Substance abuse is an incredibly difficult issue to overcome. It can be debilitating. This is especially true when accompanied by a mental health condition such as depression. When both depression and addiction are present, the problems are called “co-occurring.” In such instances, a patient’s depression leads them further into addiction while their addiction only deepens their depression.
Co-occurring conditions are even harder to treat than one problem at a time. They tend to overlap and make symptoms worse. Here at Crest View Recovery Center, we understand how to approach such issues in a professional and supportive way. We take on co-occurring disorders with an approach that considers both issues. Take a look at the article below to discover more about the correlation between depression and addiction.
The Depression and Addiction Connection
It can be hard to tell whether addiction leads to depression or vice versa. Someone may feel depressed as a symptom of drug withdrawal or due to the upheaval substance abuse causes in their life. Or they may find themselves turning to drugs or alcohol to medicate the feelings associated with depression. Which comes first really doesn’t matter.
It’s important to understand that both the depression and addiction must be treated at the same time in order to expect a full recovery. When one is present, it’s rare that the other can be properly addressed. Both issues have common causes such as hereditary and brain chemistry.
Treatment for Co-Occurring Disorders
Dual diagnosis requires treatment for both issues and usually includes therapy as well as medical intervention or detox. If one or the other problem isn’t addressed, relapse is likely to occur not long after leaving treatment. Due to their synergistic nature, treating one condition but not the other allows it to fester and bring back both issues. When co-occurring conditions of depression and addiction exist, education is a must.
The teaching of coping skills and an individualized treatment plan that addresses issues unique to you can help you both to overcome drug dependence and to discover ways to remain emotionally healthy. Individualized treatment by trained experts who understand the needs of those with addiction and mental health issues is essential to getting better. Dual diagnosis and treatment also ensure that the needs of the whole person are met.
How Crest View Can Help
If you are dealing with a substance induced mood disorder or addiction brought on by depression, a professional dual diagnosis treatment center like CVRC is especially qualified to help. We have the expert staff and broad resources to address both the addiction and mental health needs of our clients.
Services we provide include:
Our comprehensive wellness approach treats each individual as a whole person with a multitude of needs. The staff at CVRC understand the complex issues associated with co-occurring disorders and is ready to provide the support to help you on your path to wellness. Please call our office at 866.327.2505 to learn more and to get started on your journey.