Facebook Twitter Instagram Linkedin Tiktok
Rolling Hills Recovery Center combination logo

Our Location

855-559-8550

Get Help Now
Get Help Now
855-559-8550
Rolling hills recovery center combination logo
Take The First Step Now
Contact Us
Check Insurance
Take The First Step Now
Contact Us
Check Insurance

Depression and Addiction Signs, Symptoms and Treatment

  • Reviewed by: Dr. Carl Williams, Ph.D., LCADC
  • Modified:
  • Reading Time: 8 minutes
  • Reviewed by: Dr. Carl Williams, Ph.D., LCADC
  • Last Update:
  • Reading Time: 8 minutes

Discover the intricate connection between depression and addiction, including symptoms, impacts, and treatment strategies for these intertwined conditions.

Start With a Phone Call
Check Insurance
Businessman looks out of the window

Dealing with depression and addiction at the same time can be very challenging as well as disturbing. It is difficult to break this vicious cycle. Treating both conditions occurring at the same time requires proper education and knowledge about rehabilitation.

The term dual-diagnosis or Co-occurring disorder is used by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) when these conditions coincide, i.e., mental illness or substance use disorder (SUD).

What is Depression?

Depression is a common mental illness affecting people’s everyday lives by making them upset and lazy. People with depression may lose interest in daily activities like eating, working, or doing other chores. There are many types of depression, including major depressive disorder, psychotic depression, postpartum depression, etc.

Table of Contents

vase sitting on a glass table with rolling hills recovery center logo on the tv in the background.
Evidence based therapy office at rolling hills recovery center
Longe area with modern sofa at rolling hills recovery center
Levels of Care
Popular Topics
Families & Addiction

Understanding Dual-Diagnosis

Treatment of Dual-Diagnosis

There are various symptoms of depression, including:

  • Feeling upset or sad.

  • Losing interest in hobbies and activities.

  • Constant guilt or worry.

  • Feeling helpless or worthless.

  • Decreased energy of fatigue.

  • Irritability.

  • Difficulty in sleeping or oversleeping.

  • Difficulty in concentrating and remembering.

  • Weight and appetite changes.

  • Being slow and lazy.

If a person has been experiencing these symptoms for the last two weeks or more, they may be suffering from clinical depression. Correct diagnosis, proper treatment, and rehabilitation can help reduce these symptoms and extreme outcomes such as suicidal thoughts.

professional psychological assistance therapist t 2023 11 27 05 11 09 utc

Understanding the Cycle of Drug Addiction

What is Drug Addiction?

 “Addiction is a chronic, relapsing disease of the brain, characterized by compulsive drug-seeking behavior despite adverse consequences,” according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). People with a drug addiction may initially seem to be experimenting with different substances, but later, they find themselves taking them regularly.

With continuous usage, they develop tolerance to the drug. They must increase the dosage every time to get their desired results because of the tolerance. Withdrawal or not taking the drug can cause severe mental and physical symptoms, making them addicted to the drug.

Signs and Symptoms of Drug Addiction

Some of the most common symptoms of drug addiction include the following:

One of the most common symptoms of drug addicts is losing interest in their lives, depression, and lack of energy.

Did You KNow?

Most Major Insurance Will Help Cover the Cost of Treatment
anthem-white
cigna-1
mcr-aetna-white
mcr-beacon-white
med-mutual-white
prc-magellan
TRICARE_Logo_png
Call Today (855) 559-8550
Check Your Coverage
You Could Be Covered
100% for Treatment

Connection Between Depression & Substance Use

How Depression and Drug Addiction Interlink

Depression and drug addiction are linked together because having substance use disorder (SUD) or drug addiction might cause depression or vice versa. Both mental health conditions have similar signs and symptoms like lack of appetite, sleep disturbances, and losing interest in the activities they used to enjoy.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (2007), people with mood or anxiety disorders are twice as likely to be diagnosed with a substance use disorder.

A person who is a drug abuser and taking drugs for a long time can disturb the normal physiological functions and change the workings of certain hormones. This can cause symptoms of grief and may cause depression. Likewise, if a person is depressed, they might start using drugs to minimize the signs of distress and negative thoughts.

Alternative Treatments

It is complex and challenging to deal with depressive episodes or moods of feeling hopelessness and pity for both the family and the patient. Not paying immediate attention or seeking help can enhance both conditions (Depression and Substance use disorder).

The patient has depression and deals with emotional changes. Feeling lonely and isolated from the world later causes severe negative thoughts like suicide.

Did You Know Rolling Hills Recovery Center Has A Dual-Diagnosis Program?

A patient navigator is ready to help. Our team of dedicated professionals are here to help 24 hours a day.

Call (855) 559-8550

Supporting Dual-Diagnosis Patients

How to Deal with Individuals who Have Both Conditions

When dealing with individuals facing both depression and substance use disorders, it’s essential to approach them with a blend of honesty, empathy, and supportiveness to create a positive environment for recovery.

Be honest and polite

You need to be honest about their condition and not give false statements about their problems. Be polite because it is tough for them to cheer up and stop their racing thoughts.

Be empathetic

You need to trust them by being empathetic. Try to observe their condition from their point of view and gain their trust. This will help you bond well with the drug addict or depressive patient.

Don’t criticize

Be nonjudgmental around them. Do not push them into things they don’t want to do. Please don’t point to their lazy and unresponsive behavior.

Get ready to help

Encourage them to seek medical attention and put in efforts to offer any help they need to overcome addiction and depression.

Our Patient Navigators Are Here When You Need Them

Our experienced staff is available 24/7 to answer any questions you may have. Call today and change your tomorrow.

We're Here When You're Ready

Find Out Why We Have a 4.9 Rating on Google

Testimonials & Stories of Hope

First Line of Treatment

Medications

Healthcare providers prescribe certain medications to ease the depressive symptoms first. These antidepressant medicines include Fluoxetine, Citalopram, and Sertraline.

These drugs work on the brain’s chemical imbalances and increase happy hormones like Serotonin and dopamine levels. SSRIs are considered the first line of choice in treating patient depression.

Your Path to Freedom Begins Today

Don't Wait Any Longer. Transform Your Life Today.

Our caring treatment navigators are standing by 24 hours a day, 7 days a week ready to help you or your loved one. When you call Rolling Hills Recovery Center you can trust that you will find the help you need – at no cost or obligation to choose our program. Get started right now.

Call Today (855) 559-8550
Get a Callback Now
Request a Confidential 100% Confidential Callback

We Make Getting Help Easy

Our Simple Admissions Process

Treatment Planning
Assessment

Our clinical and medical teams review your personal history and circumstances in order to determine the best treatment plan based on your needs.

Schedule Admission Date
Intake

During intake you will be asked some more questions about your background & medical history. This allows us to fully formulate your treatment plan.

Tour the Facilities
Personal Tour

One of our caring team members will take you around the clinical facilities and introduce you to the rest of our team and current community. 

Settle In
Unwind & Relax

We know that the first day of treatment can be overwhelming for anyone. We work with you to ensure you ease yourself into the treatment process.

Our Admissions Process

Get the Help You Need Right Now

Request a Confidential Callback

Holistic Approach to Dual-Diagnosis

Integrated Treatment Plan

Co-occurring disorders have two types of issues that need to be treated at the same time. Focusing the treatment on one condition like substance use disorder (SUD) can increase symptoms of mental disorders like depression.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) suggested the integrated treatment plan as a standard of care in treating dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorders (having depression and drug addiction).

The treatment protocols include various strategies like counseling, effective behavioral therapy, and medications.

Were here to help
Need Help Finding Care?

Let us point you in the right direction.

Call (855) 559-8550

Transforming Thoughts & Behaviors

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps the patient change intrusive thoughts and negativity, then promotes positive and rational thinking. The cycle of actions and reactions is based on an individual’s assumption, perception, and concentration.

The cognitive and emotional functioning changes during CBT to help the patient deal with problems effectively and develop healthier relationships. It also helps in reducing cravings for drugs or alcohol.

Get Support

Support Options for Recovery

Many inpatient and outpatient facilities provide care and treatment for individuals dealing with a co-occurring disorder. Many sober living homes are also beneficial to reducing relapse and making life happy and healthy again.

Facebook Linkedin X-twitter Pinterest Instagram

Written By:

Geoffrey Andaria

Geoffrey Andaria mental health writer at rolling hills recovery center
Rolling Hills Recovery Center

Mental Health Writer

About Author:

Geoffrey Andaria is an experienced mental health content writer and editor. With a B.A. in English and Journalism, Geoffrey is highly educated in freelance articles and research. Having taken courses on social work, Geoffrey is adamant about providing valuable and educational information to individuals affected by mental health and the disease of addiction.

Medically Reviewed By:

Dr. Carl Williams Ph.D., LCADC

Carl Williams, medical content reviewer at rolling hills recovery center
Rolling Hills Recovery Center

Expert Contributor

About Reviewer:

Dr. Williams presently serves on the board of Directors for two non-profit service organizations. He holds a Master’s degree in Human Services from Lincoln University, Philadelphia, Pa, and a Ph.D. with a concentration in Clinical Psychology from Union Institute and University. In Cincinnati, Ohio. He is licensed to practice addictions counseling in both New Jersey and Connecticut and has a pending application as a practicing Psychologist in New Jersey.

Start Your Journey

Stay Informed & Up-to-Date

Related Articles & Topics