In the United States, approximately 20% of people with a mood disorder like depression also suffer from addiction to alcohol or other substances. Known as a dual diagnosis, these co-occurring disorders create a number of unique challenges. If you or a loved one is struggling with these issues, here’s what you should know about the link between them, along with ways to recover. 

What’s the Link Between Depression & Substance Abuse?

About 16.2 million Americans suffer from depression, a serious mood disorder that causes long-lasting sadness. Many suffering from depression also experience anxiety, feelings of worthlessness and helplessness, irritability, loss of interest in activities, and suicidal ideation.

Desperate to get rid of these thoughts and feelings, many people turn to alcohol or other drugs. Although these substances may temporarily numb symptoms, they can ultimately make the disorder worse. For example, because alcohol is a central nervous system depressant, it often creates or exacerbates symptoms like sadness and lethargy and can increase the risk of a suicide attempt.

To reduce these feelings, they may begin using even more alcohol or drugs, developing a substance use disorder. This creates a vicious cycle in which depression and substance abuse feed into each other and make each other worse.

What Are the Treatment Options? 

If an individual with a dual diagnosis only receives treatment for depression, their substance use may impede their progress. Similarly, if a person becomes sober but doesn’t seek help for depression, their symptoms can worsen because they’d previously been numbed by alcohol or other drugs. As such, people suffering from both depression and substance use disorder should receive treatment for both conditions.

Many people find relief by entering in-patient recovery programs that specialize in both conditions. Such programs usually include individual counseling, family counseling, and peer group therapy. These resources help patients develop healthy skills for dealing with negative thoughts and altering addictive behaviors.

After completing a recovery program, patients can maintain their health with outpatient therapy that helps them continue to cope with symptoms. This can be paired with medication such as antidepressants, regular exercise that boosts mood-enhancing brain chemicals, and a healthy diet filled with fruits, vegetables, and other nutritious foods that have a positive effect on mood. 

If you or a loved one is suffering from depression and substance use disorder, turn to the compassionate team at Alleghany Highlands Community Services. Located in Covington, VA, this licensed treatment center has been helping people recover from mental health disorders and substance use disorders since 1983. The experienced team will work with you to develop an individualized treatment plan to help restore peace to your life. They also provide financial assistance for people who qualify based on income and insurance. Learn more about their comprehensive services online, and call (540) 965-2135 to discuss your needs with a caring team member.