Can Depression Cause Addiction?

We all feel sad every now and then. However, sometimes depression can be so severe that it can affect our ability to function. It can make a person unable to get out of bed in the morning, and it can cause physical aches and pain. But can depression cause addiction? Can it be so overbearing that people choose to self-medicate with drugs and alcohol? This article will look at addiction and depression so you can see how the two are linked.

What are the Symptoms of Depression?

Everyone gets depressed occasionally. But certain signs indicate that your depression may be considered a disorder. Here are some symptoms of depression to look out for. 

• Feelings of sadness and hopelessness
• Anger outbursts and feelings of frustration even over small matters
• A loss of interest in the things you once enjoyed
• Difficulty sleeping or sleeping excessively
• Fatigue
• Changes in appetite
• Slowed thinking
• Feelings of guilt and worthlessness
• Difficulty concentrating and making decisions
• Suicidal thoughts and behavior
• Unexplained physical problems like headaches and stomachaches

Different types of depression may produce varying symptoms. These include:

• Major Depressive Disorder is characterized by depression symptoms that last two weeks or more. 
• Bipolar Depression involves periods of soaring highs followed by devastating lows. 
• Persistent Depressive Disorder that’s characterized by symptoms that aren’t as severe as major depression but last two years or more. 
• Prenatal and Postpartum Depression is brought on by hormonal imbalances that occur before and after pregnancy.

Can Depression Cause Addiction Issues?

There is a strong link between addiction and depression. Many people that are depressed don’t reach out for the help they need. They may not think their problem is that bad. They may be afraid of what others will think of them if they admit they have a problem. Or they may not have the time or money to deal with their issues. 

Instead of getting help, they self-medicate with drugs and alcohol. While drugs temporarily relieve symptoms, they worsen them in the long run. The high produced is often followed by a shattering low that increases symptoms of depression. 

Moreover, if a person continues using drugs to treat their symptoms, an addiction will form. They will now have two disorders to deal with: depression and addiction.

Are There Treatment Programs for Addiction and Depression?

The link between depression, and other forms of mental health issues, and addiction is well-known by mental health professionals. Therefore, there are plenty of programs that address both addiction and depression. 

Facilities that target both use a dual diagnosis approach. This involves getting to the root of the issue to determine what’s causing the addictive behavior. Then a therapy plan is worked out that best addresses the patient’s needs. The goal is to target negative thought processes that lead to unhealthy behavior and replace them with a more positive, rational way of thinking.

Dual diagnosis treats addiction and its underlying cause providing the patient with a roadmap towards long-term recovery.

How to Find a Dual Diagnosis Treatment in Southern California

There are plenty of rehabs in Southern California, and many of them offer a dual diagnosis approach. However, not all rehab programs offer dual diagnosis treatment.

It is not enough to just find a place that offers dual diagnosis. You must also ensure the facility offers high-quality care, a comfortable atmosphere, and affordable pricing. This can make your search considerably more complicated. 

You can make things easier on yourself by contacting SoberMind Recovery first. 

SoberMind Recovery Center offers a wide variety of Southern California treatments and combines them into a customized plan, ensuring patients get the care they need. We offer inpatient and outpatient programs, allowing you to choose one that best suits your lifestyle. We take a dual diagnosis approach to help you get and stay sober. 

Depression is difficult to deal with, and it can lead to addiction. SoberMind will provide you with the assistance you need to get a handle on your emotional disorder and overcome your dependency issues. Contact us to get started on the road to happier, healthier living.