Do you have a family member who has turned to drugs or alcohol to manage their depression? Or do you abuse drugs and alcohol due to feeling severely depressed? It is very common for someone with a substance abuse problem to also have another mental health condition such as depression.
One study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that more than 53 percent of people addicted to drugs also suffered from a mental health disorder. In addition, about one-third of all clinically depressed patients have abused drugs or alcohol.
If your family member needs help to overcome their substance abuse and mental health conditions, you will be glad to learn that there are drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers specializing in co-occurring disorders.
In fact, when addressing and treating both depression and alcohol or drug abuse at the same time, patients tend to have higher success rates. A dual diagnosis rehabilitation facility can help ensure you or your family member obtains long-term recovery from their depression and substance abuse.
Receiving Treatment for Depression and Substance Abuse
Once you have decided to attend therapy at a drug rehabilitation center, the first step in the process of recovery is to undergo a complete psychiatric assessment. While depression can be a very debilitating condition, it is also quite treatable. The most effective treatments for this disorder include:
- Antidepressant medication
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Trauma therapy
- Motivational interviews
- Family systems therapy
When it comes to antidepressant medications, some of the most common types you may be prescribed include Zoloft and Prozac. Such medication will fix the chemical imbalances in your brain. Cognitive behavioral therapy works to identify negative thoughts and change self-defeating ideas to more positive messages.
Trauma therapy looks to resolve old sources of pain and difficult memories that patients with depression may have. Motivational interviewing involves a more direct and collaborative approach with a therapist where the patient receives positive and encouraging feedback. This helps patients maintain their motivation for longer periods.
Family therapy involves treating a patient’s family members as one unit in which the depression and substance abuse problems are treated as part of the entire household. This type of therapy includes improving communication between family members and creating a home environment that sustains sobriety.
If you are ready to obtain treatment for both your depression and substance abuse problems, we can help. Our counselors are available 24 hours per day. Call 833-610-1174