It is estimated that more than 1 in 4 adults with significant mental health issues also has a substance use problem. Mood disorders and addiction are often comorbid, which means they occur together.
Read on to find out more about depression and substance abuse, and their occurrence together.
Depression
Depression is more than just being sad. It’s a mental health condition that requires treatment. If you are experiencing a sad or “down” mood that is lasting an unusually long time and interfering with your activities of daily life or functioning, this might be depression.
Symptoms
Symptoms of depression can look different in different people. For the most part, the symptoms last at least two weeks, and interfere with everyday life. Symptoms can include:
Sad or anxious feelings all the timeIrritability, restlessness, or easily frustratedTrouble falling or staying asleepEarly morning wakening or sleeping too muchLoss of interest in activities previously lovedPhysical ailments that don’t get better with any treatmentTrouble concentrating, remembering, or making decisionsFeeling guilty, worthless, or helplessTiredness, even after sleepingThoughts about suicide or self-harm
Types
Under the umbrella of depression, there are different types of the disorder, although major depressive disorder is the “classic” depression most people think of when they think of the disorder.
Different types of depression can include:
Dysthymia: Also called persistent depressive disorder; a depressed mood for at least two years, may also have episodes of major depression with periods of less severe depressive symptoms Postpartum depression: Major depression during pregnancy or after giving birth can make caring for yourself and your baby difficult. Psychotic depression: This is when severe depression is combined with psychosis. Seasonal affective disorder: The onset of depression occurs during winter, with less sunlight, and typically gets better with spring and longer days. Bipolar disorder: This is a different disorder, but periods of depressive episodes alternate with episodes of mania.
Depression and Addiction
Depression (and other mental health disorders) and addiction can often occur together.
More than 1 in 4 adults with significant mental health disorders also has a substance abuse issue.
Some people may use substances to deal with emotional pain, and others may experience depression due to the neurological effects of substance abuse.
Certain drugs can cause symptoms of depression and other mental health disorders, and some people with mental health disorders will abuse substances to self-medicate. Mood disorders and addiction also have facets of underlying causes, like:
Changes to the brain makeupExposure to traumaGenetic predispositions
Symptoms of Substance Abuse
Symptoms of a substance abuse problem can include:
Alcohol (the most common)MarijuanaMDMA (ecstasy)AmphetaminesCocaine Prescription stimulantsMethamphetaminesSynthetic stimulants (like bath salts)
Changes in attendance and/or performance at work or schoolGetting into trouble moreSudden mood swingsUsing substances in dangerous situations like drivingChanges in eating or sleeping patternsUnexplained changes in personality or behaviorDecline in motivationBeing fearful, paranoid, giddy, or hyperactive for no apparent reasonBloodshot eyesWeight loss/gainUnexplained change in friends or hobbiesUnexplained need for moneyContinued substance use despite negative consequences
Treatment
There are treatments available for depression, substance abuse, and co-existing depression and substance abuse.
Various aspects of treatments often overlap. Treatment can also vary among individuals—there is no “standard” treatment, and the methods can vary depending on the needs of the individual.
Treatment for depression can include:
Medications like antidepressants Psychotherapy Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)
Treatment for substance abuse can include:
Behavioral counselingMedicationEvaluation and treatment for mental health issuesTreatment of withdrawal symptomsLong-term follow-up plan of care to help reduce the risk of relapse
How to Cope
If you’re living with either depression, substance abuse, or both, it can be hard. You aren’t alone, and do not have to cope with these by yourself.
Some practical things you can do to help cope include:
Support groups: There are various support groups like Narcotics Anonymous, Alcoholics Anonymous, depression support groups—your healthcare provider or therapist can help you find these, as well as support groups at hospitals or treatment centers. Don’t isolate yourself: Find people who will support your treatment and/or recovery, whether a friend or family member, neighbor, or teammates. Stay active if possible: Moving your body can help alleviate the symptoms of depression. Be gentle with yourself: Recovery takes time.
When to Talk to Your Healthcare Provider
If you think you might have a substance abuse problem, depression, or any other mental health issue, call your healthcare provider and ask to be seen as soon as possible. Explain briefly what is going on, so they know how important it is. They can connect you with mental health professionals, treatment programs, and support groups in your area.
Summary
Depression and substance abuse often co-occur, because of self-medication, shared root causes, or develop from the other.
For more mental health resources, see this National Helpline Database.
Signs can include:
Losing interest in things that once brought joyUnexplained changes in eating or sleepingChanges in personality
There are treatments available, and many treatment plans aim to address both mood disorders and addiction.
A Word From VeryWell
Depression and substance abuse are challenging when dealing with them individually; when you are living with both conditions, it can be even more so.
There are treatments for both conditions, and you don’t have to do this by yourself. Talk with your healthcare provider about what’s going on. They can help you get started on the path to treatment and recovery.
