Depression and Chemical Dependency Treatment
Chemical dependency and depression often go hand in hand. To alleviate the symptoms of depression, many people turn to drugs and alcohol. And unfortunately, the side effects of chemical dependency can aggravate – or even increase – the signs of depression. Thankfully, there are a number of effective treatment solutions to help those suffering from both depression and chemical dependency.
The first step toward getting help is determining if you or a loved one exhibit any – or a combination – of these symptoms.
- Emotional changes. Classic signs of depression include a decrease in participating in previously enjoyable activities. Outgoing people may become reclusive; previously happy people may become short-tempered and irritable.
- Physical changes. Depression and chemical dependency can manifest itself in significant changes in eating and sleeping, such as eating too little and sleeping too much or vice versa. Chronic illness and physical symptoms of withdrawal – such as shaking, nausea, headaches, weight loss or vomiting – can also indicate a depression and chemical dependency problem.
- Behavioral changes. A common behavior of depressed people and those suffering from chemical dependency is to isolate themselves from friends, family and co-workers. They may become increasingly irresponsible – forgetting to pay bills, driving recklessly, missing school or work, or forgetting appointments.
Many depression and chemical dependency treatment models incorporate a mind, body, spirit and emotional component. Depending on the patient, there are a range of programs available to help understand the causes of emotional and behavioral disorders; group sessions; individualized drug treatment; 12-step meetings; specialty addiction groups; and family programs. Strategies may also include cognitive behavioral therapy, integrative therapies or medication management.
If you or a loved one are experiencing depression combined with chemical dependency, a multi-disciplinary team will oversee and evaluate treatment to ensure the most appropriate depression and chemical dependency program.
