Depression or Addiction; What Came First?

People who are struggling with depression tend to experience circumstances somewhat more profound than mere feelings of sadness. While the feelings associated with depression are indeed related to sadness, clinical depression, also known as Major Depressive Disorder, is far more life-impairing. 

This mental disorder is not just a feeling. It influences mood, behavior, as well as physical functions in the body.

Unfortunately, because there is a stigma surrounding depression and because it is so often mistaken for mere sadness, many people are told to toughen up and get over it. This attitude prevents many people from seeking treatment. Counseling and medication have proven themselves up to the task of eliminating symptoms of depression in most people.

Signs of depression include:

• Feeling sad or annoyed most of the day, every day
• Becoming less interested in hobbies or activities you once took pleasure in
• Sudden weight fluctuations or dramatic changes in appetite
• Insomnia, trouble falling asleep, difficulty waking up in the morning, or wanting to sleep all the time
• Experiencing feelings of restlessness
• Feeling unusually fatigued, noticing a lack of energy of vigor
• Feeling worthless or guilty, often about things that wouldn’t normally make you feel that way.
• Experiencing marked difficulty concentrating, thinking, or making decisions.
• Thinking about harming yourself or committing suicide (suicidal ideation)

Drug addiction usually occurs following a long protracted period of substance abuse. Someone suffering from drug addiction uses drugs or alcohol without feeling in control. 

They may find it difficult to stop using even when they want to quit. This baffling and demoralizing disorder can wreak havoc on a person’s life. Drug and alcohol seeking behavior tends to become prioritized over relationships, work, and even personal health.

Drug addiction, like depression, is highly stigmatized. Many sufferers are told simply to use willpower to drink or take drugs “normally.” The fact is, addiction is a disease and a legitimate mental health disorder. Treating it with willpower alone is a losing battle. 

This is because drug addiction actually hijacks the will by altering the reward centers of the brain, making it all but impossible for the addict to quit on her own for any significant period of time. The best approach is always seeking outside help and support.

Depression is rarely the sole cause of depression, and vice versa. In reality, they usually both influence each other. For instance, someone might find themselves becoming depression due to their drug abuse — and use drugs and alcohol to treat their depression! While this behavior may seem irrational, from the perspective of a hopeless depressive or drug-seeking addict, it makes perfect sense.

The presence of more than one mental health disorder in the same person is often called “comorbidity” by mental health professionals. It is sometimes also referred to as “dual diagnosis.”

Major Depression and Substance Abuse Disorder are often comorbid because they are both triggered by and affect the same area of the brain. The prefrontal cortex is implicated in executive function and has a strong relationship to drug-seeking behavior and depression.

The presence of both disorders makes them significantly more intensive. Most concerningly, drug abuse increases the likelihood of suicidal ideation among patients with depression.

It is of paramount importance that dual diagnosis patients get simultaneous professional treatment for both disorders. People with depression who are simply told to quit drinking may find that their depression worsens without the coping mechanism they were using before. 

Likewise, treating depression without addressing patterns of drug abuse is often useless. For those who are unsure where to start, your primary care doctor can refer you to the services you need.

Treating depression and substance abuse disorder often requires a combination of counseling, medication, and a support group. For many, all of these services and more can be found in an inpatient treatment facility.

Recovering from both depression and substance abuse can be a complex and challenging journey, but at Design for Recovery’s sober living houses in Los Angeles, we offer a supportive and nurturing environment to help individuals overcome their struggles and achieve lasting recovery. Our program is designed to address the underlying causes of both depression and addiction, providing evidence-based therapies, including cognitive-behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy, as well as holistic approaches such as mindfulness and meditation, to help residents manage their symptoms and build a fulfilling life in sobriety. Our experienced staff provides individualized care and support, working closely with each resident to develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to their unique needs and goals. We also offer life skills training, vocational support, and other resources to help residents build a strong foundation for a successful life in recovery. With a focus on community, accountability, and personal growth, our program helps residents develop the skills and tools they need to achieve lasting recovery and build a meaningful life free from depression and addiction. Contact us today to learn more about how our sober living houses in Los Angeles can help you or a loved one on the path to lasting recovery.

Read Further:

Mental Illness and Drug Addiction: Dual Diagnosis