder form than major depression but it’s a chronic condition and may lead to major depression.
SAD usually occurs in the winter. It’s associated with variations of light.
With this type, the individual experiences the symptoms of depression but their mood may be improved briefly with positive news. However, the lows may be severe.
- Loss of interest in hobbies, work, and personal goals.
- Feelings of hopelessness, pessimism, and uselessness
- Impatience and irritability
- Loss of concentration
- Sleep difficulties
- Appetite and weight changes
Most people dealing with depression may experience one or more of these symptoms at some point. Still, for people with severe types of depression, symptoms can be life-threatening.
Symptoms of Severe Depression
- Suicidal thoughts
- Delusions or hallucinations
- Careless behavior
- Using alcohol or drugs to deal with depression
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Signs and Symptoms Of Addiction
- Problems at school or work: Missing school or work frequently, loss of interest, or drop in grades or work performance.
- Physical health problems: Loss of motivation, energy, weight changes, red eyes.
- Appearing neglected: No interest in grooming, clothing, or general appearance.
- Behavior changes: Efforts to keep people out of personal spaces, and being secretive, marked changes in relationships.
- Money problems: Need for money without explanation, stealing money or items to get money.
Depression and Addiction Statistics
- Almost 29% of adults have been diagnosed with depression at some time in their lives.
- According to a 2023 national survey, about 18% are currently living with depression.
- Women are more likely than younger adults and men to experience depression.
- Although it can happen at any time, and any age, it typically first appears during the late teens to mid-20s.
- People with depression have about a 10% lifetime suicide risk. When combined with SUD, the risk increases to about 25%.
- In 2023, 4.5 million people (ages 12 to 17) had a major depressive episode in the past year. Nearly 20% of them also had an SUD.
- About one-third of clinically depressed people take part in alcohol or drug use.
Testimonials
Victoria H
I couldn’t recommend Origins more, I first attended their IOP program, then their residential program in South Padre. I’m writing this today a year and a half sober and going strong. Origins has literally saved my life in more ways than one.
Emily W
The clinicians are knowledgeable and skilled in a way that is always helpful and never harmful. This program brought me lasting healing and freedom.
Mary L
I cannot say enough about Hannah’s House. I entered broken, tired and far more sick than I realized. I was treated with kindness, love, patience and respect by all. I was so frightened to go but sad to leave, that speaks volumes. Thank you from the bottom of my heart to all who put me back together, I am eternally grateful.
Jack W
I struggled with my sobriety for over 5 years, but they were able to help me through the 12 steps of AA. I have been sober ever since my experience here. I’ll be hitting 2 years of sobriety in 22 days, thanks to this treatment center. No matter where you go, it’s all about your level of commitment towards gaining a better life ?
Jazmine R
Origins was exactly what I needed. The staff were incredibly knowledgeable, compassionate, and helpful. They come with years of experience and consider each individual they’re helping. If you’re looking for a facility that will truly care as much as you/your parents do, or are desperate for a miracle — I can’t recommend Origins more! ❤️
Diagnosing Depression and Addiction
Addiction
To diagnose a SUD, most professionals use the standards in the DSM-5, published by the American Psychiatric Association. The criteria are:
- Feeling the need to use the substance regularly
- Intense urges for the substance that block other thoughts
- Needing more of it to get the same effect
- Using more of the substance over a longer period than originally intended
- Making sure that there is a supply on hand
- Spending money on the substance even when you can’t afford it
- Not completing work or other responsibilities because of substance use
- Continuing to use it even though it’s causing problems or causing physical or psychological damage
- Engaging in illegal activities to acquire the substance
- Driving or doing risky activities while under the influence
- Spending a lot of time getting the substance, using it, or recovering from it
- Attempting to quit but failing
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when attempting to quit
Depression
Medical professionals can diagnose depression by:
- Individual interview about how long they’ve had symptoms and how it affects their daily life
- Physical exam to rule out other medical conditions
- Lab tests
- The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) is a commonly used questionnaire
- The person’s medical and family history of mental health issues
An individual is diagnosed with depression if they have symptoms:
- Most of the day
- Almost every day
- For at least 2 weeks
Dual Diagnosis Treatment: The Best Way to Treat Depression and Addiction
A person’s brain chemistry may be partly responsible for their depression and may figure in their treatment. This is why antidepressants may be advocated. Antidepressants aren’t sedatives, stimulants, or addictive.
The first step in treating addiction is withdrawal management or medical detox. Depending on the severity and the substance, certain medications may be prescribed to help ease the discomfort of withdrawal. There are also maintenance medications that help relieve the cravings that may remain.
Psychotherapy is also typically recommended. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based method and is often recommended for treating addiction and depression. CBT focuses on identifying and correcting unhealthy thinking patterns. The goal is to learn new thinking patterns to respond to challenges more positively. Trauma therapy may be employed if a history of trauma is a factor in the individual’s depression and subsequent SUD.
Several things can be done to help reduce the symptoms of depression and SUD. For many, getting regular exercise helps promote positive feelings and improves moods. Regularly getting enough quality sleep, and eating a healthy diet can help ease depression and drug cravings.
Find Healing at Our Depression and Addiction Recovery Center
From medical detox to safely help rid your body of toxins, to aftercare and alumni programs, we can offer programs that will suit your needs and requirements. One very important program is our dual diagnosis program, created specifically for people who are suffering from substance addiction and depression. You can unlearn negative behaviors, and overcome negative thoughts with professional treatment. Contact us today.
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