Light Therapy for Depression Is Easy in Florida

Addiction is a complicated disease. It has physical and mental aspects that have to be addressed together or an individual struggling with addiction will likely have an extremely difficult time making a lasting recovery. When it comes to addiction’s mental or emotional aspects, many individuals have a difficult time maintaining positive mental health during the winter months when sunlight is scarce. One form of treatment that has been shown to help those struggling with addiction and those looking to improve their mental health is light therapy. At Beaches Recovery in Florida, our location alone provides ample opportunity to participate in light therapy. Our counselors and therapists can guide you through the programs we offer to help.

About Light Therapy for Depression

At a progressive rehab center like Beaches Recovery in Jacksonville, Florida, dual diagnosis treatment has become a popular treatment modality. The function of this kind of treatment is to simultaneously address a patient’s addiction issues along with any psychological issues that may be playing a part in the addiction. Often, individuals who abuse drugs or alcohol do so because they are struggling with an underlying mental health issue like depression or some anxiety disorder. Individuals turn to substances to self-medicate. While they may find temporary relief, using substances, drugs, and alcohol abuse only worsens the underlying mental health issue. At the same time, this kind of substance abuse greatly increases the risk of developing an addiction.

Depression is certainly one of the most prevalent psychological disorders. One form of depression is a seasonal affective disorder or SAD. Sometimes called the ‘winter blues,’ seasonal affective disorder occurs when individuals are unable to experience the necessary exposure they need to sunlight. During the winter months, days are shorter, and the weather is often overcast. This limited exposure to light can increase the risk of developing depression in some people. It causes them to feel lethargic or unenergized and can grow to make individuals feel helpless and hopeless. Thus, phototherapy or light therapy is an effective way to treat the condition. Here, in conjunction with talk therapy, individuals are exposed to light that simulates natural light, helping them reduce their depression.

Is Light Therapy for Depression Important?

The reality is that any treatment given for addiction without addressing possible psychological issues is fruitless. Addiction is a behavior. If something within the addicted person’s make-up is driving their behavior, the counselor or therapist should address that to give the patient a fair chance at addiction recovery.

Depression is an innate sadness that tends to drain a person’s motivation to enjoy life. People generally use alcohol and narcotics as a way to avoid those feelings. If a patient goes through addiction treatment without addressing their depression, it makes sense that as soon as the depression reappears, they may seek out the same relief they found before in their addiction.

Addressing Depression Issues at Beaches Recovery

At Beaches Recovery treatment center, we employ a comprehensive list of treatment options. Along with modern forms of outpatient and inpatient treatment, we also use dual diagnosis treatment to treat addiction, depression, and anxiety. By understanding how depression affects drug use, the patient can use that awareness as a coping tool. Hopefully, they will also follow up with a psychologist for in-depth depression treatment. Other things to know about our services include:

• Joint Commission accredited
• Some health insurance coverage
• Partial hospitalization program
• Residential drug rehab
• Aftercare programs
• Detox programs

If you feel you are suffering from co-occurring disorders and want treatment, Beaches Recovery is a great place to start. By calling us at 866.605.0532, or contact us online. You can start your trek on the road to recovery and healthier life.