This sad man knows that depression and alcohol don't mix well.Patients going into rehab go through an addiction assessment before starting their program. During this exam, many are diagnosed with a two-sided condition of depression and alcohol addiction. This can be startling, as most will learn that they’ve been drinking as a form of medicating their depression. Even more surprising is knowing that by treating both conditions at once, lasting recovery is much more possible.

Depression and Alcohol, Which Comes First

Most people who are alcohol dependent are stuck in a cycle. That cycle is–drinking every night, sobering up, desperately trying to keep life in balance and then drinking too much again. In this cycle, life becomes desperate. Many people who suffer this way wonder how they got there and how they can get out.

What few people with drinking problems realize is that they may have a mental health condition. This condition, often depression, can fuel the onset of heavy drinking. In other cases, depression takes hold after drinking begins. Regardless of which condition is first, both contribute to the endless cycle.

Alcohol is a natural depressant, so that adds to ongoing mental problems. As patients try to use alcohol to self-medicate their condition, they become addicted. This repeating pattern is how depression and alcohol go hand-in-hand.

Because depression and alcohol go hand-in-hand, both conditions must be treated at the same time. This dual diagnosis and treatment for co-occurring conditions is very important. Without treatment for both conditions, the cycle will only start again.

How Depression and Alcohol Addiction Are Treated at the Same Time

For both conditions of depression and drinking to be treated, patients need specialized help. An accredited rehab providing alcohol detox and then dual diagnosis treatment through licensed professionals offers hope through healing.

In a rehab with dual diagnosis care, patients learn about their mental illness. This occurs while they also learn about their addiction. For both conditions, they are provided with support and tools for recovery. Some of these tools include medication, therapy, coping skills, education and a strong network of support.

Therapy is a major component of treatment for both depression and alcohol addiction. In therapy, patients are able to learn more about themselves, how others perceive them and ways to live free of both conditions.

Therapy programs in rehab treating both mental conditions and addiction usually take several forms. These include:

  • Individual counseling, where patients learn more about themselves with self-focus.
  • Group therapy, where peer support improves self-awareness and social skills.
  • Evidence-based therapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and dialectical behavioral therapy.
  • Holistic therapies, including a wide variety of activities like art, music, yoga, meditation, and other practices.
  • Experiential therapies, such as bowling, hiking, fitness and equine therapies.
  • Trauma therapy, such as for PTSD.
  • 12-step program participation.

Through therapies and other forms of treatment, patients can permanently end the cycle of addiction. By healing depression, much of the focus, energy and drive for drinking can diminish.

Beaches Recovery Treats Dual Diagnosis Disorders for Lifelong Recovery

If you suffer from depression and alcohol addiction, you need specialized help to regain control over your life and sobriety. In Jacksonville, Florida, Beaches Recovery provides Joint Commission-accredited dual diagnosis treatment for patients.

Beaches Recovery offers a variety of programs suited to individual patients’ needs. These include:

  • Primary Care
  • Extended Care
  • Transitional Living
  • Outpatient
  • Family Residential
  • Inpatient
  • Intensive Outpatient
  • Partial Hospitalization
  • Outpatient
  • Sober Living

If you or someone you love are ready for lasting recovery from both depression and drinking, Beaches Recovery offers the pathway to that recovery. Call now at 866- 605-0532 for more information about you can help yourself to freedom from addiction.