Depression and Addiction – How Are They Related?

Struggling with a single mental health problem is already challenging, let alone experiencing two of them at the same time. Co-occurring disorders are characterized by the simultaneous presence of two or more mental health or drug use problems in the same individual. When both mental health and drug use issues coexist (e.g., depression and addiction), it means you have a dual diagnosis. Two conditions can exacerbate each other’s symptoms, complicating the treatment. A specialized Boynton Beach rehabilitation center like Bright Futures Treatment Center can help you address both conditions and develop skills and coping mechanisms to successfully manage them lifelong. If you know someone who is dealing with these issues, feel free to send them this post.

What is depression?

Nowadays, this word is very widespread. It appears that an increasing number of people are suffering from this condition. While sadly true, we still need to know the distinction between feeling depressed and having depression. Sadness, irritability, or a general lack of interest in normal activities are all hallmarks of depression. We all feel depressed sometimes, but it doesn’t mean that we suffer from depression. Depression is a severe mental health disease that has far-reaching consequences for a person’s ability to carry out daily tasks. This prevalent mood condition impacts your feelings, thoughts, and actions. Depression can go on for an indefinite amount of time if there is no treatment.

There are multiple variables that might increase one’s vulnerability to developing depression. They can be biological, genetic, environmental, or psychological. Most often, it is caused by outside factors combined with one or more of these variables. In the most severe cases, we most often see significant hurdles in life along with a lack of support and sources of solace. Some medical conditions and pharmaceuticals can also cause depression. Substance abuse addicts are also at a very high risk of developing depression. It’s not unusual to spot signs of depression in people with addiction. Most heavy addicts who are going through heroin rehab in Florida or cocaine rehab are suffering from grave depression.

Types of depression

While the majority thinks of major depressive disorder when speaking of depression, there are several types of this disorder, each with its unique clinical image and specificities that require tailored treatments for those struggling with it.

• Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a mental health condition defined by practically daily (for at least two weeks) gloomy mood, disturbed sleep and eating habits, thoughts of suicide, feelings of guilt, poor energy, and psychomotor agitation.
• Depression may be more severe in those who suffer from persistent depressive disorder (PDD), also known as dysthymia. Specialists diagnose it when depression symptoms persist nearly every day for a period of two years or more. People with PDD may suffer comparable but milder symptoms than those with MDD.
• Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is depression that manifests itself every winter. During the spring and summer, when there is more daylight, this form of depression often lifts.
• When women suffer from serious depression after giving birth, it is called postpartum depression. It may hinder a mother’s ability to take care of herself and her child.
• Depression accompanied by psychotic characteristics is known as manic-depressive depression. It is characterized by a very low mood and other psychotic symptoms, such as delusions and hallucinations.

Regardless of the type of depression you or your loved one is struggling with, when depression and addiction are paired up, the best course of action is getting to addiction treatment in Boynton Beach FL, as soon as possible.

Indications of depression in teenagers and younger adults

Children and adolescents may exhibit some or all of the same symptoms of depression as adults, although there might be notable distinctions. Symptoms of depression in children and teenagers are different from symptoms that occur in older adults. These are the most common indications of depression in teens and young adults.

• Sadness, irritability, clinginess, concern, feeling pain, refusing to go to school
• Negative emotions, anger, poor academic performance, or violent behavior in school
• Feeling worthless, misunderstood, and extremely sensitive
• Substance abuse, excessive eating or sleeping, self-harm
• Loss of interest in normal activities, and avoiding social interaction

There are at least two ways to describe the connection between teenage depression and addiction:

• Mental health problems like depression are among the most common consequences of teen drug abuse.
• Teens who suffer from depression are more likely to misuse this over-the-counter drug, like oxycodone (a common opioid painkiller that one can fairly easily obtain). Fortunately, oxycodone rehab in dual-diagnosis centers can offer the best therapy for depression and addiction.

Signs of depression in older adults

Depression is frequently misdiagnosed in older adults or left untreated. This is because older adults may feel embarrassed to ask for treatment, and they are often better at hiding their symptoms. Some of the signs of depression in older adults may be less noticeable or manifest themselves in a different way.

• Confusing memories or a shift in character
• Soreness or discomfort in the body
• Problems with sleep, hunger, or libido
• Having suicidal thoughts or strong impulses, most often among elderly males
• Substance abuse and self-harm

You should not rely on these symptoms alone, as they can represent some other mental disorders as well. Only a professional can diagnose depression. However, being aware of the signs of depression might help you understand when to seek assistance. If you try taking Adderall on your own to calm your anxiety and depression without consulting a professional, you’ll be risking developing an addiction to it as well. In that case, Adderall addiction rehab in Boynton Beach can help you simultaneously address depression and addiction.

Understanding the connection between depression and substance abuse

As we have stated earlier, addiction and depression often occur together. However, this does not always mean that one causes another. Here are three ways in which mental health issues and drug abuse relate:

• Both illnesses have the same set of risk factors. Substance abuse and mental illness may have many causes, including influences from genetics, the environment, stress, and trauma. Many factors, but mostly genetics, can contribute to an individual’s susceptibility to having a drug use disease.
• Substance abuse disorders may have their roots in mental health issues. Self-medication is a strategy for many people who suffer from mental health conditions like depression. People try to reduce or eliminate their symptoms. Substances may provide temporary relief from depressive symptoms. But long-term usage actually increases depressive symptoms and increases the risk of drug abuse disorder
• Drug and alcohol abuse may exacerbate preexisting mental health conditions. Those who have a genetic predisposition to a mental health issue may have additional negative effects from substance abuse, such as disruptions in their ability to regulate their emotions and resist temptation. One study indicated that the likelihood of developing a major depressive disorder was higher in patients with alcohol addiction. When depression fuels addiction, it is essential to look for addiction treatment for people with depression.

A combination of mental health and drug use disorders can have detrimental effects, regardless of which problem manifests first.  If you know someone who suffers from an addiction problem, try to persuade them to get drug treatment in Florida immediately.

How do co-occurring disorders affect treatment?

Co-occurring disorders might increase the difficulty of treatment. Sometimes, people with co-occurring disorders don’t get the care they need because their treatment demands are too great.  People with co-occurring illnesses, like depression and addiction, are more likely to have more symptoms than individuals with depression alone. Suicidal ideation is much more prevalent in patients with dual diagnoses. People who use heavy drugs like meth or cocaine are particularly susceptible to suicidal ideation. If you are struggling with addiction to meth and suicidal thoughts, you should consider going into meth rehab Florida as soon as possible.

The most successful approach for treating depression and drug use issues simultaneously is called integrated therapy. An integrated approach to treatment implies different approaches, such as talk therapy and medication, used together. This approach to addiction treatment for people with depression gives the best possible outcome for the patient.

What are the most effective therapy types for depression and addiction?

Behavioral therapy is an effective treatment for depression and drug use disorders. Many different types of behavioral therapy, both group and individual, are available.

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a psychotherapeutic approach that has been shown to be useful in treating mental health issues, including depression and addictions, regardless of whether they are standalone diagnoses or co-occurring. This evidence-based approach is often used at crack cocaine rehab centers. It can be effective even in the most severe cases. CBT helps reframe maladaptive patterns of thoughts and beliefs.
• Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) is used to mitigate self-harming behaviors, such as substance abuse and suicidal ideation or attempts. DBT can assist you in striking a delicate equilibrium between change and acceptance.
• Motivational interviewing (MI) is a technique used to increase a person’s level of dedication to making a positive change. When feeling in charge of your own depression and addiction treatment, you are more likely to take charge of the recovery process.

Managing co-occurring disorders with medication

Medication is very effective in treating the symptoms of many mental and drug use disorders, making it a useful tool in the treatment of co-occurring diseases. Addicts should not try to medicate themselves without any professional guidance and monitoring. Or else, they risk developing an addiction to the antidepressants as well. With this in mind, here are some of the most common medications used to battle depression:

• Selective reuptake inhibitors of serotonin, or SSRIs, are a type of antidepressant. Medication of this sort may boost serotonin levels by blocking their reuptake. Because of their low side effect profiles, high levels of safety, and effectiveness, SSRIs are often the first medications doctors will recommend.
• Synergic serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are another kind of drug that can combat depression. They block both serotonin and norepinephrine absorption.
• Bupropion is an antidepressant whose exact mechanism of action is unknown. It appears to be beneficial because it slightly inhibits the reuptake of dopamine and norepinephrine. To help people quit smoking, this drug is also available.

A Few Final Words

The simultaneous occurrence of depression and addiction poses specific challenges for treatment. Still, both conditions can be successfully addressed with the right professional support. You can find experienced and genuinely caring professionals in Florida at the Bright Futures Treatment Center who can guide you on your path to lifelong sobriety and depression management. Call us and get the best possible care for your mental health. 

Additional sources:

https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/nhsr/nhsr213.pdf

https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/major-depression

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4864601/

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0165032719327429

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0165178122003158