Since the 1980s, researchers and mental health professionals have recognized the link between addiction and other mental health disorders, explains the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Sadly, 10 percent of Americans suffer from depression at any given time, asserts Healthline, and many of those with depression also suffer from an addiction. Before starting treatment at one of the available, non 12 step drug rehabilitation centers, an individual with depression and addiction needs to understand ha few things about depression.
What Types of Depression May Occur With Substance Abuse?
Depression refers to a chronic, unyielding feeling of sadness and inability to achieve one’s desires. As a result, any form of depression may occur with substance abuse. However, the most common forms of depression to occur with substance abuse include major depression, psychotic depression, and persistent depressive disorder. For psychotic depression and persistent depressive disorder, in addition to depression as part of another mood disorder, such as bipolar disorder, depression may actually be caused by substance abuse, explains the National Institute of Mental Health.
Signs and Symptoms of Depression and Substance Abuse.
The signs and symptoms of depression and substance abuse may mirror one another. However, an understanding of the symptoms of both conditions can help make recognizing an addiction and depression easier. The most common symptoms, reports the Mayo Clinic, include the following:
- Cravings for the drug.
- Sensations of needing the drug on a daily basis.
- Developing a tolerance.
- Focusing on spending more time and energy on obtaining or getting the drug.
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not taking the drug.
- Engaging in risky behaviors to obtain the drug.
Additionally, those who are currently abusing drugs may experience problems at work or school, develop problems with their physical health, neglect their appearance, spend money without an explanation, or exhibit strange behaviors. Each of these additional signs are actual signs of depression, but depression may also include the following:
- Feelings of hopelessness or guilt.
- Difficulty concentrating.
- Insomnia.
- Overeating or loss of appetite.
- Excessive sleeping.
- Thoughts of suicide.
- Unexplained aches, pains, cramps, headaches, or other unexplained health problems.
Treatment For Depression and Substance Abuse.
The most common forms of treatment for depression and substance abuse include psychotherapy and medication treatment. Depending on the severity of substance abuse, the initial withdrawal phase (detox) can include severe, potentially life-threatening withdrawal symptoms. As a result, mental health professionals must treat these withdrawal symptoms first. If a person suffers from severe alcoholism and depression, the withdrawal symptoms may include seizures, fever, delirium tremens, excessive perspiration, hallucinations, tremors, heart arrhythmias, and shallow breathing. Fortunately, medications, such as benzodiazepines, can help to alleviate these severe symptoms of withdrawal during detox.
After detox at the best drug rehabilitation with non 12 step programs, a patient will begin to receive treatment for depression and substance abuse. This treatment may include the use of cognitive behavioral therapy and the following medications:
- Antidepressants.
- Tricyclics.
- Anti-anxiety medications.
- Mood stabilizers, if necessary.
- Anti-withdrawal medications.
Understanding Inpatient Versus Outpatient Depression and Drug Use Treatment.
When a person is in crisis, such as experiencing severe hallucinations or is experiencing homicidal or suicidal thoughts or actions, inpatient treatment is often the best choice. Inpatient treatment lasts from detoxification until a person’s health and mental state have grown stable. This may require as little as three to four days, but it may take up to several weeks. Inpatient treatment centers are often maintained in a lockdown setting to prevent anyone from gaining drugs, alcohol, or other illicit substances within the facility.
However, comprehensive substance abuse and depression treatment is not a fly-by-night approach to sobriety and wellness, and treatment will likely continue in an outpatient, non-hospitalized setting. This may include routine visits with a counselor or social worker, meeting with a psychiatrist, and attending group therapy to improve interpersonal skills, such as communication, teamwork, and honestly.
The number of patients who receive a depression diagnosis increases by 20 percent annually, and each new diagnosis places a person at risk for substance abuse. To curtail this trend, people must be willing to take a few moments to learn how depression and substance abuse interact, what their signs are, and what types of treatment options are available. Fortunately, mental health has come a long way from the stereotypical images of Hollywood, and more people seek treatment every day.