It’s very common for people who struggle with depression to turn to drugs as a way to self-medicate. The other issue is that there are also people who begin to develop symptoms of depression due to their substance use. This is why when you’re seeking treatment for your addiction, it’s important to go to a dual diagnosis facility. Here, depression and drug abuse both receive attention to give you the best chances of staying clean.
Depression and Drug Abuse
How Depression and Drug Abuse Starts
For many people, symptoms of depression develop, and they may not even know what’s happening. It’s common for people to begin experiencing symptoms of depression and feel extremely lost and alone. It’s difficult when you’re struggling and feel like everyone around you is happy and enjoying life while you’re not. Some of the most common symptoms of depression include the following and more:
- Lack of motivation
- Not finding pleasure in things you used to enjoy
- Excessive weight loss or weight loss
- Feelings of hopelessness
- Feelings of emptiness
People turn to drugs to get a feeling, get rid of a feeling, or have an escape, which is why depression and drug abuse go together. Your feelings of emptiness may have you turn to drugs as a way to experience some type of emotions. You may also be someone who doesn’t feel pleasure, so the dopamine you get from drugs is all you know. The issue is that this only leads to more problems, which is why you need depression and anxiety treatment.
Treating Depression and Drug Abuse
If you’re struggling with depression and have an addiction to drugs, dual diagnosis treatment can help. In treatment, you’re going to work with licensed professionals who will assess your depression and find solutions. Working with a therapist will help you get to the source of your depression so you can begin using tools to overcome it. In some situations, there might be non-narcotic depression medications that can help you get to a place where your life begins to improve.
It’s important that the treatment center you go to can treat your depression because it’s hard to stay sober while depressed. Another great aspect of treatment is being in the company of others who are struggling with addiction. While in your depression and addiction, you can feel like nobody understands what you’re going through. Surrounded by your peers, you’ll find the incredible support you need to gain hope that you can recover.
Taking the First Step
Driftwood Recovery is an addiction treatment center that can help you on the road to recovery. If you’re ready to take the first step towards beginning a new chapter in your life, let us help. Our facility sits on 85 acres of land, so we offer you a beautiful setting to focus on yourself and begin recovery. Some of our programs include:
- Family program
- Inpatient rehab
- Intensive outpatient program (IOP)
- 12 Step program
Find out more by calling Driftwood Recovery today at 866-426-4694.