It’s no secret that depression and substance use often go hand-in-hand. For many people struggling with addiction, self-medicating with drugs or alcohol is a way to numb the pain of depression. However, what many don’t realize is that this only makes the problem worse.
The depression treatment program at Skywood Recovery understands that these two disorders can feed off of each other, and our goal is to assist our clients to recover from both. Call us at 269.280.4673 to learn more.
Depression and Substance Use
Before we talk about the link between depression and substance use, it’s important to understand what each term means:
Depression
Depression is a mental health disorder that can be incredibly debilitating in every aspect of your life. People with depression may have trouble sleeping, eating, or concentrating. They may also feel hopeless, helpless, and worthless. Depression can lead to physical problems, such as headaches and stomach aches. It can also make it hard to get out of bed and do everyday activities. For some people, depression can be so severe that it leads to thoughts of suicide.
Substance Use
Substance use disorder is a term used to describe a pattern of drug or alcohol use that leads to significant impairment or distress. It can include everything from using a substance excessively to being unable to control one’s use of it. Substance use can have a number of different causes, including genetics, environment, and mental health. And they can range in severity from mild to severe.
The Link Between Depression and Alcohol Use
There are a number of different ways that depression and alcohol use can be linked. For some people, drinking may be a way to self-medicate in an attempt to ease the symptoms of depression. Others may drink excessively in an attempt to numb their emotions. And still, others may turn to alcohol as a way to cope with the negative thoughts and feelings associated with depression.
No matter the reason, alcohol use can actually make depression worse. That’s because alcohol is a depressant, which means it can cause the following symptoms:
- Feelings of sadness
- Hopelessness
- Helplessness
- Problems with sleep
- Lack of appetite
- Concentration issues
In addition, alcohol use can increase the risk of developing other mental health disorders.
The Link Between Depression and Drug Use
The link between these two conditions is complex and nuanced. There are a number of different factors that can contribute to both depression and drug use. And the two can have a negative impact on each other.
For many people, drug use is a way to self-medicate. That is, they use drugs or alcohol to try to cope with the symptoms of their depression. Unfortunately, this can lead to a vicious cycle. Addiction may help temporarily relieve the symptoms of depression, but it can also make the symptoms worse in the long run. Additionally, drug use can lead to other problems, such as financial difficulties, relationship problems, and legal problems. In more drastic cases, it can lead to overdose and even death.
The brain changes that occur with depression can make it more difficult to quit using drugs. And, the longer someone uses drugs, the more difficult it can be to quit. That’s why it’s so important to get help if you’re struggling with depression and substance use. A treatment program that includes both mental health and addiction counseling can give you an improved chance of recovery.
Depression and Substance Use Treatment at Skywood Recovery
If you’re struggling with depression and substance use, the professionals at Skywood Recovery can help. We understand the complex relationship between these two disorders, and we can provide you with the treatment you need to recover. Our program includes both mental health and addiction counseling, as well as other evidence-based therapies. We also offer a number of different amenities and activities that can help you relax and rejuvenate.
If you’re ready to get started on your recovery journey, call us today at 269.280.4673.