table of contents
medical reviewer:
adam swanson, lmft
Treating Depression and Addiction
When a person experiences a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder at the same time, it is called a co-occurring disorder or a dual diagnosis. The 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health found that among adults 18 and older, 32.9% had either a mental illness or a substance use disorder, and 8.4% had both. Two of the most commonly co-occurring mental health conditions are depression and addiction. Despite the frequency of co-occurrence, both depression and addiction are highly treatable. This article will explain these conditions, how they are connected, and how to approach treatment for lasting recovery.
Defining Depression and Addiction
Depression is a mental health disorder that can look different for every person and has surprising staying power. It can leave a person feeling burdened and often takes a lot of joy out of daily life. There are several forms of depression, including major depression and bipolar disorder. The official definition of depression for a clinical diagnosis is “a persistently low or depressed mood and a loss of interest in activities that you used to enjoy. The symptoms must last for at least two weeks to receive a diagnosis.” Symptoms can include:
- Increase or decrease in appetite resulting in weight gain or weight loss
- Trouble sleeping (insomnia) or sleeping too much (hypersomnia)
- Low energy or fatigue
- Feeling worthless, excessively guilty, or having thoughts of death or suicide
Addiction is often marked by compulsive drug or alcohol use despite significant negative consequences. It is a chronic condition that can impact many areas of a person’s life, including mental health, physical health, relationships, and work. In addition to addiction to substances, there are also behavioral addictions, like gambling. Like depression, addiction is treatable.
Depression Comes in Different Forms
There’s more than one type of depressive disorder. Each comes with its own criteria. While only a professional can diagnose depression, it can be helpful to learn about depressive disorders if you believe that you might have one. By learning about depression signs and symptoms, you can identify them in yourself and ask for help. Here are some common forms.
Major depressive disorder is the most well-known and diagnosed form of depression. MDD is characterized by five or more of the following symptoms, lasting for at least two weeks.
- Sleep disturbance.
- Lack of interest or pleasure in activities (things you’d usually enjoy).
- Psychomotor disturbances (e.g., moving more slowly than usual).
- Difficulty concentrating or paying attention.
- Changes in appetite or weight.
- Feeling guilty or worthless.
- Energy changes or fatigue.
- Thoughts of suicide.
- Depressed mood.
At least one symptom has to be either depressed mood or loss of interest or pleasure for a diagnosis to occur.
Persistent depressive disorder, or PDD, isn’t the same as MDD. People with PDD experience chronic, low-level depression that lasts for at least two years. Many people with PDD are high-functioning due to the low-level nature of their symptoms, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t serious.
Leaving PDD untreated means that depression can become more ingrained, potentially making it harder to treat. This can affect your life satisfaction long-term. The good news is that, once it is detected, it can be addressed. People with PDD can and do respond to treatment.
Some people have both PDD and MDD. Sometimes nicknamed double depression, individuals who live with both experience severe depressive episodes seen in MDD at times, but low-level PDD symptoms also affect their daily life outside of these episodes.
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a serious mental health condition that causes depression symptoms during the luteal (premenstrual) phase. It affects up to around 10 percent of people who menstruate. The fact that PMDD is common does not mean that it is something to brush off. A lot of people mistake PMDD for PMS, but it is not the same. During PMDD episodes, individuals report symptoms such as:
- Depression and suicidal thoughts.
- Feeling overwhelmed, tense, or on edge.
- Food cravings, binge eating, or appetite changes.
- Difficulty concentrating or focusing.
- Fatigue and low energy levels.
- Irritability or anger.
- Mood swings.
- Headaches.
- Insomnia.
These differ from person to person. One individual with PMDD might have headaches, for example, but another might not. It can feel like you are a different person for 1-2 weeks out of the month. PMDD can interfere with relationships, work or school, and other parts of life. However, it is treatable, and symptoms can improve.
Seasonal affective disorder is also called MDD with a seasonal pattern. It is a type of depression where symptoms occur on a seasonal basis. For example, a person may experience depressive episodes in the Winter that end when the season is over. This is what most people imagine when they think about seasonal affective disorder. Summer seasonal affective disorder, however, also exists.
Postpartum depression is a form of depression that happens after childbirth. People with postpartum depression often struggle with symptoms, such as:
- Feelings of sadness, worthlessness, hopelessness, or guilt.
- Lack of interest in or feeling anxious around their baby.
- Feeling on edge or worrying excessively.
- Difficulty concentrating or focusing.
- Crying excessively or for no known reason.
- Loss of energy and motivation.
- Appetite changes.
The symptoms you go through aren’t your fault. There are treatments available for postpartum depression.
The Relationship Between Depression and Addiction
Unfortunately, depression and addiction can work together negatively in our lives. One condition can lead to another or make the other condition worse. There are a few ways this can happen.
- Long-term substance use alters brain chemistry by overwhelming the body’s natural pleasure circuits. Substances can trigger an outsized response of dopamine as much as ten times the amount of a natural reward. Altered brain chemistry can lead to intensified symptoms of depression and other mental health conditions.
- People experiencing depression often self-medicate with drugs or alcohol. It is estimated that 21.9% to 24.1% of people experiencing a mood or anxiety disorder self-medicate.
- While the exact cause of depression is unknown, it may be caused by a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors. Traumatic events, significant life changes, family members who have experienced depression, and drug and alcohol use are all likely contributing factors.
Treatment Options for Depression and Addiction at Buddy's Ranch
We all have unique bodies, minds, and life experiences. All of these things can affect the treatment process. The treatment options for depression and addiction at Buddy’s Ranch make it possible for people with diverse needs to get the help they deserve.
Going through drug and alcohol withdrawal is never easy. It can come with mental and physical symptoms. One possible symptom some people go through during drug and alcohol withdrawal is depression. For people with existing depressive disorders, this can be a familiar challenge. It feels very difficult when depression symptoms increase, which can make this already delicate time harder. We provide detox in Northern California, with a qualified treatment team here to support you through the process. Medications and other treatments are used to address physical and emotional symptoms in a safe, supportive environment. Most people are in detox for about 3-10 days, or until they are physically stable.
With depression and substance use disorders alike, you can fall into unhealthy patterns, both behaviorally and thought-wise. The residential addiction treatment program at Buddy’s Ranch helps people create new patterns while receiving extensive therapy tailored to their personal needs. It is highly structured, giving you the chance to focus on your mental health and recovery. People in this program sleep and live on site at our facility for about 30 to 60 days until they are ready for their discharge date. The new routines you establish and the skills you learn can be transferred to your everyday life once it’s over. We will help you make an aftercare plan as you prepare to leave to set you up for success.
In many cases, outpatient drug rehab in Northern California at Buddy’s Ranch is the next step after inpatient treatment. In that case, clients transfer to this program and sleep and live at home while getting therapy at our center throughout the week. However, it can also be a starting level of care for people who do not need the structure of a residential inpatient program when they first enter treatment. Outpatient care is cost-effective and flexible. Many people in outpatient treatment at our Northern California facility work or go to college classes while they are in this type of program.
Telehealth addiction treatment at Buddy’s Ranch is a convenient option for those who do not live near our center, cannot commute to treatment, or prefer it for another reason. People receiving telehealth addiction treatment for substance abuse and depression join sessions over a secure online platform rather than attending therapy face-to-face.
Dual Diagnosis Treatment for Co-Occurring Disorders like Depression and Addiction
This study published by the National Library of Medicine states, “Researchers have made great strides in understanding and treating persons with dual diagnoses…research has demonstrated that dually diagnosed patients have the best treatment outcomes only when both problems are addressed.” Dual diagnosis treatment takes an integrated approach. It usually begins with an assessment and diagnosis of any conditions. Therapy plays an important role, and the three most commonly suggested are:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to identify and reframe negative thought patterns,
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to build emotional regulation and resilience, often with mindfulness activities, and
- Motivational interviewing, an approach that helps participants increase their motivation to change through empathetic and supportive dialogue.
In some cases, medication-assisted treatment (MAT) may be recommended to manage cravings or withdrawal and help stabilize a participant’s mood.
FAQs About Depression and Addiction
Trauma can play a significant role in depression and addiction. Traumatic events such as abuse, neglect, violence, or natural disasters can disrupt a person’s sense of safety and ability to regulate emotions. Trauma often lingers, and if left unaddressed, it can lead to depression and feelings of persistent sadness. As a result, many people turn to drugs or alcohol to self-medicate and seek temporary relief from their emotions. There are a lot of therapies and care options that are trauma-informed, and they are likely to be included in dual diagnosis treatment.
Yes, and they should be treated simultaneously with an integrated approach that recognizes each condition affects the other. Depression can make a person more susceptible to substance use, and addiction can alter the brain’s chemistry, leading to declining emotional health. Together, they can create a negative cycle that feeds each other. The best treatment approach is one that will identify all mental health conditions at play and then work on each of them through therapy and sometimes medication. Treating all conditions simultaneously gives individuals the best opportunity for lasting recovery and improved mental and physical health.
Yes! Recovery from both depression and addiction is absolutely possible. While co-occurring disorders can be challenging, many people achieve long-term, lasting wellness. It’s important to understand there is no quick fix to these challenges, and there will likely be setbacks along the way. However, the right approach combined with support from professionals, peers, family, and friends can make a huge difference in recovery. Many people in recovery find new meaning in their lives, healthier relationships, and a sense of peace and happiness.
Support groups can be very helpful for individuals experiencing depression and addiction. They are a safe, nonjudgmental space to learn from peers who may have had similar experiences. SMART Recovery, Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) all offer focus groups that are peer-based and teach coping strategies and recovery principles. Most groups meet regularly, and building support group meetings into your weekly routine can help you stay motivated and committed to your sobriety and wellness.
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Overcoming Depression and Addiction at Buddy’s Ranch
At Buddy’s Ranch, we specialize in treating co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders with compassion and evidence-based care. Our residential facility offers a supportive environment where individuals can begin to heal. The staff at Buddy’s Ranch is experienced and compassionate and understands the complex relationship between mood disorders and substance use. No matter where you are on your path to recovery, you don’t have to do it alone. Contact us today to learn how our dual diagnosis program can support your recovery.
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