Many people who suffer from addiction have an accompanying mental health condition. Experiencing these problems at the same time can complicate the treatment required to recover successfully. For example, depression and addiction often occur together. When you’re aware of the most common types of depression, it can make finding a treatment that much easier. It can also help you have a better understanding of your struggle with addiction.
Making the Connection Between Depression and Addiction
Comorbidity is a situation where a person experiences two conditions at the same time. A dual diagnosis most often involves the presence of mental illness and an addiction to drugs or alcohol. Depression is one of the most common mental illnesses that people with an addiction can experience. In some cases, depression may appear first. The person may try to alleviate their symptoms by using drugs or alcohol to numb their feelings. In other cases, the abuse of drugs may lead to the development of depression.
Most Common Types of Depression
There are many different variations of depression that can affect those also experiencing an addiction. Some of the most common types of depression that individuals suffer from include:
- Bipolar depression– Bipolar depression occurs when a person experiences alternating highs and lows in mood. They may feel extremely depressed for weeks or months, followed by a period of extreme happiness and hyperactivity.
- Situational depression– Situational depression can occur due to a specific life event. This event could involve a job loss, divorce, or death of a family member. In some cases, suffering from addiction can set off situational depression.
- Major depression– Major depression often continues for years at a time. This type describes a situation where the person feels an unusual degree of sadness almost all the time. Major depression can prevent a person from living a healthy life.
- Trauma-based depression– Some people experience a life-altering trauma that leads to the development of depression. Trauma-based depression treatment must also address ways to work through the traumatic event to overcome it.
Types of Depression Treatment
Depression treatment can include many elements. A treatment center that is skilled at dealing with people who have several diagnoses will be able to find creative ways to address all problems. Your treatment plan could include personal therapy, group or family counseling, medication-based treatment, community support programs, and cognitive-behavioral therapies. Many people find that they get the most benefit out of multiple approaches that work together to address different problems they’re experiencing.
Finding a Reliable Treatment Center
Are you overwhelmed at the prospect of locating a treatment center that can handle all of your concerns? Finding help doesn’t have to be a difficult task. There are many high-quality treatment centers available that want to see you overcome your challenges.
Red Oak Recovery® is an addiction rehab center in Asheville, NC. Red Oak specializes in offering quality clinical, organic, and experiential addiction treatment programs through a unique hybrid protocol.
Don’t let the most common types of depression stop you from living the life you deserve. You can achieve victory over addiction and mental illness. Contact 866-457-7590 to learn how Red Oak Recovery® can help you improve your life.
