When it comes to determining the cause of a substance abuse disorder, quite often mental conditions are the culprit. Nearly 1/3 of individuals with substance use disorders suffer from mood disorders and/or depression. Individuals that are battling addiction are twice as likely to suffer from anxiety disorders or other types of mood disorders.
Individuals suffering from depression often exert the following symptoms:
- A general lack of interest in activities
- Changes in sleep patterns – could be sleeping too much
- Changes in appetite that can lead to dramatic weight gain or loss
- Feeling overly guilty
- Having very little energy
- Difficulties concentrating
- Having suicidal thoughts
Having depression can lead to an individual increasing the frequency of use or the number of substances they use. If you want to find out whether or not a loved one has a substance abuse disorder (particularly alcohol abuse) that is influenced by their depression, you can ask the following questions:
- Have you had any times when you ended up drinking or using more than you intended?
- Have you tried to stop drinking/using but were unable to?
- Have you spent a lot of time being sick or recovering from drinking/using?
- Have you continued to drink/use even though it has caused problems for your family or friends?
- Have you stopped participating in activities you love so you could drink/use more?
Dealing with mood disorders makes dealing with an addiction as well as recovery all the more challenging. A person with substance abuse and depression is considered having a dual diagnosis. This can be made up of any combination of mental disorder and any type of addiction. Some of the most common mental disorders among addicts are depression, bipolar disorder, and anxiety. Some drug use can aggravate mental conditions and even cause others, like paranoia, to occur. Additionally, drug/alcohol abuse coupled with depression can increase a person’s irritability, energy levels, anxiety, and appetite.
At Asana Recovery, we recognize how important it is for addicts to combine treatment for addiction with counseling and therapy sessions. Not only does this help an addict determine what caused their addiction to begin with, but it helps them learn coping skills, develop their self-esteem, and work toward improving the quality of their life as a whole.
Individuals can participate in individual, peer, or family therapy so they can work by themselves or with others to move forward positively. In addition to tackling mental health conditions through therapy, we offer physical activities, relaxing yoga and meditation, and outdoor activities that can boost the spirit and create a sense of calm and relaxation needed to focus and improve. All of these programs are available during inpatient treatment and offered through outpatient treatment as individuals transition back into their normal lives.
If you or someone you know has a substance abuse disorder and they are battling depression or another mood disorder, it is important to know that they are not alone and help is available. Contact us today at (949) 438-4504 to help improve both of these conditions.
