It’s very common for depression and drug abuse to co-occur. Reputable rehab centers provide dual diagnosis treatment to address both mental health conditions and substance use disorders (SUDs) simultaneously. Untreated depression can both trigger and exacerbate an SUD. If you or someone you love is dealing with these co-occurring disorders, consider accessing professional support.
At The Right Step Houston, our trained clinicians provide dual diagnosis treatment for any SUD that co-occurs with any mental health condition. Depression is one of the most prevalent co-occurring disorders with addiction and requires a coordinated approach to successfully address both.
How Do You Know if You’re Struggling With Depression?
Sadness is an emotion, but depression is a diagnosis. Depression is a medical condition that affects how you feel, separate from any sad or painful events that may occur.
Common Types of Depression
Depression invades your thinking and takes over the way a virus or bacteria can take over your physical health. Common types of depression include:
- Major depressive disorder (MDD) – Involving an all-consuming, hopeless mood
- Persistent depressive disorder (PDD) – Lasting two or more years
- Bipolar disorder – Which includes interludes of mania
- Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) – Affecting some people during the low-daylight seasons
- Perinatal depression – Affecting some women during pregnancy (prenatal depression) or after childbirth (postpartum depression)
- Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) – A severe form of premenstrual syndrome
Some people with depression can function day to day, depending on their diagnosis, resources, and support systems. Others struggle to get out of bed, often miss work, or find they can no longer connect with other people.
Common Signs of Depression
Every diagnosis of depression comes with its own particular presentation of symptoms. In general, some of the signs that you may be struggling with a clinical level of depression include:
- Loss of access to pleasure or joy
- Inability to focus
- No interest in activities that once mattered to you
- Feelings of hopelessness
- Persistent exhaustion
- Insomnia or excessive sleep
- Feelings of worthlessness
- Muscle weakness, aches, and pains
- Weight gain or loss
- Thoughts of suicide
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 at 988. Depression makes seemingly simple things feel difficult or even impossible and often feels endless and inevitable—but it isn’t. Help is available.
What Should You Know About Co-Occurring Depression and Drug Abuse?
People in the grip of the disease of depression often turn to drugs or alcohol to help mute their mental health symptoms. This is called self-medicating. Since these substances can’t actually fix or cure depression, people who are suffering often not only continue their abuse but increase their use, hoping more of the drug will finally work. The risk of addiction increases.
For people who struggle with addiction, depression is often a byproduct, meaning substance abuse can trigger depression as often as depression can lead to substance abuse. When the cycle of addiction leads to feelings of helplessness and despair, certain forms of chronic depression can take hold. Depression worsens drug abuse and can lead to addiction and dependence.
Regardless of whether depression or a substance use disorder comes first, professional treatment for these co-occurring disorders is the best way to become healthy and sober.
What Is Dual Diagnosis Treatment?
When someone has co-occurring depression and drug abuse, dual diagnosis treatment is best practice. Dual diagnosis treatment:
- Increases positive long-term outcomes
- Is based on clinical expertise in both disorders
- Is conducted by your treatment team in a synchronous, collaborative approach
- Offers evidence-based therapies and life skills training
- Includes both individual and family therapy
Taking care of your mental health includes addressing your substance use and vice versa. Seeking a dual diagnosis treatment center is an investment in your future.
Connect with The Right Step Houston Today to Begin Dual Diagnosis Treatment
At The Right Step Houston, our experienced and highly trained professional staff is ready to help you with co-occurring depression and addiction. We understand the interconnections between these disorders and how best to treat them together.
The first step toward recovery is the right step. Call today at 1.844.768.0169 or use our online contact form to reach out to us at The Right Step Houston. We’ll walk you through inpatient and outpatient programs to find the best fit for you.