Addiction and Depression: Getting Help

Photo by Inzmam Khan

Addiction and depression have been going hand in hand for quite some time now. It's hard to get anyone who is addicted and isn’t depressed at the same time — or some point. And today, depression is one of the leading causes of death globally.

One of the main questions that have been asked over the years has been if there’s a correlation between the two. Below is a breakdown of the connection between the two and how a person with a dual diagnosis can be helped.

Understand the Link

If you or your loved one is struggling with depression, it’s essential to understand the link between addiction and depression. Depression can also be a symptom of certain addictions, such as alcohol addiction.

To begin, here’s a look at what addiction is. Addiction is a chronic disease that changes the brain and affects how someone thinks about things like their family, friends, school, or job. It makes them focus on getting drugs or alcohol instead of essential aspects like school or work.

It also causes people to lie about their drug use and not get help for the problem. They want the drug so badly that everything else seems unimportant compared to using it again or even just thinking about it.

People who have an addiction may think they are normal, but they aren’t. In reality, they suffer from an illness that needs treatment to live a healthy life without drugs or alcohol leading every moment of their lives.

Identify Symptoms of Depression

Depression symptoms vary from person to person, but there are common signs that someone is depressed. Some of the most common symptoms include:
 Feelings of sadness, emptiness, hopelessness, or pessimism.
 Decreased energy or fatigue.
 Difficulty concentrating, remembering details, and making decisions.
 Insomnia (difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep) or excessive sleeping.

These are signs that anyone can quickly notice, even in the workplace. The workplace is one of the places where the dual diagnosis of depression and addiction is rampant.

That colleague who has suddenly dropped performance standards may be suffering from depression.

Talking About It Can Help

If someone is suffering from addiction and depression, telling others what’s going on can be hard.

They may feel like disclosing their problems will cause more problems. This is not true. If anything, talking about issues with a friend, family member, or therapist can lead to positive life changes.

Talking about it is also one of the best ways to let people know that they need help and support during this challenging time.

If possible, try finding a therapist working with people suffering from dual diagnosis issues like addiction and depression (or anxiety). A therapist will help guide them through coping with these disorders together.

They have the tools needed to help teach their clients how best to handle each situation they find themselves in. All that while also addressing each disorder separately as needed under one roof without making either one worse than it already was before.

Turn To Loved Ones for Support

A person suffering may have difficulty finding the energy or motivation to do the things they normally enjoy, like socializing. This is one of the best times to ask for help from loved ones.

They should let loved ones know what their support means and how much they mean to them [the affected person]. They might also want to spend some time with their loved ones and talk about their feelings.

Seek A Therapist’s Help

If you or someone you know has depression, it is important to seek help from a licensed therapist who can diagnose and treat mental disorders.

A therapist will be able to explain the connection between addiction and depression. They will also help you understand why you are depressed,
what caused your condition, and how to get treatment.

If possible, get an institution where they can deal with both issues under the same roof.

Get A Physical Exam

A physical examination is a crucial part of diagnosing and treating dual diagnosis. A doctor’s exam can help them determine whether there is a physical cause for your depression, such as high blood pressure or heart disease.

They may also suggest treatment options that could help the
patient feel better while overcoming the addiction to drugs or alcohol.

Reaching out to the right physical exam experts will ensure the process runs smoothly. Most people assume it is all about the psychological exam, but physical exams are crucial. Being in the tip-top physical condition is a sign of an ongoing successful fight against depression and addiction.

Get The Addicted and Depressed Person into A Treatment Program

For a friend who is depressed or addicted to a substance, there are many ways to help them find the treatment they need.
 Encourage the friend to seek help by starting the conversation with “I’m concerned about you.”

If they deny that they need help, offer support and tell them that getting treatment is crucial. If they agree, encourage them by saying things like: “We’ll figure out what’s going on together.”

When talking about addiction, be honest and compassionate about what it means for someone who has lost control. Letting go of this control is scary for anyone and can sometimes lead to feelings of shame or embarrassment.

This is due to personal failures in managing oneself well enough not to let those kinds of problems occur in the first place.

Judgmental language should be avoided when talking about addiction issues because it will only cause a further disconnection between the person trying to help and whoever needs help for their addiction problem.

Instead, use supportive language that emphasizes empathy for what happened without pointing fingers at anyone specifically.

Depression Can Be Dangerous When Not Treated

Depression is a severe illness that can be dangerous if not treated. Depression is not a weakness, and it does not mean the ones suffering are weak or flawed.

The stigma surrounding mental health often prevents people from seeking help, which can worsen the condition. If you suffer from depression and addiction, you’re not alone; around 7.9 million Americans have dual diagnosis.