How to Deal with Depression and Substance Abuse

Knowing how to deal with depression when you have a substance abuse problem can be very difficult. For most people who struggle with depression, drugs or alcohol became the only way for them to deal with this feeling of loneliness and sadness. Instead of turning to substance abuse, take part in a depression treatment program.

When symptoms of depression first arise, it can be confusing and scary. Many people don’t know the proper ways to deal with the symptoms. Eventually, having a drink or using a drug when depression hits turns into something that the mind and body rely on. However, the true problem is that this can sink a person further into their depression.

Not Knowing How to Deal with Depression Leads to Addiction

For most people, symptoms of mental illness arise between the ages of 12 and 24. These symptoms can also come later in life but usually include:

• Persistent sadness
• Loss of interest
• Trouble concentrating
• Weight gain or loss
• Irritability or agitation
• Apathy or mood swings
• Social isolation
• Thoughts of suicide or self-harm

Unfortunately, middle school and high school classes don’t teach students how to deal with depression. That means, we still live in a society where mental health disorders are misunderstood. No matter what your age depression can make you feel as though something is wrong with you. Not only do friends, family, and coworkers ask you why you can’t just “cheer up,” but you don’t understand how everyone else can seem so happy while you feel so sad.

One of the primary reasons people turn to drugs or alcohol is to get a feeling of pleasure and relief. This can turn into self-medication on a regular basis.

Substance Abuse Can Cause Depression

As well as depression causing addiction in certain cases, the opposite is true. There are also those who have developed symptoms of depression strictly due to their substance abuse. Mind-altering substances like drugs and alcohol alter brain chemistry. This can create symptoms of depression.

It’s quite common for someone with a drug problem to see a doctor or therapist for symptoms of depression, but they aren’t getting better because he or she continues to abuse drugs or alcohol and not seek substance abuse counseling. Without abstaining from drugs and alcohol, and receiving the correct therapy and medications for depression, little relief will be attained.

In some cases, the mixture of drugs or alcohol with antidepressants can increase depression and may also be a dangerous combination. For example, benzodiazepines are a potential antidepressant, however, mixing them with alcohol can be lethal.

Using Dual Diagnosis Treatment

If you’re struggling with an addiction as well as symptoms of depression, you need to go to a facility that specializes in treating people with a dual diagnosis. A dual diagnosis means you have a mental health disorder as well as a substance abuse problem. Both must be addressed during treatment instead of one versus the other.

Dual diagnosis treatment provides attention to both mental illness and addiction problems during drug rehab. Since symptoms of either condition exacerbate the other, this program helps build coping skills to reduce relapse.

Find Help at Beaches Recovery

Beaches Recovery is located in Jacksonville, Florida, and we’re fully accredited to treat your mental illness as well as your addiction through evidence-based therapy.

Enroll in any of the following levels of care for dual diagnosis treatment in Jacksonville, FL:

• Inpatient drug rehab
• Partial hospitalization program (PHP)
• Intensive outpatient program (IOP)
• Outpatient drug rehab
• Aftercare and alumni programs

Contact Beaches Recovery today to receive addiction treatment and therapy services for mental health and substance use disorders. Call at 866.605.0532 to learn about relief for your depression and addiction.