How to Get Better When You Have Both Depression and Addiction
Depression is a huge epidemic that is sweeping the globe. It was the fourth leading cause of disease burden in 2002 and is projected to move up to the second leading cause by 2030. Unfortunately, depression often goes hand in hand with addiction.
Nearly one third of people suffering from major depressive disorder also suffer from the symptoms of a substance use disorder. This combination of depression and addiction can be stifling and make you feel more alone and afraid than ever before.
Luckily, there is light at the end of the tunnel. By entering a rehabilitation program, you can get sober and improve your mental and emotional state. Give us a call at 888-647-0051 (Who Answers?) to learn more about your treatment options.
What Are the Symptoms of Depression?
If a person is depressed, they may feel sad or nothing at all. Other symptoms can include:
Feeling worthless is a common symptom of depression.
- Being irritable
- Feeling worthless
- Having less energy than usual
- Moving slowly
- Gaining or losing weight
- Having problems concentrating or remembering
- Loss of interest in once pleasurable activities
Often, in an effort to rid themselves of these symptoms, a person might self-medicate by using drugs or alcohol. This form of medicating may help relieve the symptoms temporarily, but will eventually lead to addiction as the person must keep using more and more to achieve the same relief.
What Are the Symptoms of Addiction?
When a person becomes addicted to drugs or alcohol, their entire personality may change as the substances begin to alter their brain chemistry. Additional symptoms can include:
- Not feeling hungry
- An increased need for stimulants to make it through the day
- Not being able to sleep
- Having an increased tolerance to substances
- Going through withdrawal symptoms after just a short time of not using
Depression can also be a symptom of addiction, especially if a person is going through withdrawal. Sometimes, it can be hard to tell if the depression is a symptom of substance use or was present before it began.
Dealing with Clinical Depression and Addiction
Clinical depression and addiction often go hand in hand, and thus must be treated together in order for recovery to be possible.
How Are Depression and Addiction Linked?
As you can clearly see, depression and addiction have a link that goes beyond having related symptoms. Many scientists believe that the co-morbidity of the two can be linked to both involving the same parts of the brain.
For example, scientists have determined that both of these disorders center around the ventral tegmental area and lateral habenula area of the brain. If there is some kind of defect in this area, such as weak neurotransmission, then a person is much more likely to develop either addiction or depression.
Other links, such as a genetic disposition and lifestyle choices, are also related factors.
How to Get Over Depression and Addiction
Unfortunately, there’s no simple and easy way to turn off your depression and addiction. Treating both involves a lot of hard work and dedication to getting better. The first step is to detoxify your body by slowing decreasing the dose of your chosen substance. This will give your body time to gradually return to normal so you don’t suffer from terrible withdrawal symptoms.
Another great approach to take is mindfulness training. It’s a great way to treat both the behavioral and neurobiological processes that contribute to both disorders.
Regardless of the approach you take, you will need help along the way. We are here for you to help describe treatment options and give you the support and focus you need to stay strong. Give us a call at 888-647-0051 (Who Answers?) to talk to one of our experts for help with your depression and addiction.
