- Feb 10
- Drug Addiction Treatment
If you’ve ever wondered if depression is the source of an addiction for you or a loved one, you’re not alone. Statistics show that drug and alcohol addiction is more prevalent among people with depression. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, people with anxiety disorders are two to three times more likely to have an alcohol or substance abuse disorder at some point in their lives.
How Depression and Addiction Are Related
While alcohol and drug addiction can sometimes cause mental illness, it can also work the other way. Depression can often cause uncomfortable feelings such as isolation, numbness, sadness, hopelessness, digestive disorders and sleep disorders, which can trigger substance use. People suffering from depression may try to self-medicate.
Although every person is different, knowing the statistics can help you understand the correlations between substance use disorders and anxiety or depression. In fact, about one-fifth of all Americans with an anxiety or mood disorder like depression also have a substance use disorder.
How to Help Someone With Drug Addiction and Depression
If someone close to you is struggling with addiction and depression, you may wonder how to help them overcome both. It can be hard to watch someone you love fall victim to an addiction to alleviate feelings of deep sadness. Some actions you can take to help someone with drug addiction and depression include:
- Set boundaries: It’s imperative to set boundaries to ensure you stay healthy. Although you can offer to help your loved one overcome an addiction, it’s important to stand firm and not allow another person to make you feel uncomfortable.
- Show support: A person cannot change unless they want to. The best thing you can do is support them and lend an ear to what they’re going through.
- Intervene: Sometimes, people suffering from both depression and addiction cannot see the consequences of their behavior. As a close friend or family member, it may be time to organize an intervention or help them find a treatment center.
Depression Treatment Options at Gateway
A dual diagnosis is when a person suffers from a substance abuse disorder as well as a co-existing mental illness like depression or anxiety. Both conditions require medical and therapeutical treatment. The danger of a co-occurring disorder is that a person may never get the chance to understand or cope with the trauma that contributed to their disorder.
Individuals suffering from both depression and substance abuse disorders require integrated treatment plans that address their mental health needs as well as their need for detox and recovery. At Gateway, we offer diagnosis services that utilize a variety of therapies to target both aspects of co-occurring disorders.
Start the Path to Recovery Today
Since 1968, Gateway’s mission has been to help patients achieve freedom from addiction and enjoy a new lease on life. We’re the largest treatment provider in the United States specializing in substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health disorders. If you or a loved one is struggling to stay on track with your recovery goals, we’re here to help! Contact Gateway today to learn more.
