Taking a new medication can be scary. There are so many potential side effects that the commercials depict.  Add to the fact that there may have been a co-occurring addiction to alcohol or drugs, and they become even scarier. In addiction, we get in the habit of allowing our substance to become our only focus: Our world. The drug or alcohol becomes more important than work, hygiene, eating, drinking water, socializing, and school. Some of us even started our addiction by taking prescribed medications in a proper manner until that medication no longer helped. Taking another medication, even if it is prescribed to us, can be terrifying. We do not want to be stuck in a similar situation.

What Is Depression and How do Doctors Treat It?

Depression can also affect our important realms of life, pushing them to the backburner. It changes our cognitions and our emotional state. There are different forms of depression and it is important to check with a trained professional to get a correct diagnosis. Some common symptoms of depression to look for include:

  • Constantly feeling down, nervous, or hollow
  • A negative frame of mind or desperation
  • Touchiness and tiredness
  • Self-blame, insignificance, or powerlessness
  • No longer wanting to partake in pastimes
  • Less energy and being slower physically
  • Difficulty staying still, focusing, with memory, or with decision making
  • Trouble slumbering: Too much or not enough
  • Alterations with hunger or weight
  • Suicidal ideation or efforts, and
  • Physical health issues that do not have a root cause or a treatable diagnosis.

9 Alternatives to AntidepressantsThese symptoms can be caused due to many factors including:

  • Your own, or family history, of depression: Genetic reasons,
  • Key alterations within your life, trauma, or anxiety
  • Interactions with medications or physical health symptoms,
  • And drug or alcohol use.

Many doctors will encourage beginning a prescribed antibiotic such as SSRIs or SSNIs. These medications tend to take at least 2-4 weeks to see any improvement. At times, stopping the anti-depressants can lead to a full-fledged depressive attack. Ceasing use fully at once can even lead to withdrawal symptoms.

Alternatives to Prescriptions to Aid in Depressive Symptoms

There are always other options for coping with depression. Some of these include:

  • Natural supplements. These include SAMe, St. John’s wort, and Omega-3 supplements.
  • It’s important to find a counselor that fits your needs. There are many options behind talk therapy falling under many different theories and techniques.
  • Electroconvulsive therapy happens over many sessions, often three times per week over a two to four-week period.
  • Find a support system. This can be friends, family, or even a support group for those who have been diagnosed with depression. Do not detach socially leaving yourself without a support network.
  • Endorphins can produce a natural high.
  • Understanding your disorder can help you to better cope with its symptoms.
  • Make pro and con lists prior to deciding. Acting on impulse can leave us feeling worse about our choices.
  • Allow your goals to be realistic. Have expectations for yourself that match what can realistically occur.
  • Work on delaying immediate gratification. This is true for both depression and addiction. Nothing happens overnight!

A Place to Help Addictive Behaviors

It is important to get a handle on co-occurring disorders, especially when it comes to substance abuse and depression. Aid for both may not happen in the same place. A great option to help with ceasing use of opioids, cannabis, alcohol, or other addictive substances is Discovery Place in Burns, Tennessee. We have over 4000 recovery alumni who have benefited from our alternative rehab. Are you ready for recovery? Call 1-800-725-0922 today to directly speak with one of our recovery guides!

Testimonials

  • Discovery Place was the answer for my son. He did the 90 day and then the step down program and sober living. We give this organization 10 stars. They met my son where he was …emotionally, mentally, physically. They helped him put his life back on track. Discovery Place employees care about their guests. If your son, brother, nephew, grandson or husband needs excellent supportive care THIS is indeed the facility.

    Kim Morton
    Alumni Parent
  • I have remained sober and it is because of DP. DP is the best place there is, hands down. I keep everyone there in my prayers, and I encourage everyone there to take what they are practicing and do it in their lives, after.

    Roy Mantelli
    Alumni
  • Over the past year, I’ve been putting into actin what Discovery Place taught me, and I have experienced a complete perspective change of the world, and the people in it. I get to be a man of service and love today, and for that I am grateful to Discovery Place.

    Matt Kassay
    Alumni
  • Discovery Place means the world to me. They showed me the tools that I’ve tried to use everyday in my life to think less often of myself, and more frequently of others. I am learning to lend a hand when I am able and to have a honest and humble relationship with God and the people around me. Not only am I clean and sober, but also I am happy and fulfilled.

    Tommy Parker
    Alumni
  • Discovery Place and the men who work there made recovery attractive, and more importantly, fun. There is strength in the struggle. I am forever grateful for my time at Discovery Place.

    Creed McClellan
    Alumni
  • When I got to Discovery Place my whole life was in shambles, but I didn’t know it. I spent 6 months in their programs, participating in all three phases, and was met with kindness and love all along the way. It is unbelievable to me, where I am now relative to where I was when I arrived at DP.

    Lance Duke
    Alumni
  • I can never say enough good things about Discovery Place and the people who work there. Before checking in to DP, I was out of options and out of answers. Fortunately, Discovery Place has a solution. Taking suggestions from the staff at DP saved my life, and as a result, I’m now more content and hopeful about life. I’m grateful for Discovery Place showing me how to live a healthy life so that I can become a better man and help the next guy.”

    Tyler Buckingham
    Alumni

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