Depression and Addiction: Finding Help and Support for Dual Diagnosis

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Depression and Addiction: Finding Help and Support for Dual Diagnosis 

 

Depression is a mood disorder that can cause symptoms that are significant enough to impact daily life functioning. When addiction and depression are present in the same person at the same time, these disorders are said to be comorbid, or co-occurring. Depression and addiction commonly co-occur, and each condition can complicate the other.

Comprehending the Complexities of Depression

Many people will experience situational depression due to life circumstances, but the symptoms will often subside over time. Major depressive disorder or clinical depression is a mood disorder that causes a person to be unable to function in their daily life. According to Mayo Clinic, symptoms can include

  • Feelings of sadness
  • Outburts of anger 
  • Loss of interest in tasks that previously brought them pleasure 
  • Lack of energy 
  • Reduced or increased appetite
  • Anxiety 
  • Fixation on negative experiences 
  • Difficulty thinking 
  • Executive dysfunction 
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Physical ailments such as back pain or headaches 
  • Suicidal ideation 

 

Depression can be caused by an imbalance of chemicals called neurotransmitters, which control emotions in the brain. Medical issues, stressful life events, medications, and genetic risk factors contribute to this imbalance, Harvard Health explains.

 

There are a number of different forms of depression, with major depressive disorder and persistent depressive disorder being the most common. Each diagnosis presents in different ways but can present its own set of challenges. 

  • Major depressive disorder: People with this disorder will have at least one depressive episode which will last two weeks or longer. This can occur once or be a recurring experience. 
  • Persistent depressive disorder: Those diagnosed with the persistent depressive disorder experience a consistently low level of depression that may not be as intense as those with MDD. However, the symptoms can be just as debilitating. 
  • Postpartum depression: This effect one in every 9 women who have given birth to a child. This is due to genetics, hormone changes, emotional issues, and the abrupt change experienced with a new child, according to Mayo Clinic. 
  • Bipolar depression: This type of depression is associated with the lows of bipolar disorder. Oftentimes the mania individuals with this disorder experience are followed by a mood swing of depressive symptoms. 
  • Seasonal affective disorder: During the fall and winter, people can experience bouts of depression due to the decreased amount of natural light. When spring and summer arrive, their mood will elevate.
  • Psychotic depression: Hallucinations and delusions accompanied by a major depressive episode are the main characteristics of this disorder. 

The Link Between Depression and Addiction

 

Depression and addiction share common risk factors, including genetics, environmental factors, and brain chemistry. Depression is a risk factor for addiction because people with depression may turn to drugs or alcohol to self-medicate their symptoms. Substance abuse can provide temporary relief from symptoms of depression, but in the long run, it can worsen depression and make it more difficult to treat.

 

People with a lifetime history of depression are around 40 percent more likely to suffer from addiction, while people seeking treatment for a substance use disorder also have a mood disorder co-occurring with their substance use disorder. This can occur since drugs and alcohol can change the chemical makeup of the neurotransmitters leading to difficulties with emotional regulation. 

 

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) lists the following signs and symptoms of addiction:

 

  • Using drugs or alcohol for longer than intended or taking more than intended
  • Taking more drugs or alcohol than before to feel the effects, establishing tolerance
  • Making several attempts to stop using drugs or alcohol that are unsuccessful
  • Spending a lot of time using substances, recovering from them, or determining how and when to get them again
  • Drug and/or alcohol use that interferes with work, school, or home obligations
  • Cravings, or a strong desire, to drink alcohol or use drugs
  • Giving up activities or events that were previously important due to substance use
  • Continuing use despite social or interpersonal issues related to substance abuse
  • Ongoing substance abuse in physically risky situations
  • Knowing that drug or alcohol use is causing physical or emotional issues and using anyway
  • Withdrawal symptoms when drugs or alcohol wear off

 

Addiction can cause negative consequences such as job loss, legal problems, and relationship issues, which can lead to feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness. The two conditions can create a vicious cycle in which depression leads to addiction, which leads to worsened depression, which leads to increased substance use.  This cycle can be difficult to break, but with the right treatment, recovery is possible.

 

Treatment for Co-Occurring Depression and Addiction

Effective treatment for comorbid depression and addiction usually involves an integrated approach that addresses both conditions simultaneously. This approach may include medication, therapy, and support groups.

 

Medications such as antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications can be effective in treating symptoms of depression. In addition, medications such as naltrexone and buprenorphine can be effective in treating addiction by reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms.When considering if medication is right for someone, the physician will go over the side effects and risk factors of each medication. It should also be noted, that medication should be used in combination with therapy and other methods of support. 

 

Therapy can also be an important part of treatment for comorbid depression and addiction. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of therapy that is often used to treat both depression and addiction and helps individuals identify negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to their conditions and learn new coping strategies.

 

Support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) can provide valuable peer support and accountability for people in recovery from addiction. In addition, support groups such as the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) can provide support and education for people with depression and their families. Rehabilitation centers or recovery centers are other options for those it is available. 

The Importance of Support for Co-Occurring Depression and Addiction

During recovery and treatment, having a support system can be essential. Whether that be through family, friends, or support groups, having a community willing to help someone on their path towards recovery can help to avoid feelings of isolation. In 2010 researchers found that “that subjects were 93 percent more likely to be depressed if a person they were directly connected to was depressed.” The company kept during the recovery process and going forward in life can be very impactful on quality of life. 

 

If you or someone you know is struggling with comorbid depression and addiction, it is important to seek help as soon as possible. A mental health professional can provide an accurate diagnosis and recommend the most appropriate treatment for the individual. 

 

It’s also important for those supporting those struggling, to care for themselves. If you find that you are overwhelmed there are family and peer support groups that you can reach out to for support of your own.

 

Resources provided by:

 

Boca Recovery Center is a free web resource and 24/7 helpline that provides information about addiction, pregnancy, eating disorders, and mental health issues.

 

To learn more about depression and mental health, check out their website: https://bocarecoverycenter.com/