Addiction isn’t the only problem that addicts may be wrestling with when they enter rehab. Many also battle the mental disorder of depression. Some people may be clinically depressed and suffer from concurrent disorders upon entering a drug treatment center.
“Mental health disorders and substance abuse commonly go hand in hand. Either disorder can occur first, but often the result of one condition is the development of the other,” notes David Dequa, Program Director of The Discovery House, a residential and outpatient drug and alcohol treatment center in Los Angeles, California. “Someone who suffers from mental illness like depression or an anxiety disorder may over time begin to self-medicate in order to ease their mind. Before long, these individuals begin to depend on the substance in order to manage their mental health disease, and they quickly find themselves addicted.”
Many suffering addicts also experience severe depression as a result of withdrawal from drugs or alcohol. In fact, depression is often a side effect for various addictive substances and can impact the course of recovery if left untreated. By addressing depression in rehab, addiction sufferers can tackle all of their problems at once with the help of trained addiction and mental health specialists.
Addiction and Depression: A Dangerous Combination
Addiction and depression on their own are extremely tough conditions to battle. Even after long periods of remission, these diseases can flair up to detract from the sufferer’s quality of life and overall health. Together, however, these concurrent disorders can double the negative effects the addict must contend with. According to statistics, the suicide risk for addicts who also have clinical depression rises to about 1 in 4 suicides. According to www.Dual Diagnosis.org, women with depression alone face a 1 in 100 risk for attempting suicide; for men, the risk jumps to 7 for every 100 diagnosed with a form of depression. Addiction only increases the suicide risk; however, treatment can significantly reduce these risks and result in a much-improved quality of life.
The Benefits of Treatment
Addiction therapy and psychological treatments for depression are essential. Without treatment, addiction is apt to progress and seriously affect the state of one’s health. Addiction can also worsen depression. Many people who battle depression respond well to pharmaceutical treatments like antidepressants and psychological therapy. Addiction sufferers have many treatment options to consider upon checking into rehab. Although these diseases may never have cures, they can be successfully managed so that they no longer detract from one’s daily well-being.
While intensive treatment is the best place to start for someone battling concurrent disorders, experts say that long-term treatment is ideal for people who suffer from addiction and depression. Studies have shown that long-term treatment is associated with reduced suicide rates and improved quality of life. From support groups to counseling sessions, these therapies can help keep these co-existing disorders in check.
What Happens in Rehab?
Upon entering an addiction treatment facility, each patient is assessed so that a treatment plan can be tailored to their needs.
Adds Dequa, “Our therapists conduct a thorough bio-psych-social assessment on residents before they begin treatment and then design their rehab around the resident’s needs. Those with a dual diagnosis will be enrolled in a treatment plan that will integrate addiction therapy with mental health treatment.”
While there’s no denying that the initial stages of rehab can be a bit of a “culture shock” for patients, caregivers make it a priority to help recovering addicts feel as comfortable as possible.
If you are wrestling depression and addiction, you should remember that you are not alone. Both of these diseases affect millions of Americans and others worldwide. Treatment can help immensely, but you have to seek it out by entering rehab as soon as possible.
Getting Addiction Treatment at The Discovery House
The Discovery House, a fully licensed, Joint Commission-accredited facility located in the San Fernando Valley area of Los Angeles, utilizes a variety of treatment programs that allow each client to receive the individualized care they deserve. The pet friendly Southern California rehab center offers a variety of inpatient and outpatient drug treatment programs to help drug addicts and alcoholics achieve and maintain sobriety.
Each client at The Discovery House receives customized care to end their dependence on prescription drugs, heroin and other opiates and/or alcohol in order to live a clean and sober life. To learn more about The Discovery House or call (855) 203-7930.
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