The road to recovery from the confines of a depressive or substance use disorder can feel never-ending, but you do not have to face it alone. At Banyan Treatment Centers Chicago, your individual needs are attended to by a team of trained clinical professionals who seek to offer a combination of evidence-based treatment options with compassionate care. We believe in granting people the tools that they need to reclaim control over their lives and break away from the hold that depression and addiction have on them.
The Correlation Between Addiction and Depression
These two illnesses share a complex and interwoven relationship that frequently presents itself as a dual diagnosis in sufferers. One situation can morph into another because many of the symptoms these individuals experience will lead them to seek out alternative management means.
Examples of this relationship include:
- Similar risk factors: These risk factors can include the individual’s past trauma, genetic makeup, and any present chemical imbalances in the brain. A person that experiences one or more of these risk factors may be more susceptible to the development of this co-occurring disorder.
- Self-medication: It is not uncommon for a person living with severe depression to turn to drugs or alcohol to numb the pain they are experiencing. Unfortunately, this momentary relief can easily and quickly escalate into a full-blown addiction, ultimately causing more long-term harm.
- Neurochemical changes: The neurological reward system is deeply impacted by both substance use and depressive disorders. This results in significant changes to the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain, ultimately reinforcing the destructive cycle between these two diseases.
- Co-occurring symptoms: Symptoms of both conditions can include a desire to withdraw socially, a general lack of interest in things once enjoyed, sleeping and eating pattern changes, and intense feelings of hopelessness. This makes it even more difficult to distinguish between the two disorders, further reinforcing the importance of comprehensive treatment.
Simultaneously experiencing depression and addiction can be debilitating and may feel like a horrific cycle with no end in sight. It can also be difficult to see someone endure this. Luckily, there are steps that can be taken to support a loved one struggling with this dual diagnosis.
How to Help Someone With Drug Addiction and Depression
Offering support to someone in this situation requires a great deal of patience and empathy combined with a comprehensive approach. This means that developing a space that is safe and non-judgmental is essential. It offers them the chance to freely explain what they are struggling with instead of worrying about being judged. A strong emphasis should be placed on active listening, healthy and honest communication, and the validation of the sufferer’s fears and experiences.
A crucial component of helping someone in this scenario is to promote healthy coping techniques. Encourage them to consider and choose wholesome substitutes for drug usage. Encourage them to participate in hobbies, physical activity, and quality time with loved ones. Promote self-care activities like healthy eating, adequate sleep, and stress management strategies as well, as these improve general well-being and speed up the healing process.
Another one of the fundamental tactics for providing support is education on the disease itself. This places a greater deal of power back into an equation that can leave people feeling powerless. This can include learning about possible triggers, tactics for preventing relapse, and what treatment options may be best suited to address the situation. We want to encourage struggling individuals to develop healthy coping mechanisms that they can apply in future triggering situations, and one of the best means of accomplishing this is through a specialized dual-diagnosis treatment program.
Depression and Addiction Recovery at Our Illinois Drug Rehab
For those ready to make important and beneficial changes in their life, our Chicago addiction treatment center is here to offer the support they need. Our facility is equipped with a variety of care levels which ensure each patient that walks through our doors gets the most effective treatment for their individual needs. Our drug rehab in Chicago seeks to empower patients throughout the recovery process, helping them to take control of their symptoms while learning coping mechanisms to apply moving forward.
Contact the professionals at Banyan Chicago to learn more about our options for Illinois addiction treatment and what program is best suited to your needs.
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Other Treatment Options
Most Insurance Plans Accepted
At Banyan Chicago our goal is to make sure that anyone who needs treatment from drug and alcohol addiction are able to get the help needed to assist them on the road to recovery. If you don't have insurance contact us to inquire about alternate methods regarding treatment for yourself or a loved one.
