Depression is often coexistent with drug addiction; sometimes as one of the root causes, while other times as a result of substance abuse. Regardless, clinical depression must be treated along with substance abuse issues in order to reduce the likelihood of relapse. Chronic depression is very frequently related to the withdrawal from addicting drugs and is experienced more frequently among addicts than most people realize.
Recovery Ways recognizes the dangers of chronic depression and its potential to cause a recurring cycle of drug use and recovery. Our treatment program includes dealing with the addict’s sense of self-worth which is often compromised as they begin to understand the destruction their addiction has caused others.
As part of an integrated approach to chemical dependency, Recovery Ways provides social bonding and learning opportunities that help reinforce the idea of self-worth in the mind of the addict. In addition, our certified medical staff can incorporate any medical assistance necessary in order to stabilize an individual and help him overcome any depression experienced during withdrawal. Finally, aftercare programs and local support groups give the recovering addict a means of continuing their treatment in the long term so that they can remain drug free.
The terms “depression” or “being depressed” tend to be thrown about lightly and used to describe a person who is upset or feeling down about something in his life. But from a clinical standpoint, true depression is more than mere feelings of sadness or discontent. It is a mood disorder with specific symptoms that can lead to physical maladies or other more serious mental issues. Often times, those suffering from chemical dependency are also simultaneously suffering from clinical depression.
There are at least half-a-dozen different types of clinical depression, the two most common being atypical depression and melancholic depression. The other four types, which are less commonly diagnosed, include psychotic major depression, catatonic depression, postpartum depression, and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). In most cases, the latter four types of depression rarely occur in coincidence with chemical dependency.
Atypical Depression
Atypical depression is sometimes accompanied by a condition called paradoxical anhedonia in which patients go from one extreme to another. An example of paradoxical anhedonia would be alternating episodes of excessive sleep and hyperinsomnia. Frequent and noticeable mood swings are also a telltale sign of atypical depression. Other symptoms of the disorder include:
- Significant weight gain or excessive comfort eating
- A feeling of heaviness in the limbs
- Emotional hypersensitivity in social situations
- Impairment of general social functioning
Melancholic Depression
Melancholic depression is perhaps the most often diagnosed form of the disorder. Those suffering from melancholic depression will almost always lose all interest in the normal life activities they once participated in. They tend to find pleasure in very little and can be very anti-social. Other symptoms of melancholic depression include:
- More pronounced emotional response to situations of grief and loss
- Excessive weight loss due to loss of appetite
- Debilitating feelings of guilt
- Early waking from sleep
- More severe feelings of depression during the morning hours
Recovery Ways specializes in treating a wide variety of addictions and co-occurring disorders, for more information on how to get you or your loved one help, call us toll- free: 888-986-7848.
