Millions of people in the United States live with substance use disorders (SUD) and mental health conditions. Depression is one of the most common mental health conditions associated with substance abuse and addiction.

People living with co-occurring disorders (a mental health condition and SUD) require comprehensive treatment options. Holistic treatment allows people to address both conditions at the same time.

This article will explore what to expect in treatment for depression and addiction. You will learn:

• How to identify depression
• The signs of addiction
• The connection between depression and addiction
• What to expect in treatment for co-occurring depression and addiction
• Where to find an addiction and depression treatment center

If you or someone you love lives with depression and addiction, you are not alone. The First Step Behavioral Health specialists create effective, holistic treatment plans to address each person’s unique needs. Contact our intake team to learn about our programs or to schedule an intake appointment.

What is Depression?

Depression is a serious, common mood disorder. Research shows that about 14.8 million adults in the United States experience symptoms of depression each year. About 17.3 million have been diagnosed with major depressive disorder.

People who live with depression may experience disruptive symptoms that affect their feelings, thoughts, and behaviors.

There are several types of depression, including:

• Major depressive disorder: Depression symptoms that last two weeks or more.
• Seasonal affective disorder (SAD): Depression symptoms that follow seasonal patterns, typically worsening in the winter and resolving in the Spring.
• Persistent depressive disorder (PDD): Symptoms of depression lasting two years or more.
• Perinatal depression: Depression that develops during pregnancy or after birth.

Recognizing depression is the first step toward starting to feel better. Symptoms of depression include:

• Hopelessness
• Low mood
• Increased irritability or frustration
• Restlessness
• Agitation
• Shame or guilt
• Fatigue
• Feeling “slowed down” or sluggish
• Sleep issues, including having trouble falling asleep, waking up too early, or sleeping more than usual
• Physical pain, including headaches, digestive problems, or body aches, without a clear physical cause
• Frequent thoughts of death, dying, or suicide

Depression can become life-threatening if people do not receive treatment. Mental health professionals typically treat depression with a combination of talk therapy, medications, and lifestyle changes.

Recognizing Addiction

People may begin using addictive substances for a wide range of reasons. People may use drugs and alcohol to improve social performance, out of curiosity, to fit in with peers, and for other reasons.

Heavy or prolonged substance use can change how the brain and body work. Some of these changes can make it very challenging to stop using drugs and alcohol when you want to. People may face life-threatening consequences of drug or alcohol abuse without being able to control their substance use.

Recognizing addiction is the first step toward treating it. Some signs of addiction include:

• Developing tolerance (needing to use more of a substance to get the desired effects)
• Spending a lot of time and energy getting, using, and recovering from using the substance
• Continuing to use the substance despite negative consequences
• Increased isolation
• Experiencing cravings for drugs or alcohol
• Neglecting responsibilities at home, work, or school
• New social, legal, or financial trouble because of your substance use
• Wanting to stop using a substance but finding it’s impossible to quit

Addiction is a complex condition requiring comprehensive care and ongoing support.

Understanding the Connection Between Depression and Substance Abuse

Research shows about 20% of people who seek alcohol dependence treatment also meet the criteria for major depression. Addiction and mental health specialists do not fully understand why this link exists. However, some experts have suggested reasons behind this connection.

First, some experts believe people with mental illness may have brain differences that increase their risk of addiction.

Some experts believe people with depression may be more likely to self-medicate. Self-medication means using drugs or alcohol to numb or escape from their mental health symptoms. Using addictive substances regularly significantly increases the risk of developing a physical dependence on drugs or alcohol.

Depression and addiction respond to treatment, especially when people seek treatment as early as possible. It is essential to find comprehensive dual-diagnosis treatment programs that address both conditions at the same time.

What to Expect in Treatment for Depression and Addiction

Co-occurring disorder treatment programs use a combination of evidence-based and holistic therapies. This comprehensive approach can help people recover from substance abuse and manage mental health conditions.

Co-occurring disorder treatment plans include:

• Individual therapy
• Group counseling
• Family therapy
• Relapse prevention education
• Mental health treatment
• Skill-building practice
• Medications, including SSRIs and other anti-depressant medications
• Art therapy, mindfulness, nutrition counseling, yoga, and other holistic therapies

These specialized treatment programs implement forms of therapy that can help people understand and address their depression. Common forms of therapy used in depression and addiction treatment include:

• Trauma-informed therapy
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Motivational interviewing
• Family systems therapy

It can be challenging to manage mental health conditions and address addiction. However, having tailored treatment and support can help. Seek treatment for co-occurring depression and addiction as soon as you recognize these conditions.

Find Rehab for Depression and Addiction

If you or someone you love struggles with depression and SUD, you are not alone. Contact the intake team at First Step Behavioral Health to learn about our comprehensive treatment and recovery support programs. You may also contact us with questions, for assistance verifying your insurance, or to schedule an intake appointment.

References:

1. National Institute of Health (NIH): Alcohol Use Disorder and Depressive Disorders
2. Substance Abuse Treatment, Prevention, and Policy: Treatment of alcohol dependence in patients with co-morbid major depressive disorder – predictors for the outcomes with memantine and escitalopram medication
3. Sage Journals: The Association Between Depression and Substance Use Among Primary Care Patients With Comorbid Medical and Behavioral Health Conditions