Depression is as much a symptom of addiction as it is one of withdrawal, yet clinically diagnosed feelings of hopelessness, pessimism, and overwhelming sadness can persist well after the withdrawal or detox period ends. The recovery process is a slow and painful undertaking, and it often has no clear end until you finally achieve a substance-free, happy lifestyle once more. Our long-term drug and alcohol addiction recovery program in Tennessee can help you find a support network that’s dedicated to your bodily well-being so you can get past substance use and focus on your mental health. In the meanwhile, it can be helpful to know why you or an addict you know is depressed, both for the assurance that it’s not that individual’s fault and to know that addiction and depression are medically diagnosable and treatable diseases.
The Causes of Lasting Depression Vary
Depression is prevalent in most addicts and can be caused directly by addiction as well as by unrelated issues (addiction and other causes of depression are correlated, though they do not cause one another in all cases). Many drugs cause depression via physical dependency, which happens once your brain tries to adapt to frequent highs and unusual substance intake by building up chemical tolerance to, and reliance on, the drug you’re abusing. Your brain takes a long time to reacclimate and recover once drugs leave your system, meaning that some level of depression, anxiety, and other mental imbalances is nearly inevitable.
Less physically, the life you lead after drugs might have saddening elements or be unfamiliar to you. You might not have the opportunity to associate with drug-using friends, which, while important to maintaining abstinence, can still be difficult to cope with. The stress of starting new routines, meeting new people, and following through on a recovery plan can also be overwhelming to some, which can cause feelings of anxiety and depression.
Dual Diagnosis Treatment Options for Addicts
As tempting as it is for many addicts, returning to a drug isn’t a viable or healthy way to deal with lasting sadness. Depression doesn’t have a “one size fits all” treatment, especially when it occurs alongside a substance abuse problem of any scope. Finding treatment for addiction can help you work on mental health ailments without distraction, helping you clear the way for a healthier well-being. Chronic depression can also cause physical ailments, various hormonal imbalances, and puts victims at increased risk to contract other diseases, which is all the more reason that seeking medical attention from personal health professionals is essential.
With detox and rehab for your addiction, you can get the treatment you need at Discovery Place’s alternative treatment center. Contact us at 1-615-857-5486 24/7 to learn more about your outlook and talk to a compassionate, experienced professional. Don’t let addiction stop you from chasing the happy, healthy life that you deserve—get help from our treatment & rehab program in Burns, Tennessee today.
