The Connection between Depression and Addiction

What came first? the addiction or the depression? There are those that believe an addict is depressed because of an addiction while others believe that it is the depression that causes the addiction. It is the connection between the two that conventional psychiatrists agree upon.

Addicts are generally in a compromised state of health. It is the euphoria that a drug produces that the addict is addicted to because while in this state of euphoria they no longer feel pain - physical or emotional.

One who has been addicted for a long time is also usually suffering from nutritional deficiencies. Other consequences of long term addictions are social, physiological, relational, financial issues. Some face legal issues as a result of their addiction.

What part does depression play in relapse?

Depression is a critical mental health condition that most frequently coexist with substance abuse disorders. Untreated depression can hinder the addiction recovery process and may lead to relapse. On the other hand, untreated addiction problem may also develop depression and consequently lead to relapse. Hence, this vicious cycle of depression and addiction needs to be understood thoroughly and it requires simultaneous treatment.

Typically, the ideal treatment for addiction must focus on the deepest root of addiction and its consequences incorporating a thorough understanding the relation between addiction, recovery, depression and relapse. The treatment must entail a clear understanding on the bio-psychosocial model of addiction and depression. The fundamental principle of treatment will only be established by treating depression coexisting with addiction. The recovery plans need to address the administration of signs and symptoms of both depression and addiction.

Few Essential Facts on Depression and Addiction

In practice, chronic depression is an integral part of hard reality that addicts face especially during their recovery. They feel depressed seeing the destruction caused in their life by themselves only.

Prolonged usages of drug alter the brain programming in such a maladaptive manner that they always search for escapement from hard reality. So, this depression may again lead them to use drugs all over. So some people describe depression and addiction as married couple who can not exist without each other.

Anti-depressants should be used with caution. They should be seen as (because they are in truth) no more than a temporary remedy. It is better to seek family support, professional help or inquire where you may contact volunteers who dedicate themselves to helping addicts recover.