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.

These 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!