Substance abuse and depression are often intricately connected. Many drug and alcohol addicts turn to—and ultimately get trapped by—drugs or alcohol when they attempt to self-treat depression. In these cases, depression often sparks substance abuse. On the other hand, some addicts develop depression alongside or in response to their alcohol or drug use. No matter which comes first, substance abuse and depression can feed into one another until both conditions seem far to overwhelming to overcome. If this is the case for you or someone you love, don’t lose hope. A treatment center with dual diagnosis can help you or your loved one find lasting freedom.
Depression
Understanding Depression
Everyone feels down from time to time, but depression describes more than a difficult few days.
Frequently Asked Questions About Depression
Everyone feels down from time to time, but depression describes more than a difficult few days. Clinical depression lasts for two or more weeks, and its symptoms inhibit the individual from functioning normally at work and at home.
Depression is a mental health disorder that affects a person’s body and mind. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, symptoms include:
- Fatigue and decreased energy
- Difficulty concentrating, making decisions, or remembering details
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and/or helplessness
- Feelings of pessimism and/or hopelessness
- Insomnia or excessive sleep
- Irritability and/or restlessness
- Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
- Overeating or loss of appetite
- Digestive problems
- Headaches and/or cramps
- Persistent sadness or anxious feelings
- Suicidal thoughts or attempts
Men and women who suffer from depression are at an increased risk of suicide and substance abuse. Depression also takes a toll on your physical health and can increase one’s risk of heart attack, diabetes, obesity, and more.
The causes and effects of depression and substance abuse are intricately connected. It is impossible to separate the two from one another in order to treat either condition in isolation. Instead, an effective treatment plan will allow for dual diagnosis, recognizing and treating both conditions simultaneously. This approach decreases the likelihood of relapse and helps addicts achieve a positive outcome in treatment.
No, dual diagnosis isn’t only for those struggling with substance abuse. Psychological conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, panic attacks, and phobias can also influence behavioral disorders. If you or a loved one struggles with an eating disorder, sex disorder, gambling addiction, or other impulse control problem, dual diagnosis therapy can be a helpful tool in achieving holistic health.
How Hawaii Island Recovery Can Help You Recover from Depression
Hawaiian Island Recovery offers men and women an opportunity to recover from depression, substance abuse, and behavioral disorders while living on the beautiful island of Hawaii. Our multi-disciplinary, integrative treatment approach allows for accurate assessment, evidence-based therapies, and experiential and holistic therapies, all administered by licensed therapists who are credentialed in their respective specialities.