How Depression Leads to Substance Abuse

Depression can be scary enough without adding substance abuse into the mix. Unfortunately, depression and substance abuse often go hand-in-hand.

While it can be difficult to deal with depression, people resort to alcohol or drugs in order to cope with their feelings of sadness. The combination leads to a co-occurring disorder. In fact, about 20 percent of those suffering with a mood disorder, like depression, also have substance abuse problems and vice versa.1 But why is depression often a gateway to substance abuse and addiction in the first place?

How Depression Leads to Substance Abuse

Depression and substance abuse are too often linked. Instead of actively seeking depression treatment in Boca like ours, many people choose to cope with their depression on their own. They use drugs and alcohol to self-medicate, escape their troubles, or numb the pain. This method may act as a temporary solution to their problems, giving them a short-lived high, but when you neglect to find professional help with an experienced mental health facility, these problems are not only likely to continue, but they’ll probably get worse in the long run.

While many people turn to alcohol or drugs as an escape when they are feeling down, imagine how tempting it is for people who suffer from depression, who feel down the majority of the time. They become more frequent users of these drugs, and without seeking proper mental health treatment, they will keep suffering from depression. As they continue to self-medicate with drugs, they may develop a substance abuse problem.

Depression and substance abuse also have genetic and neurological factors. When someone has a high risk of depression, they are also likely at risk of developing a substance abuse problem.1 So if someone deals with depression by drinking, they are more likely than the average person to become an alcoholic based purely on their genetics.

Depression and alcohol or drug abuse can be a dangerous combination. Co-occurring disorders, like depression and drug abuse, can be a scary downward spiral, but you are not alone. You should seek immediate help. If you or someone you love is suffering from depression and substance abuse, you need our co-occurring disorder treatment in Boca.

We provide a mental health program tailored to your specific needs to help you battle these disorders. Contact us today at 888-280-4763 to get started on your journey to a better life.

Sources
Anxiety And Depression Association of America – Understanding the Facts- Substance Use Disorders