How Are Depression and Addiction Connected?

It's not uncommon for people struggling with depression to also struggle with addiction or vice versa. Many individuals with substance use disorder (SUD) and behavioral addiction develop several co-occurring mental health conditions. These co-occurring disorders also sometimes make seeking treatment more challenging. Nevertheless, recovery is never impossible. There may not be an end-all cure for mental health conditions, but people can achieve lasting symptom management from depression and addiction. 

The best defenses against depression and addiction are awareness, education, professional treatment, and support. With these, all things are possible. West Coast Recovery Centers is equipped to treat both SUD and co-occurring mental health conditions. Contact us to learn more about treatment, our programs, and working with us today! 

What Is Depression?

Depression is a mood disorder that influences how someone feels, thinks, and behaves. It's generally characterized by continual sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest in activities. When someone struggles with depression, it can severely impair their ability to function day-to-day, and these symptoms can last all day, every day, for an undetermined time. Diagnoses are typically made when a person experiences symptoms for at least two weeks. Some of these symptoms may include: 

• Feeling sad, anxious, hopeless, or empty 
• Not eating or overeating
• Changes in sleep patterns 
• Weight loss or gain 
• Decreased energy levels 
• Difficulty concentrating 

Of course, there are many other symptoms people experience. However, these symptoms may also vary depending on the type of depression an individual has. Some types of depression recognized in the American Psychiatric Association's (APA's) Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) include: 

• Major depressive disorder (MDD): Also known as clinical depression, this condition causes people to experience intense feelings of sadness or worthlessness for at least two weeks. Symptoms also impair their ability to function well in daily life. 
• Persistent depressive disorder (PDD): Formerly known as dysthymia, this condition is characterized by less severe symptoms that last at least two years.  
• Seasonal affective disorder (SAD): This condition is extremely common and causes depression symptoms during different seasons. For example, symptoms typically begin in the late fall and early winter and lessen with the coming of spring and summer. 
• Psychotic depression: Also known as depression with psychosis, this condition is a more severe form of depression. Individuals struggling with this experience symptoms of psychosis, such as delusions, hallucinations, and paranoia, and often require more intense treatments. 

Despite the daunting nature of these depressive conditions, people can heal. However, it is vital to be aware of these symptoms, mindful of how you're dealing with them, and cautious when it comes to substance use. 

How Does Struggling With Depression Influence Substance Use?

Many individuals struggling with depression are unaware they have it. They'll often turn to substance use or other unhealthy practices to cope. In general, depression can increase the risk of SUD. Although some may perceive substance use as a way to reduce or mask challenging symptoms, alcohol, and other drugs can exacerbate the symptoms of mental health conditions like depression over time. Plus, once someone becomes dependent on substance use, it ultimately means they'll likely require dual diagnosis treatment to recover. 

Additionally, depression and addiction, or SUD, sometimes share underlying causes. That includes genetic factors, changes in brain composition, or early exposure to trauma. Depression also causes more impulsive behavior when under the influence. In any case, we must be mindful of drug or alcohol use when struggling with depression. Though it may help reduce symptoms at the moment, it can ultimately wreak more havoc. 

What Is the Connection Between Depression and Addiction?

While we touched a bit on the influence of substance use on depression, let's try to understand the connection between depression and addiction better. 

Again, depression is common among individuals struggling with SUD or behavioral addictions. Some co-occurring disorders are more common among individuals with addiction. Along with depression, that includes anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and schizophrenia. 

Many professionals strongly believe that at the root of a person's struggle with addiction lies a deeply-rooted trauma. Some also believe this to be true for mental health conditions such as these. 

The connection between depression and addiction is similar to that of other co-occurring disorders, as symptoms of one exacerbate symptoms of the other. If left untreated, this creates a vicious cycle of harm among millions. 

Dual Diagnosis Treatment for Depression and Addiction

As mentioned, the vicious cycle of depression and addiction can sometimes make seeking treatment more challenging and complex. Remember, though, that there's always hope. Dual-diagnosis treatment can help treat your depression and addiction simultaneously.

Treatment for co-occurring disorders at West Coast Recovery Centers looks different for everyone, but the one similarity is that it's possible. If you're struggling with SUD, behavioral addictions, anxiety, or any other co-occurring disorder, we encourage you to seek help. Consult your doctor or a mental health professional, and call or visit our website to learn more about seeking treatment today! 

Depression is one of the most common mental health conditions people experience today. It's also one of the most common conditions people experience alongside those with substance use disorder (SUD) or behavioral addictions. People with depression often turn to substance use or other unhealthy habits as a way to cope with their depression symptoms. While this can sometimes reduce symptoms initially, it can quickly lead to more havoc. The most effective way to heal from depression and addiction is to seek professional mental health and addiction treatment. Doing so can help you learn practical tools to cope with both conditions and live happier. Call (760) 492-6509 to learn more about dual diagnosis treatment at West Coast Recovery Centers today!