There are approximately 264 million people in the world that suffer from depression. This is a disease that can lead to death, as it is one of the most isolating disorders in the world. Experts at centers such as https://www.ascendantny.com/ know that because of that isolation, there is a strong link between depression and addiction.
It is estimated that approximately one-third of adults with an addiction will also have clinical depression. An estimated 16.5 percent of those with major recurring depression have an addiction to alcohol, and 18 percent have a drug use disorder. Learn more about the connection between depression and addiction here.
Is it Clinical Depression?
It is important to understand what someone is going through if you think they are addicted to something. You might wonder if you are too. People that are in depression are not very likely to call for help.
If you or someone you love has a substance use disorder, and you are wondering if they are depressed, there are signs to look for.
- Chronic hopelessness
- Weight loss or gain
- Significant appetite changes
- Sleep habits changing
- Crying a lot
- Dizzy spells
- Guilt
- Worthlessness
- Irritability
- Difficulty concentrating
- No interest in hobbies, activities, events
- Suicidal
There are a lot of situational life problems that will happen to someone that has both depression and addiction. They could start as some job dramas and escalate to job losses when the interest to go to work or deal with problems effectively is lost. The same thing happens to relationships, where partnership problems turn into dramatic breakups.
Depression and Addiction
It is very common for depression to lead to addiction. People that are struggling with depression will frequently use alcohol and/or drugs excessively to escape the depth of sadness or apathy in life that is depression. They also don’t want to get help for it.
Among the heaviest feelings in depression are the feelings of shame, guilt, and worthlessness. Many patients with depression just don’t feel worthy enough to make the call seeking help. Support from people that they love that feel safe will help them to get the help they need. It may also even save their lives.
Another scary component of depression and addiction is the cycle of feelings that launches when clients try to go off of the substances on their own. This launches withdrawal cycles that are difficult to deal with on their own. The physical feelings may be unexpected, and this has the potential to trigger many of the guilt and shame feelings that a client with depression is already struggling with.
These feelings are entrenched and need physical treatment in most cases. The depressed person struggles with this in almost everything they do at many points. Remorse and guilt are going to happen whether they take the drugs or not. They feel bad before they use, and use to feel better. Then they feel bad and guilty for using.
It is a dangerous comorbid diagnosis, and the safest thing is for them to seek clinical support.
Get Support for Depression Today
If you or a loved one is suffering from depression, you are not alone. Help is available. At centers like https://www.ascendantny.com/, a comprehensive treatment program can treat all symptoms that come with this disorder. Get help for depression today.