Millions of Americans live with depression. People living with depression are not reacting to something sad or upsetting; they are unable to regulate their mood because of their condition. When depression hits, it is hard to feel happy, even when positive things happen. Depression can also be a factor in substance abuse because drugs or alcohol can temporarily alleviate symptoms of depression. For people considering getting help from Santé Center for Healing’s mental health services in Texas, it can be worthwhile to learn more about the types of depression treatment, as well as the connection between mood disorders and substance abuse.
Depression and Substance Abuse: What’s the Connection?
Depression is a mood disorder, which means that people living with it have trouble feeling happy or positive even when good things are happening. Depression is a serious mental health condition that has a considerable impact on the lives of people who have it. Several research studies have been done regarding the relationship between mood disorders and substance abuse. There are a few theories about what could be behind that relationship:
- Self-medicating – When the symptoms of depression get overwhelming, people often look for ways to relieve their suffering. Drugs and alcohol can provide temporary relief of symptoms but can also cause many other issues, such as addiction, that complicate matters.
- Neural pathways – Some scientists think that mood disorders like depression and substance use disorders use similar processes in the brain, making people who have a mood disorder more likely to also develop a substance use disorder.
- Genetics – Research has shown that mood disorders and substance use disorders run in families, meaning that there is a genetic component that leaves some people at a higher risk of developing them.
No matter the cause of the link between depression and substance use, finding help for these conditions can promote recovery while managing emotions.
What Is Depression Treatment Like?
Some people can manage their depression with outpatient counseling and medication but, since depression has the potential to be a very serious condition, sometimes more intensive treatment is needed. When a client enters treatment, some of the types of programs are:
- Detox – If the client is dealing with a serious addiction, a detox program may be part of their treatment plan. During detox, clients are given medications and treatments to help them navigate the withdrawal process as safely and comfortably as possible.
- Residential treatment – Clients in a residential treatment program stay at the treatment center full-time while participating in individual counseling, group therapy, and other activities.
- Intensive outpatient program (IOP) – In an IOP, clients receive a similar level of care as in a residential program but do not stay overnight at the treatment center. Instead, clients return to their residences each evening after spending the day at the treatment center.
- Outpatient counseling and support groups – Once a client has completed the more intensive phases of treatment, they may wish to continue participating in outpatient counseling or a support group. For clients dealing with substance abuse, groups like Narcotics or Alcoholics Anonymous can be a good way to stay connected to a recovery-focused community.
Different levels of care offer different types of support during the early recovery journey.
Santé Center for Healing: Help for Healing Depression
For the past 25 years, we have been offering inclusive, comprehensive, and impactful therapy for long-term recovery at our treatment center in Argyle, Texas. Clients receive individualized treatment plans that ensure each person gets the help they need in the best way for them. If you or someone you care about has been struggling with depression and addiction, you don’t have to recover alone. We encourage you to reach out to our caring and compassionate staff today at 866.238.3154. With the right treatment and support, recovery is possible.