What to Do About Depression and Substance Abuse

Many people with substance abuse issues don’t realize the adverse effects that drugs and alcohol have on their mental health. They often abuse these addictive substances to feel better. While drugs and alcohol lead people to believe they’re escaping their problems, the opposite is happening. Depression and substance abuse often go hand-in-hand. As one component worsens, so does the other.

The Link Between Addiction and Depression

Whether it’s heroin, cocaine, or prescription painkillers, anyone can fall victim to addiction. For people suffering from depression, the likelihood of developing a substance use disorder is higher.

If you’re depressed, you just want to feel better. You’re tired of that unending cloud of sadness that never seems to lift. Maybe you’ve tried to self-medicate by abusing alcohol or another substance. But it seems your depression is only getting worse.

Depression and substance abuse are closely linked. People with mental health disorders are more likely to abuse drugs and alcohol. As their dependency grows, their mental health declines.

The same can happen to someone who doesn’t start out with a mental health disorder. However, as he or she falls further into substance abuse, the addiction takes a toll on his or her mental state. As he or she continues using in a desperate effort to escape negative feelings, drugs and alcohol only increase the feelings of guilt, sadness, and depression.

What Can You Do About Depression and Substance Abuse?

If you’re dealing with crippling depression along with a substance use disorder, what can you do? Should you see a specialist for addiction or for depression?

You can get treatment for both at the same time, which is the most effective approach. If you’re depressed and dependent on a substance, you need dual diagnosis treatment. This dual approach tackles your mental health issues simultaneously with your addiction issues.

When rehab facilities fail to address both problems at the same time, it often sets people up for relapse. A quality treatment center can treat co-occurring disorders, leading clients to live happier, healthier lives–physically, mentally, and spiritually.

So, what can you do about the depression and substance abuse that is holding you back? You can reach out to a qualified drug rehab facility that will provide a full continuum of care.

Healing Begins Here

Beaches Recovery in Jacksonville, Florida is that rehab. We’re a premier treatment center offering a wide range of programs and activities designed to help you overcome drug and alcohol abuse.

Along with individual therapy that addresses your unique issues and concerns, you can take part in helpful group therapies for depression. You may have felt alone as you battled addiction, but at our facility, you’ll connect with people who understand your struggles.

The addiction treatment programs we offer include:

• Dual diagnosis treatment
• Residential drug rehab
• Outpatient drug rehab
• Anger management
• Family counseling services

You can break the cycle of depression and substance abuse today by reaching out to our experienced staff. Contact Beaches Recovery at 866.605.0532 if you’re ready to transform your life.