Drug Addiction And Depression

What Is Drug Addiction And Depression?

Chronic use of some drugs can lead to short- and long-term alterations in the brain, leading to mental health issues including paranoia, depression, anxiety, aggression, hallucinations, and other problems.  Likewise, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, data shows a connection between mood disorders like depression and substance abuse.  Those diagnosed with a mood disorder are twice as inclined to abuse substances than those without a mood disorder [1];  drug addiction and depression have an apparent strong connection indeed.

High rates of depression are standard among individuals with alcohol use disorders (AUD), particularly alcohol dependence.  Data from the National Comorbidity Survey estimated the lifetime prevalence of major depression to be nearly one-quarter (24.3 %) among alcohol-dependent men and almost one-half (48.5%) among alcohol-dependent women, exceeding the prevalence rates among individuals without AUD.  In clinical samples, the lifetime rates of co-occurrence are still more incredible, ranging from 50 to 70%.  [2]

Some Common Drugs That Can Cause Mental Health Problems

Symptoms Of Depression

Symptoms Of Depression Can Include:

Depression Diagnosis

There isn’t a “depression test” a doctor can use to see if you have it, so figuring that out often begins with a thorough history and physical exam.

Your Doctor Will Want To Know:

• When your symptoms began
• How long they’ve persisted
• How severe they are
• If depression or other mental disorders run in your family
• If you have a history of drug or alcohol abuse. Treatment for depression and alcohol dependance is very common.

You’ll also be asked if you’ve had comparable symptoms of depression before, and if so, how they were managed.

Most of us feel sad, lonely, or depressed at times.  It’s a normal response to loss, life’s struggles, or an injured self-esteem.  But when these feelings become overpowering, cause physical manifestations, and last for long periods, they can keep you from leading an everyday, active life.

That’s when it’s time to seek professional help.

Levels Of Care Summary At We Level Up NJ For Drug Addiction And Depression

Effective treatment often targets all aspects of the self, including mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being. 

Programs also strive to support and promote the four dimensions of recovery as noted by SAMHSA:  health, home, purpose, and community.  [4]

Addiction treatment isn’t as easy as taking a pill and waiting for the effects to kick in.  In addition, overcoming addiction requires time, energy, and commitment that has to come from within.

Most treatment programs favor a step-down process, starting with a strict and restrictive environment and gradually phasing down to help those in recovery assimilate back into daily life.

Inpatient

For three to four weeks following detox, patients reside in an inpatient care facility with limited access to the outside world. 

During this time, patients work with counselors and other addiction professionals in individual and group settings to facilitate healing, effective coping mechanisms, and a healthy attitude toward sobriety.

Partial Hospitalization

Also known as PHP, partial hospitalization programs are outpatient programs that balance inpatient and outpatient care.  In this time, recovering users live in a sober living house while attending addiction programming during the day, five days a week.

Intensive Outpatient

After several weeks or months of PHP, users graduate to intensive outpatient programs or IOP.  These programs give patients a chance to return to work or school while remaining committed to the recovery community. 

Participants often live in a sober house during IOP.

Outpatient

After IOP is complete, many recovering users return to their homes and families and attempt to re-enter everyday life.  However, remaining active in the recovery community is essential, and many individuals continue attending outpatient addiction treatment programs to maintain sobriety best.

The Need For Intervention Services On How To Help Someone With Drug Addiction And Depression

While interventions can catalyze an addict’s sobriety, it is not guaranteed that an intervention will always be successful.  A messed-up intervention can strain relationships, magnify depression, and further alienate the addicted person from their loved ones when done incorrectly.  This is one of the main risks of intervention and one of the biggest reasons professional addiction intervention counselors should always be consulted before staging an intervention.

You must watch out for any unusual or odd behavior changes of your loved one to avoid worst-case scenarios such as addiction.  This is the best early intervention you can do technically.

How To Get Help Fighting Drug Addiction And Depression

If you think that someone you love struggles with drug addiction and depression, you must get them help.  And although it can be tough to come to terms with the fact that someone you love works with addiction, it can save their life.  You may even resort to denial and look the other way when you see the warning signs.  But, unfortunately, there’s also a chance that you have no idea how to get your loved ones the help they need, which is typical.

Not Sure What To Do Next?

Free personal, private consultations with one of our counselors 24/7 for getting help for you or for loved one’s drug addiction and depression.

[1] Comorbidity: Addiction and Other Mental Illnesses – National Institute On Drug Abuse
[2] Meta-analysis of depression and substance use among individuals with alcohol use disorders – National Center for Biotechnology Information
[3] Health Consequences of Drug Misuse Mental Health Effects – National Institute On Drug Abuse
[4] Find Help and Recovery – Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration
[5] Depression Treatment – We Level Up