Depression and addiction are two conditions that can affect a person’s physical, emotional, and mental health. Depression is characterized by feelings of sadness or hopelessness, while addiction is a pattern of behavior where an individual becomes dependent on a substance or activity. Although they are different conditions, there is a complex relationship between them. Someone who suffers from depression may turn to drugs or alcohol as a way of coping with their symptoms, while someone who is dealing with an addiction may begin to experience depression due to the effects of their substance abuse.

Peer Mental Wellness offers co-occurring disorders treatment in Santa Ana, CA, that can support those struggling with both depression and addiction. Call 714.844.5473 today to get started.

How Depression and Addicted Are Connected

Depression is a mental illness that can manifest in many ways, including feelings of intense sadness, worthlessness, and emptiness. Addiction is often characterized by an uncontrollable compulsion to use drugs or alcohol as well as difficulty controlling the amount used.

Just a few of the reasons why depression and addiction can be connected include:

• Self-medication – Many people who struggle with depression may turn to drugs or alcohol as a way to cope with their symptoms. Substance abuse can provide temporary relief from feelings of sadness, anxiety, or hopelessness. However, this can eventually lead to addiction and make the underlying mental health condition worse.
• Brain chemistry – Both depression and addiction can negatively affect brain chemistry. Depression can cause a decrease in the levels of certain neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine, which regulate mood and pleasure. Substance abuse can also cause changes in the way the brain functions, leading to an increase in the release of these same neurotransmitters.
• Genetics – Some individuals may be more prone to developing addiction because of genetics. Research has shown that individuals with a family history of addiction or mental health conditions may be at a higher risk of developing both addiction and depression.

While substance abuse and depression are separate conditions, they often feed into one another. Without proper treatment, these two conditions can become intertwined and create a difficult cycle of addiction and depression that’s hard to break.

Treatment for Co-Occurring Depression and Addiction

People who struggle with depression and addiction may benefit from a dual diagnosis treatment program. This is a specialized program that is designed to help individuals who are dealing with both addiction and a mental health condition. Treatment in a dual diagnosis program includes a combination of therapies such as behavioral therapy, medication, and support networks. This type of treatment allows clients to address both their addiction and depression at the same time and can lead to better long-term recovery outcomes.

What Clients Can Expect in a Dual Diagnosis Program

If you decide to seek treatment for co-occurring depression and addiction, you can expect the following:

• A comprehensive evaluation – Before beginning treatment, you will undergo a comprehensive evaluation to determine the severity of your addiction and depression. This evaluation will include a physical exam, a psychiatric evaluation, and drug and alcohol testing.
• Individualized treatment plan – The treatment plan will be tailored specifically to your needs and will address both your addiction and depression.
• Medication – If necessary, you may be prescribed medication to help manage your depression symptoms. This will be done in conjunction with therapy and other treatment methods.
• Therapy – Both group and individual therapy will be a significant part of your treatment. Therapy will allow you to explore the underlying causes of your addiction and depression and develop effective coping strategies.

Seeking help for addiction and depression is an important step towards improved mental health and overall well-being. It can be challenging to overcome these conditions on your own. By seeking help, you can receive the support and resources you need to overcome addiction, manage depression symptoms, and live a fulfilling life.

Call Peer Mental Wellness Today for Co-Occurring Disorders Treatment in Greater Los Angeles

At Peer Mental Wellness, we offer co-occurring disorders treatment in Santa Ana, CA. Our team of trained professionals is committed to helping clients who are struggling with drug or alcohol addiction and depression. We understand the complexity of these two conditions and are here to provide compassionate, individualized care so that you can achieve your recovery goals.

Call 714.844.5473 or reach out online today to get started.