The National Institute of Mental Health estimates that between 1 in 6 adults in the United States suffer from some form of mental illness. That means between 48 million and 80 million Americans struggle with depression at any given time. Interestingly, substance abuse and depression seem to go hand-in-hand, which makes for an even bigger problem. Here’s what you need to know about substance use and depression.
Have a substance use disorder or suffer from depression? Call Tennessee Valley Recovery now!
What is Depression?
Clinical depression is a serious mental illness characterized by persistent sad moods, decreased interest in activities once enjoyed, fatigue, insomnia, poor concentration, and thoughts of death or suicide. The symptoms are so severe they interfere with daily functioning and cause significant distress.
People who suffer from depression may feel like nothing matters anymore and don’t care about anything. They may lose interest in pleasurable activities, hobbies, friends, and family. Some people feel worthless, guilty, or ashamed and become isolated. Others withdraw socially and isolate themselves from others.
According to the American Psychiatric Association, depression affects more than 16 percent of U.S. adults ages 18 and older each year. This includes approximately 8.1 million children and adolescents ages 12 through 17.
Depression is treatable, but it takes commitment on your part. Treatment involves medication, therapy, support groups, and other interventions. If you think you may be suffering from depression, call Tennessee Valley Recovery today. We offer free confidential assessments and treatment options.
Substance Use Disorders
Addiction is defined as compulsive drug seeking and use despite adverse consequences. Addiction is a chronic disease that requires long-term treatment and recovery. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), there are three main types of addiction:
Alcoholism: Alcoholism is a condition where a person has developed a physical dependence on alcohol and continues drinking despite negative health effects. People with alcoholism usually drink heavily over a period of many years.
Opioid Dependence: An opioid is a class of powerful pain relievers such as heroin, morphine, oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine, fentanyl, methadone, and buprenorphine. These medications are used to relieve moderate to severe pain. When taken regularly, opioids can lead to tolerance and physical dependence.
Cocaine & Amphetamine Dependence: Cocaine and amphetamines are stimulants that increase alertness, energy, and focus. A cocaine habit can lead to tolerance and withdrawal if stopped abruptly.
How Depression and Substance Abuse Go Hand in Hand
Depression and substance abuse are two very common issues that coexist together. People who struggle with both disorders tend to have higher rates of relapse after treatment. This is because they don’t fully address the root causes of their addiction.
The following are some ways depression can contribute to substance abuse:
- Feeling down or depressed makes you want to escape reality. You might turn to substances to help you cope with these feelings.
- Low self-esteem can make you believe you aren’t good enough to handle life without using drugs or alcohol.
- Feelings of guilt and shame can prevent you from seeking help when you need it.
- Anxiety and panic attacks can keep you up at night, making sleep difficult.
- Loneliness and isolation can cause you to seek comfort from someone else by using drugs or alcohol. You may not realize how much this helps until you stop.
- Lack of motivation can lead you to give up trying to get better.
- Poor impulse control can cause you to act impulsively and irresponsibly.
- Stressful situations can trigger cravings for drugs or alcohol.
Alcohol and drug use have similar side effects as depression. Alcohol, in fact, is a depressant. After drinking, many people become sad and depressed as recognized by their behavior.
How Substance Abuse Can Cause Depression
The connection between substance abuse and depression has long been recognized. Alcoholism and drug addiction can cause a range of physical symptoms, including headaches, insomnia, anxiety, irritability, stomach problems, heart disease, high blood pressure, liver damage, stroke, kidney failure, diabetes, and memory loss. But alcohol also causes mental symptoms like depression, sadness, hopelessness, worry, blame, and other perceivably negative emotions and feelings.
Treating Both Substance Abuse and Depression
The best way to treat both substance abuse and depression at the same time is through a combination of behavioral therapy and medications. Behavioral therapy helps patients learn how to cope better with stress, while medication treats the underlying medical conditions causing the depression.
Medications for treating depression include antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, sleep aids, and others. They help reduce the symptoms of depression, but they cannot cure it.
Behavioral therapies for depression include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), and interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT). These treatments teach patients new ways to think and act when faced with difficult situations. For example, CBT teaches patients to identify and change unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviors. DBT teaches patients to develop tools to handle stressful situations without resorting to harmful behaviors. IPT teaches patients skills to improve relationships and communication.
Treatment Options for Depression
The first step toward recovery from depression is recognizing it for what it is. If you think you may be depressed, seek professional help immediately. There are many different types of treatment options available, but the best way to find out which works best for you is by talking to your doctor or mental health professional.
There are several effective treatments for depression:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): A type of talk therapy that focuses on changing thoughts and beliefs about yourself and your situation. CBT is used to treat mild to moderate depression and anxiety.
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT): A form of group counseling that combines mindfulness meditation, goal setting, and problem solving. DBT is designed for those suffering from borderline personality disorder.
- Interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT): A type of group counseling that focuses on improving social skills and coping strategies. IPT is used to treat severe depression and anxiety.
- Medication: Antidepressants and other medications can be prescribed to treat depression. However, these medications do not eliminate the need for ongoing therapy.
- Psychotherapy: The use of counseling to treat depression. This includes individual, couples, and family counseling.
- Support groups: Group counseling in which members share experiences and support each other.
- Self-help books: Books written specifically for individuals who want to overcome depression.
- Spiritual healing: Healing through prayer, meditation, visualization, and other methods.
Treatment Options for Substance Abuse
The first step toward recovery from substance abuse is admitting that you have a problem. This means acknowledging that you have a chemical dependency and that it has affected your life.
The next step is to seek treatment. There are many different types of treatments available, but they all focus on helping you overcome your addiction. Some of the most effective include:
- Individual therapy: This type of treatment focuses on teaching you new ways of thinking and behaving. You learn how to recognize triggers and cravings and how to cope with them.
- Family therapy: This type of therapy helps families deal with the effects of addiction and co-occurring disorders such as depression.
- Twelve Step programs: These programs offer hope and guidance to people struggling with drug and alcohol problems. They encourage participants to make amends to others and themselves.
Drug Abuse and Depression Treatment Options Tennessee
The first step toward recovery is knowing what the signs of addiction and depression are so you can seek treatment. There are many types of treatment available, but it’s important to find the right fit for you. If you’ve already tried outpatient care without success, consider inpatient rehab. Inpatient programs provide 24/7 supervision and medical attention, allowing you to focus solely on getting better.
To learn more about addiction and substance abuse treatment options, contact Tennessee Valley Recovery.