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How Depression Influences Drug or Alcohol Addiction

Depression is a mental illness that interferes with many aspects of a person’s life. Everyone has a bad day every now and then, but depression is more than that. Depression controls the way a person thinks and feels. It consumes a person’s perception of reality and distorts everything the individual does, thinks, and feels.

Many people with depression turn to drugs or alcohol to escape from the intense feelings of loneliness, worthlessness, and fear. The pleasurable euphoric feelings are temporary and the drugs or alcohol can worsen the symptoms of depression. Drugs and alcohol increase the risk of suicidal thoughts.

Depression is treatable with the appropriate medication prescribed and managed by a medical professional. A person with depression should not do drugs or drink alcohol, especially while on medication. All medication comes with a warning label that lists side-effects and dangers of mixing the drug with alcohol. Harmful or deadly interactions are caused by mixing medication with drugs or alcohol.

Alcohol is a depressant and causes lethargy, sadness, and hopelessness. Many people with a mental illness or disorder drink alcohol and put their lives at risk for health complications.

Alcohol affects a person physically and mentally. When a person is addicted to drugs or alcohol, the neurotransmitters in the brain release dopamine and creates a pleasurable euphoric effect. Drugs and alcohol eventually take over the brain’s control of body movement, thinking, coordination, and memory.

When a person loses control of his or her body, there is an increased risk of accidents and death. He or she needs to go to a specialized treatment program for depression and drug and alcohol addiction to avoid the devastating effects. Depression is treatable with help from a medical professional. Individual counseling, group therapy, and medication are some of the useful tools for treating depression.

The individual also needs to enroll in a program designed to treat drug and alcohol addiction. Programs are tailored to the person’s individual needs because everyone is different, and so are the effects of the drugs and alcohol. Depending on the amount used and type of drug, the duration of treatment can vary from person to person. Depression and addiction to drugs and alcohol are treatable. Everyone deserves to enjoy living a healthy, substance-free life.

Recovery is possible and healing will take place in mind, body, and spirit. Enlightened Recovery Solutions offers a holistic based, 12-step inspired, clinically proven program for alcoholism and co-occurring disorders. Call (844) 234-LIVE today for information on our partial care programs.

Begin Your Recovery at Enlightened Recovery

Enlightened Recovery is here to help you or your loved one overcome drug and alcohol addiction as well as co-occurring mental health disorders. Our holistic treatment programs treat the whole person in recovery. We have locations in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Michigan.

Get the help that you deserve now with Enlightened Recovery.