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. For those with depression and other addictions, know that help exists, and you aren’t as trapped as you might think. A compassionate, long-term drug and alcohol addiction recovery program in Tennessee can help you find a support network that’s dedicated to your bodily and mental well being. 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

Why Depression Persists After Drug Addiction

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, yet treatment facilities frequently can and do help. Integrated treatment plans are offered in many facilities, and offer a hybrid recovery plan that includes the essential parts of both detox and psychological counseling, with the aim to treat clinical depression and addiction simultaneously. 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 for your addiction and rehab therapy for any depression, you can get all the treatment you need at Discovery Place’s alternative treatment center. Dual diagnosis can be a deeply personal, confusing challenge for many, but by contacting us at 1-800-725-0922 at any time of day, you can learn more about your outlook and talk to a compassionate, experienced professional. Don’t let depression stop you from chasing the happy, healthy life that you deserve—get help from a treatment & rehab program in Burns, Tennessee today.

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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