For many people, depression and addiction happen together. Living with these conditions or taking care of someone who has both can be hard and confusing. The more you learn about how addiction affects depression, though, the better you can seek help for yourself or a family member.
Read on to find out how to help someone with drug addiction and depression. You can also learn where to get effective treatment.
What Is the Link Between Depression and Substance Abuse?
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Addiction – substance use disorder – is a chronic condition that makes people seek and use drugs or alcohol, even when this is causing problems in their lives. It affects the reward center of the brain, causing long-lasting changes.
Depression is a mood disorder that makes people feel sad and lose interest in their usual activities. It changes how you think, feel, and act and can be disruptive in all areas of life.
Depression may also lead to substance use problems. This is known as co-occurring disorder or dual diagnosis. The effects of addiction can hide or worsen the signs of depression.
NIMH (National Institute of Mental Health) says that half of those with addictions also have a mental health condition like depression. Depression can lead people to misuse drugs and alcohol, and addiction can cause depression by changing the brain, making a mental health condition more likely.
Even though substance abuse and depression often happen together, one doesn’t always cause the other. There are several possible reasons for this link, including:
- Substance abuse and brain changes: Substance use can change the brain’s structure and function, making people more likely to develop a mental health condition.
- Self-medication: Some people with mental health conditions may use drugs or alcohol to feel better. However, these substances can make symptoms worse over time.
- Common risk factors: People at higher risk of mental health problems may also be at risk of substance abuse. Shared risk factors include trauma and stress.
How Depression & Addiction Alter Brain Function
Depression and addiction change the way the brain works. Here’s how each one affects the brain:
Depression and the brain
The brain has chemicals called neurotransmitters that help control mood. In depression, these chemicals can be out of balance, making a person feel sad and lose interest in things they used to enjoy. Depression can affect different parts of the brain. For example, the hippocampus, which helps with memory, might shrink. The prefrontal cortex, which helps with decision-making and emotions, can also become less active.
Addiction and the brain
Addiction affects the brain’s reward system. When a person uses drugs or alcohol, it releases a lot of dopamine, a chemical that makes them feel good. Over time, the brain needs more and more of the substance to get the same feeling, often leading to addiction. Addiction can change how the brain looks and works. It can make the brain less able to control impulses and make decisions. This means people might find it hard to stop using drugs or alcohol, even when they want to.
How they work together
When a person has depression, the changes in their brain can make them more likely to develop an addiction. They might use drugs or alcohol to try to feel better, but this can lead to more problems. Addiction can make depression worse. The changes in the brain caused by drugs or alcohol can increase feelings of sadness and hopelessness. Depression and addiction can create a cycle. Depression might lead a person to use substances, and then addiction can make the depression worse, making it even harder to stop using the substance.
With the right support, managing both conditions and improving brain health is possible. Call 855-701-0479 for immediate assistance.
Overlapping Signs of Depression and Addiction
Depression and addiction often share similar signs. This can make it hard to tell them apart. Here are some common signs to watch for:
Signs of depression
- Feeling sad or empty most of the time
- No longer enjoying activities
- Feeling tired and having no energy
- Sleeping problems
- Appetite changes
- Finding it hard to focus
Signs of addiction
- Cravings to use drugs or alcohol
- Finding it hard to stop using substances
- Ignoring school, work, or family duties
- Acting differently
- Needing more of the substance to get the same effect
- Feeling sick when not using the substance
Shared signs
- Not wanting to be around people
- Avoiding social activities
- Sudden changes in mood
- Doing dangerous things
- Drop in personal hygiene
- Having trouble keeping up at home, work, or school
If you or someone you know shows these signs, reach out to a doctor or a mental health professional. They can provide support and treatment to manage both depression and addiction.
3 Ways to Help Someone with Drug Addiction and Depression
Helping someone with both drug addiction and depression can be challenging, but there are effective ways to support them. Here are three ways to help:
1) Encourage them to seek professional help
Encourage your loved one to visit a doctor or a mental health professional. These experts can provide the right diagnosis and create a treatment plan. Suggest seeing a therapist or counselor. Talking to a professional can help them understand their feelings and find ways to cope. Therapists can use methods like CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) to help change negative thoughts and behaviors. Look into rehab programs that treat both addiction and depression. These programs offer a safe place for recovery and have professionals who understand both conditions.
2) Offer emotional support
Be there to listen when they want to talk. Show that you care and understand without judging them. Having someone to listen can make a big difference. Recovery can take time – be patient and understanding, even when things are tough. Remind them you’re there for them no matter what. Help them find activities they enjoy. Doing things they love can boost their mood and provide a break from negative thoughts. Suggest simple activities like walking, drawing, or listening to music.
3) Help create a healthy environment
Help them avoid places, people, or situations that might trigger their substance use. This might mean not keeping alcohol or drugs in the house. Encourage healthy habits like exercise, eating balanced meals, and getting enough sleep. These can help improve their mood and overall health. Help them establish a daily routine. Having a regular schedule can provide structure and make it easier to manage both addiction and depression. Include time for therapy, healthy meals, physical activity, and relaxation. Keep in touch and stay involved in their recovery process. Celebrate their small victories and offer support during setbacks.
Common Treatments for Depression and Substance Abuse
Treating depression and substance abuse together is important because their symptoms often overlap. Here are some common treatments that can help:
Behavioral therapy
CBT is a talk therapy where a mental health professional helps someone learn new ways to handle difficult situations. They work on changing negative thoughts and behaviors. This can help with both depression and substance abuse.
Medications
Doctors may prescribe medications to help with depression. Some common types are SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), SNRIs (serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors), tricyclic antidepressants, and MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors).
Depending on the type of substance a person misuses, doctors may prescribe different medications. Methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone are used to treat opioid addiction. Naltrexone, acamprosate, and disulfiram are used to treat alcohol addiction.
A doctor will create a treatment plan based on personal needs. This plan can include a mix of therapy and medication to address both depression and substance abuse at the same time. Treating both conditions together is often more effective and can help a person recover quicker.
Get Addiction & Mental Health Help & Resources by Calling Addiction Hotline
If you need help with addiction or mental health issues but have no idea where to turn, calling an addiction hotline is a useful first step.
Call Addiction Hotline 24/7 and speak in confidence with a passionate professional ready to answer your queries on substance abuse and treatment.
Hotline staff can help you find detox centers across California to begin your recovery safely and comfortably. They can also connect you with inpatient and outpatient rehabs for ongoing treatment.
Our hotline staff can provide various referrals for those ready to start their recovery journey. Whether you need local support groups, medical detox centers, inpatient rehabs, or outpatient facilities, we’ll connect you with the right options nearby.
Call our recovery experts today at 855-701-0479.
