The Connection Between Depression & Substance Abuse

Depression is an illness classified by changes in mood, thought, and behavior and this mental health disorder can easily be managed and treated with the proper care.

According to the World Health Organization, more than 300 million people of all ages globally suffer from depression. There is a correlation between depression and substance abuse, and someone suffering from both diseases will have a dual diagnosis. The aspects that contribute to depression can be very similar to the factors of a substance abuse problem, and symptoms of one disease can heighten the symptoms of the other disease that is present. While it is unknown if depression causes substance abuse or vice versa, there is a strong correlation between the two diseases that our mental health program in Boca Raton dives further into.

Someone who has experienced depression in the past, who has also become addicted to drugs or alcohol, should become aware of the warning signs present in everyday life. A drug addiction can increase the frequency of depressive incidents and worsen the symptoms. You may feel severe episodes of depressed mood and lack of interest in any activity. If you are actively seeking treatment for your mental health illness, substance abuse has the ability to disrupt the progress and can cause you to lose hope.

How to Overcome a Dual Diagnosis

While it may seem impossible to treat both a mental health disorder and substance abuse at the same time, there is light at the end of the tunnel. Seeking professional help from a mental health care facility will allow you to effectively manage your dual diagnosis and properly treat the symptoms. Therapists utilize specific therapy methods such as cognitive behavioral therapy, solution focused brief therapy, and reality therapy, combined with medication to treat co-occurring disorders. Each treatment at our mental health program in Boca Raton is tailored towards the individual’s needs.

If you are suffering from depression and substance abuse, contact Banyan Mental Health today. Call us today at 888-280-4763, we can help!