Co-occurrence of depression and addiction is common. To find long-term success in recovery, it’s important to focus on healing both conditions at the same time. You can do this through various therapies to help you holistically heal the mind, body, and soul.
The Link Between Depression and Addiction
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), “more than one in four adults living with serious mental health problems also has a substance use problem.” Substance use problems also occur more frequently with certain mental health conditions, including depression.
There are also common risk factors that can lead a person to develop both substance use disorder (SUD) and a mental health condition. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) says there are also “common risk factors” that can “contribute to both SUDs and other mental disorders.” Genetics may play a major role. It’s also possible for environmental factors like stress or trauma to be passed down through generations, leading to the development of co-occurring SUD and mental disorders like depression.
What Came First?
What’s interesting about co-occurring conditions, like addiction and depression, is that this link can go both ways. Sometimes the addiction will come first. Other times a mental illness can lead to addiction. For example, many people who suffer from mental health disorders will begin using substances as a way to self-medicate feelings like stress, sadness, and more.
On the other hand, it’s common for individuals with a substance use disorder (SUD) to develop conditions like depression as a result of their addiction. Struggling with SUD can leave you feeling anxious, guilty, and shameful.
SUD can also cause changes in your brain. According to the United States Department of Justice (DOJ), certain drugs, like MDMA, can produce “long-term deficits in serotonin function in the brain.” This can lead to mental disorders like anxiety and depression.
The Depressing Reality of Addiction
Living with SUD can be a depressing reality in and of itself. Many people find themselves in a position where they can’t hold a job or a healthy relationship. Even in people who don’t have SUD, financial struggles and loneliness can be factors that cause or exacerbate depression.
SUD can also cause you to feel like you have no purpose in life. This can be especially true if the majority of your life revolves around your addiction. To begin healing, it’s important to seek out therapies and tools that will help you find meaning and purpose in your life without substances.
Healing Depression and Addiction
According to the NIMH, when someone has SUD and another mental health disorder, “it is usually better to treat them at the same time rather than separately.” Approaching both and having a holistic plan will give you an optimal chance for healing.
Seeking a treatment program that specializes in co-occurring disorders is crucial. It’s also important to find treatment programs that take your individual experience into account. The trauma-specific program at The Guest House, for example, can help you create an individualized and comprehensive plan that is unique to you.
Modalities for Treatment
Healing depression and addiction together will require a holistic plan for your mind, body, and soul. A mixture of behavioral therapies along with holistic treatments can help you get to the root of your struggles. This holistic approach can also help you stay more focused on your goals and have a more positive outlook.
Psychotherapy and medication-assisted treatment (MAT) are common for co-occurring disorders. They are not for everyone, however. Before making a decision to seek treatment, it’s important to speak to trained professionals who can create a plan that will benefit you most.
Talk Therapy
Tried-and-true talk therapy has long been the go-to method for healing mental health conditions and SUD for good reason. An individual therapist can see your struggles in a different light and lend their experience and expertise to help you heal.
Group therapy can help you interact with others who share similar experiences, allowing you to feel a lot less lonely on your journey of recovery.
Holistic Therapies
Rounding out traditional methods, holistic therapies can bring a whole new dynamic to your healing journey. Practices like somatic therapy and yoga allow you to connect with your body more profoundly. These therapies can also help you release deep-rooted traumas and other stagnant energies that may be standing in the way of your best life.
Meditation and mindfulness are other holistic therapies that can have profound effects on your recovery. These ancient Eastern practices teach you how to stay present in the current moment instead of letting depressive or intrusive thoughts and emotions run the show. These practices can also help you cultivate a deeper sense of self-love and spiritual connection.
This overall approach to healing depression and addiction can go a long way toward helping you overcome your struggles. When you seek the right kind of help, you can find lasting sobriety, peace, and success.
Healing Depression and Addiction at The Guest House
Overcoming co-occurring disorders like addiction and depression can be difficult and even dangerous on your own. It’s important to seek out professional guidance and a program that specializes in these conditions. One example is the program offered at The Guest House.
The Guest House is one of just a few treatment centers in the world with such a strong and unique focus on treating co-occurring disorders. We believe that self-defeating behaviors and mental health concerns are interlinked with underlying causes like trauma. Since these conditions are so closely tied together, it’s crucial to utilize a comprehensive approach when treating them.
Our staff includes trauma-trained mental health counselors and other professionals who are here to guide you through your healing journey every step of the way. At The Guest House, you can find hope in healing, discover fun new activities, and pave the way to a healthy, happy, and peaceful future.
Depression and addiction often go hand in hand. These co-occurring disorders can continue affecting your life until you find the right treatment that will help you achieve your goals. At The Guest House, we specialize in treating co-occurring conditions like depression and addiction. Our trauma-trained clinicians are here to support and guide you every step of the way. We utilize a cutting-edge blend of therapies that will allow you to discover the methods that work best for you. The Guest House will also help you explore fun and innovative practices, activities, and modalities to heal your mind, body, and soul as one. For more information, give us a call today at (855) 483-7800.