Depression and Addiction

When someone is battling depression, they may turn to medication, illicit drugs, or alcohol to cope with the symptoms. This is known as self-medication. Instead of developing skills to manage depression, an individual may turn to a mod-altering substance – something that they believe will pull them out of their depression. This is how depression and addiction form a destructive relationship.

Depression can fuel addiction. Every time a person feels down, they form a habit of turning to the bottle or a substance. However, the substance can bring out the depression even more. The vicious cycle eventually spins out of control as the person slowly gets worse, causing them to need depression and addiction treatment in NJ.

Depression and Addiction: Co-Occurring Disorders

Addiction can often seem like an isolated disease. You wake up one day and you suddenly realize that your drinking or drug use has gotten out of control. In the meantime, you may not realize that you have a mental disorder that is fueling your addiction. A co-occurring disorder is a combination of a mental health issue and a dependency on drugs or alcohol.

Co-occurring disorders are common with people who have an addiction. Depression is just one mental health problem that can lead to addiction. Other disorders include: 

• Borderline personality disorder
• ADHD
• Bipolar disorder
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Anxiety disorder
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder

Many of these conditions exhibit similar symptoms and have the same effect on substance abuse. If you are experiencing these conditions or substance abuse, you may want to seek depression and addiction treatment in NJ.

Dual Diagnosis: Treating Depression and Addiction

Dual diagnosis increases your chances of achieving a full recovery. Using a dual diagnosis, a therapist provides a parallel treatment of both your addiction and your mental health condition. Your treatment program may include evidence-based treatment, medication, and holistic therapy to treat both disorders.

Dual diagnosis offers a supportive approach to therapy that promotes personal growth, education, self-confidence, and solutions for recovery. It is an inclusive form of treatment that involves a therapist, family, and a support group. A client engages in both individual and group therapy that is guided by the therapist.

How to Get Help for Depression

Addressing your depression and addiction at the same time can be overwhelming. You may not know where to start. A good first step is to enter detox and get clean. Detox provides a safe and caring environment where you can manage your withdrawal symptoms safely under 24/7 supervision.

A rehab program offers comprehensive inpatient and outpatient treatment for all types of conditions, including depression and addiction. A therapist can work one-on-one with you to guide you through every stage of your rehab, including aftercare. You can get the help you need from trained professionals who understand co-occurring disorders. 

Treatment for Depression and Addiction at Victory Bay

If you are currently suffering from depression and addiction, then you can get the help you need for a full recovery. Victory Bay offers professional treatment for all types of disorders, including depression and addiction. To find out more about our program, feel free to call us at [Direct] today. We can answer your questions and go over your treatment options.