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Depression and Addiction: Signs, Symptoms and Treatment

  • Reviewed by: Dr. Carl Williams, Ph.D., LCADC
  • Modified:
  • Reading Time: 8 minutes
  • Reviewed by: Dr. Carl Williams, Ph.D., LCADC
  • Last Update:
  • Reading Time: 8 minutes

Discover the intricate connection between depression and addiction, including symptoms, impacts, and treatment strategies for these intertwined conditions.

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Dealing with depression and addiction at the same time can be very challenging as well as disturbing. It is difficult to break this vicious cycle. Treating both conditions occurring at the same time requires proper education and knowledge about rehabilitation.

The term dual-diagnosis or Co-occurring disorder is used by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) when these conditions coincide, i.e., mental illness or substance use disorder (SUD).

What is Depression?

Depression is a common mental illness affecting people’s everyday lives by making them upset and lazy. People with depression may lose interest in daily activities like eating, working, or doing other chores. There are many types of depression, including major depressive disorder, psychotic depression, postpartum depression, etc.

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Families & Addiction

Understanding Dual-Diagnosis

Treatment of Dual-Diagnosis

There are various symptoms of depression, including:

  • Feeling upset or sad.

  • Losing interest in hobbies and activities.

  • Constant guilt or worry.

  • Feeling helpless or worthless.

  • Decreased energy of fatigue.

  • Irritability.

  • Difficulty in sleeping or oversleeping.

  • Difficulty in concentrating and remembering.

  • Weight and appetite changes.

  • Being slow and lazy.

If a person has been experiencing these symptoms for the last two weeks or more, they may be suffering from clinical depression. Correct diagnosis, proper treatment, and rehabilitation can help reduce these symptoms and extreme outcomes such as suicidal thoughts.

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Understanding the Cycle of Drug Addiction

What is Drug Addiction?

 “Addiction is a chronic, relapsing disease of the brain, characterized by compulsive drug-seeking behavior despite adverse consequences,” according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). People with a drug addiction may initially seem to be experimenting with different substances, but later, they find themselves taking them regularly.

With continuous usage, they develop tolerance to the drug. They must increase the dosage every time to get their desired results because of the tolerance. Withdrawal or not taking the drug can cause severe mental and physical symptoms, making them addicted to the drug.

Signs and Symptoms of Drug Addiction

Some of the most common symptoms of drug addiction include the following:

One of the most common symptoms of drug addicts is losing interest in their lives, depression, and lack of energy.

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Connection Between Depression & Substance Use

How Depression and Drug Addiction Interlink

Depression and drug addiction are linked together because having substance use disorder (SUD) or drug addiction might cause depression or vice versa. Both mental health conditions have similar signs and symptoms like lack of appetite, sleep disturbances, and losing interest in the activities they used to enjoy.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (2007), people with mood or anxiety disorders are twice as likely to be diagnosed with a substance use disorder.

A person who is a drug abuser and taking drugs for a long time can disturb the normal physiological functions and change the workings of certain hormones. This can cause symptoms of grief and may cause depression. Likewise, if a person is depressed, they might start using drugs to minimize the signs of distress and negative thoughts.

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It is complex and challenging to deal with depressive episodes or moods of feeling hopelessness and pity for both the family and the patient. Not paying immediate attention or seeking help can enhance both conditions (Depression and Substance use disorder).

The patient has depression and deals with emotional changes. Feeling lonely and isolated from the world later causes severe negative thoughts like suicide.

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Supporting Dual-Diagnosis Patients

How to Deal with Individuals who Have Both Conditions

When dealing with individuals facing both depression and substance use disorders, it’s essential to approach them with a blend of honesty, empathy, and supportiveness to create a positive environment for recovery.

Be honest and polite

You need to be honest about their condition and not give false statements about their problems. Be polite because it is tough for them to cheer up and stop their racing thoughts.

Be empathetic

You need to trust them by being empathetic. Try to observe their condition from their point of view and gain their trust. This will help you bond well with the drug addict or depressive patient.

Don’t criticize

Be nonjudgmental around them. Do not push them into things they don’t want to do. Please don’t point to their lazy and unresponsive behavior.

Get ready to help

Encourage them to seek medical attention and put in efforts to offer any help they need to overcome addiction and depression.

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First Line of Treatment

Medications

Healthcare providers prescribe certain medications to ease the depressive symptoms first. These antidepressant medicines include Fluoxetine, Citalopram, and Sertraline.

These drugs work on the brain’s chemical imbalances and increase happy hormones like Serotonin and dopamine levels. SSRIs are considered the first line of choice in treating patient depression.

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Our clinical and medical teams review your personal history and circumstances in order to determine the best treatment plan based on your needs.

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During intake you will be asked some more questions about your background & medical history. This allows us to fully formulate your treatment plan.

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Holistic Approach to Dual-Diagnosis

Integrated Treatment Plan

Co-occurring disorders have two types of issues that need to be treated at the same time. Focusing the treatment on one condition like substance use disorder (SUD) can increase symptoms of mental disorders like depression.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) suggested the integrated treatment plan as a standard of care in treating dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorders (having depression and drug addiction).

The treatment protocols include various strategies like counseling, effective behavioral therapy, and medications.

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Transforming Thoughts & Behaviors

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps the patient change intrusive thoughts and negativity, then promotes positive and rational thinking. The cycle of actions and reactions is based on an individual’s assumption, perception, and concentration.

The cognitive and emotional functioning changes during CBT to help the patient deal with problems effectively and develop healthier relationships. It also helps in reducing cravings for drugs or alcohol.

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Support Options for Recovery

Many inpatient and outpatient facilities provide care and treatment for individuals dealing with a co-occurring disorder. Many sober living homes are also beneficial to reducing relapse and making life happy and healthy again.

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Written By:

Geoffrey Andaria

Geoffrey Andaria mental health writer at rolling hills recovery center
Rolling Hills Recovery Center

Mental Health Writer

About Author:

Geoffrey Andaria is an experienced mental health content writer and editor. With a B.A. in English and Journalism, Geoffrey is highly educated in freelance articles and research. Having taken courses on social work, Geoffrey is adamant about providing valuable and educational information to individuals affected by mental health and the disease of addiction.

Medically Reviewed By:

Dr. Carl Williams Ph.D., LCADC

Carl Williams, medical content reviewer at rolling hills recovery center
Rolling Hills Recovery Center

Expert Contributor

About Reviewer:

Dr. Williams presently serves on the board of Directors for two non-profit service organizations. He holds a Master’s degree in Human Services from Lincoln University, Philadelphia, Pa, and a Ph.D. with a concentration in Clinical Psychology from Union Institute and University. In Cincinnati, Ohio. He is licensed to practice addictions counseling in both New Jersey and Connecticut and has a pending application as a practicing Psychologist in New Jersey.

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