Treatment for Depression and Addiction in Southern California
Living with an untreated mental illness or addiction can be very challenging. But experiencing both conditions at the same time can be even more difficult. In some cases, a person who lives with substance abuse or addiction may also experience the symptoms of a mental illness. Without receiving comprehensive treatment for both conditions, long-term recovery is unlikely.
Mental illness is common in the United States. Millions of people experience symptoms of common mental illnesses, such as depression, each year. Although these mental illnesses are common, most people who experience them do not get the treatment they need to manage their symptoms.
Substance abuse and addiction are also common in the United States. These treatable conditions can cause devastating consequences. Like mental illness, most people who live with a substance use disorder do not get the treatment they need to recover from the condition. Studies show that nearly one-third of people who struggle with substance use disorder have a mood disorder such as depression.[1]
Effective treatment for depression and addiction is available to those who need it. If you or someone you love lives with depression and addiction, reach out to the specialists at Arise Treatment Center for information about our dual diagnosis treatment programs in Southern California.
Understanding Depression
Depression is one of the most common forms of mental illness. About 350 million people around the world suffer from depression each year. In the United States, about 7% of the general population will experience a period of depression in a given year–but only half will seek treatment to manage their symptoms.[2]
Depression is not simply feeling sad. It is also different from grief, which occurs after a loss or trauma. Depression is a mental illness that lingers for months or years. While symptoms of depression can sometimes begin after a specific event, it is often difficult to pinpoint the cause of depression.
Symptoms of depression include:
- Feeling low, sad, or empty
- Low self-worth
- Loss of interest in hobbies, relationships, or other pleasurable activities
- Fatigue
- Poor concentration and memory
- Thoughts of dying or preoccupation with death
- Self-harm or suicidal behavior
Depression symptoms can range from mild to severe. This mental illness is believed to be caused by several factors, including differences in a person’s brain structure, neurotransmitter imbalances, genetics, or trauma.
Signs of Addiction
The sooner you get addiction treatment, the better the outcome is likely to be. The first step in recognizing that you need help is identifying you are living with addiction.
Some signs of addiction include:
- Needing more of a substance to get the same effect (tolerance)
- Spending a lot of time and energy getting, using, and recovering from using the substance
- Continuing to use the substance despite negative consequences
- Isolating from others
- Falling behind at work, in school, or your responsibilities at home
- Having an injury or illness related to your substance use
- Experiencing legal or financial trouble because of your substance use
Addiction is a serious and complex condition. Comprehensive treatment can help people manage their symptoms and learn the skills they need to avoid relapse in the future.
How are Depression and Addiction Connected?
Research suggests a clear connection between depression and addiction. Of all the people who seek treatment for addiction, about 20% also meet the criteria for major depression.[1] Addiction and mental health professionals are still working to understand why this link exists. One theory is that people with a mental illness may have differences in their brains that make them more likely to develop an addiction.
People with depression may also use drugs or alcohol to numb or cover up their symptoms. This is called self-medication. When someone uses substances for an extended period, they are at increased risk of developing a dependence on drugs or alcohol.
When a person lives with both depression and addiction, it is called having a dual diagnosis. Both depression and addiction can respond well to treatment. Since depression can impact addiction treatment and vice versa, it is essential to treat both conditions simultaneously for treatment to be effective.
What Happens During Treatment for Depression and Addiction?
Dual diagnosis treatment provides the therapies and supports a person needs to recover from depression and addiction.
Comprehensive addiction treatment programs use a combination of evidence-based and holistic therapies to help people recover from substance abuse. These include:
- Individual therapy
- Group therapy
- Family therapy
- Education
- Skill-building practice
- Medications – in the case of depression, patients may be prescribed antidepressant medications such as SSRIs to treat their symptoms
- Holistic therapies–art, mindfulness practice, music therapy, outdoor recreation, acupuncture, and other practices that can support healing
In a dual-diagnosis treatment program, particular forms of therapy are used to help people manage the symptoms of their mental illness while they undergo addiction treatment. Some common forms of therapy used in a California treatment program for depression and addiction include:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Trauma-informed therapy
- Family systems therapy
- Motivational interviewing
These types of therapy are effective at helping people learn about their depression and understand how to manage their symptoms effectively. These types of therapy complement the addiction treatment program so that people can overcome their depression and addiction simultaneously.
Dual Diagnosis Treatment for Depression and Addiction in California
Arise Treatment Center offers a safe, supportive and peaceful environment with comfortable accommodations where you can focus and begin healing from substance abuse. Through our comprehensive clinical approach to recovery, we will work alongside you to develop a unique treatment plan that is catered to meet your needs.
Reach out to the specialists at Arise Treatment Center today for information about our substance abuse treatment programs.
References: