How to Cope With Addiction and Depression

According to Hazelden, approximately 30 to 40 percent of individuals who seek help for drug and alcohol issues are also victims of major depression. Having a substance abuse and a mental health problem is often referred to as dual diagnosis. When trying to cope with dual diagnosis, the individual is undergoing two battles---an extremely difficult feat. Still, by employing the appropriate strategies, it possible to get both your addiction and depression under control.

Instructions

Coping with Addiction and Depression

• 1

  Understand the symptoms of your diseases so you can understand why you are undergoing them. If you have developed a high tolerance (the need to take more to get "high") for drugs or alcohol---and you indulge in compulsive drug-seeking behavior regardless of the consequences to yourself and others---then you are suffering from an addiction. The symptoms of depression include feelings of helplessness, guilt, worthlessness, sleep-pattern changes, loss of energy, inability to concentrate and weight loss or weight gain.

• 2

  Examine the effects of your addiction and depression. Both can greatly affect your physical, mental and emotional well-being. If you have suffered financial losses, trouble at home, work, school or in your social life, understand that the only way to change it is to change your lifestyle. Come to terms with the fact that you are an addict with mental issues---this is treatable.

• 3

  Talk to a confidante. Depression causes loneliness and isolation while addiction often causes denial. The addict often feels everyone else is the problem. You may have also noticed that your family and friends are no longer around, involuntarily. Gain back their trust by calling the person you trust the most and sincerely letting him know that you would like to regain control of your life. He will be relieved you made this gesture.

• 4

  Do not be upset if your friend or family member suggests you seek help. If you do not seek assistance, you are susceptible to the fatal overdose that can result from addiction and to the suicidal tendencies depression can cause. If reaching out to a loved one does not appeal to you, contact your physician or a local treatment center (see the Resources section of this article). With medical help, you can receive medications to help with your addiction withdrawal symptoms---and with your depression symptoms. Therapy is also available to teach you how to identify and cope with the causes of your addiction and depression.

• 5

  Join a support group. Twelve-step programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous provide support from peers who are also struggling with addiction. The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance has online support groups (see the Resources section) for individuals battling depression.