Depression can be a common emotion that people may need to work through with professionals. Unfortunately, many choose to self-medicate by using drugs or alcohol. This may lead to more depressive symptoms, detachment from life activities, and a higher risk of addiction.
If you or a loved one is struggling with drug addiction and depression, whether it is major, acute, or chronic depression, bipolar disorder, postpartum depression, or seasonal affective disorder, The Raleigh House offers hope for recovery.
Signs & Symptoms of Depression
Drug addiction and depression can create a vicious cycle that makes recovery difficult. For example, alcohol is a depressant. The more you drink, the more depressed you may feel. The more depressed you feel, the less likely you will find the will to overcome the need to drink.
The symptoms of depression are varied and sometimes challenging to identify. Common signs of depression include:
- Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” feelings
- Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
- Irritability, restlessness
- Loss of interest in activities or hobbies once pleasurable, including sex
- Fatigue and decreased energy
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering details, and making decisions
- Insomnia, early-morning wakefulness, or excessive sleeping
- Overeating or appetite loss
- Thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts
Causes of Depression
The causes of depression are highly complex and possibly too reticulated to be determined definitively.
This complexity arises from dynamic neurological responses that influence perception, life experiences, genetic factors, physical health, and brain structure, such as the size of the hippocampus. These factors collectively contribute to the development of depression, making it challenging to pinpoint a single definitive cause.
Nevertheless, certain factors can contribute to depression symptoms. These might include the following:
- Chronic stress
- Chronic medical disorders (persistent pain, degenerative illnesses)
- Family history
- Neurotransmitter imbalances
- Misuse of drugs or alcohol
Unfortunately, it is extremely common for those seeking to ease symptoms of depression to engage in self-medicating behaviors with drugs or alcohol. While it is often highly challenging to determine whether depression triggered substance misuse or substance misuse triggered depression, the two compound one another.
Substance use disorder and depression exacerbate one another in several ways. Substance use can alter brain chemistry, leading to changes in mood and behavior that can trigger or worsen depressive symptoms.
Conversely, depression can increase the likelihood of substance use as individuals may turn to drugs or alcohol as a form of self-medication. This cycle of dependence and depression can create a feedback loop, where each condition intensifies the symptoms and challenges of the other, making treatment and recovery more difficult.
Types of Depression Treated
The Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) outlines the following depressive disorder classifications:
Major Depressive Disorder (Clinical Depression)
Major depressive disorder, commonly known as clinical depression, is a condition characterized by enduring emotional malaise, lack of interest in pursuits that once caused happiness, sleep disruptions, and an inability to concentrate or focus.
To be formally diagnosed with major depressive disorder, these symptoms must persist for more than two weeks, although they can be, and often are, episodic. This means that individuals may experience periods of intense depression followed by periods of relative normalcy, making the condition complex and challenging to manage.
Persistent Depressive Disorder
Persistent depressive disorder is a type of mild yet chronic depression that lasts longer than two consecutive years.
Unlike major depressive disorder, which can fluctuate with months-long periods of equilibrium, persistent depressive disorder involves symptoms that are more consistent and unwavering. These symptoms include irritability, disinterest in formerly pleasurable pursuits, sleep disruptions, lack of focus, and low energy.
Due to their persistent nature, these symptoms can often be mistaken for personality traits rather than indicators of an emotional disorder by both sufferers and those around them.
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a more serious type of premenstrual syndrome that can trigger severe physical and emotional symptoms. The emotional symptoms of PMDD include depression, anxiety, loss of focus, anger, sleep disruptions, and mood fluctuations. These symptoms can be debilitating, affecting daily functioning and overall quality of life.
In addition to these emotional symptoms, PMDD also causes significant physical symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, bloating, and breast sensitivity. These physical manifestations can further exacerbate emotional distress, creating a cycle of discomfort and difficulty in managing daily activities.
Rehab for Depression and Addiction
The Raleigh House treats depression as part of our addiction treatment program. Our depression and addiction treatment centers provide a safe container to express emotions, learn coping skills, and increase stress tolerance for healthier mood regulation. The Raleigh House helps clients overcome their depression, achieve a higher level of adaptive functioning, and works to prevent substance abuse relapse.
Features of our drug treatment program include:
- Multiple levels of care – enables clients to heal at their own pace
- High staff-to-client ratio – clients receive greater care and attention
- Strong recovery community –frequent one-on-one therapy and group therapy within a strong cultural and social environment
- Structured Recreation – yoga, boxing, rock climbing, swimming and hiking
- Experiential work – expressive art therapy, trauma release therapy, and cooking lessons
- Work with medical and social detox centers – will transfer to and from if necessary
- Amino acid therapy – can regulate discomfort and cravings during and after the recovery process
Contact The Raleigh House for Depression and Addiction Treatment
If you or a loved one are suffering from drug addiction and depression, you aren’t alone. It can be challenging to understand co-occurring conditions,
Begin to heal at one of our two locations:
- The Ranch at The Raleigh House: With its tranquil setting in the Colorado countryside, The Ranch offers a serene haven for those seeking healing from trauma, mental health conditions, and addiction. Nature-inspired therapies and a loving, supportive community make it the perfect place to find peace and begin a recovery journey.
- The Center for Integrative Behavioral Health: Situated in the vibrant Denver Tech Center, our newest facility is a testament to clinical excellence and exceptional healing for trauma, mental health, and addiction. This inviting space is also thoughtfully designed to provide physical accessibility support, ensuring that everyone can thrive in a beautiful and nurturing environment.
Call us today at 720.891.4657 or contact us online to learn how our treatment programs can help you or someone you love get better.