Depression and Addiction: What kind of Treatment Do You Need?

Substance use disorder — whether from alcohol or drugs — can often look like deep depression when in reality it is just severe alcoholism. On the other hand, someone with clinical depression might be self-medicating with alcohol or drugs, which could lead to addiction. It’s critical to find a treatment facility that not only treats both but also specializes in treating depression and addiction.

Renewal Lodge by Burning Tree uses advanced therapy, the 12 Steps and mindfulness training to treat mental health and substance use disorder at the same time.

We help people with addictions and substance use disorders recover. Get mindfulness training and learn the 12 Steps for deeper healing.

Why are You or Your Loved One Having Trouble with Addiction and Depression?

• Depression often comes with heightened emotions that are closely related to addiction and alcohol abuse. Distinguishing the two can be challenging.
• Without the proper treatment plan, you might not be focusing on treating both addiction and depression as needed for recovery.
• Not treating mental health problems and addiction at the same time often leads to relapse.

Contributing Factors to Depression

Genetics

Depression and bipolar disorder tend to run in families. If you have a family history of these disorders, your risk for developing them may be higher than most people. Depression is also more likely if other members of your family — parents, siblings or children — suffer from these disorders.

Brain chemistry

Depression and addiction often seem to go hand in hand.

Research suggests that variations in the genes responsible for producing or regulating key brain chemicals such as serotonin (a neurotransmitter linked to feelings of calm and well-being) may make people more likely to develop both conditions at once.

Low levels of certain brain chemicals can lead to both conditions. Depression may lead to drug use in people who are especially sensitive to the effects of low serotonin levels.

Depression and addiction may also occur together because drugs can raise neurotransmitter levels artificially, which can bring a sense of relief from depression symptoms. Some people with depression might abuse alcohol or other drugs as a form of self-medication.

Impact of Depression on Sobriety

Depression can make recovery more difficult, especially during the first few months after rehab.

It also can influence your long-term recovery if you have major depression.

Depression is a mental health condition that affects different people in varying degrees.

If untreated, depression can be debilitating and make it difficult for someone to carry out their daily responsibilities — including maintaining sobriety.

Depression Should Not Define Your Future

As treatment professionals, we recommend addressing the substance use disorder and treating the underlying mental health conditions at the same time.

Depression can be challenging, but treatment is possible. We offer treatment and therapy for depression and substance use disorder at Renewal Lodge.

Getting Help with Depression and Addiction

Depression is a common co-occurring condition for many people with substance use disorders

It’s critical to find a treatment center that treats both. We at Renewal Lodge have professionals with advanced training in addiction as well as those who specialize in treating mental health conditions like depression throughout the treatment process.