Mental health problems like depression can occur at the same time as alcohol abuse. In fact, the two have such a strong connection in some people that getting treatment for one requires simultaneous treatment for the other. Getting concurrent care for depression and alcoholism could improve your outcome from the treatment for both. Reach out to our dual diagnosis treatment program at Serenity House Detox & Recovery Houston today at 866.516.8356.
What Is Depression?
Sometimes, depression and feeling sad are confused with each other. However, depression is a psychological condition that has a lasting impact on productivity and livelihoods. Without proper treatment, depression does not go away. But, if you feel sad, you will usually have your mood improve within a few hours to a few days.
To avoid confusing sadness for depression, understand that depression includes the following symptoms that do not happen with sadness or periods of feeling down:
- Feeling worthless, numb, or sad for at least two weeks
- Having trouble sleeping
- Changing eating patterns or appetite
- Feeling tired all the time, even if sleeping more
- No longer wanting to participate in activities that you once enjoyed
- Experiencing difficulty concentrating or having performance problems at work or school
These signs of depression can appear in anyone. However, they become especially problematic when combined with alcohol addiction because the two conditions often worsen each other.
How Are Depression and Alcoholism Linked?
The link between depression and alcohol addiction is clear for the many who have both conditions simultaneously. This situation happens in three different ways: either alcohol use first, depression first, or the two beginning together.
Alcohol is a drug that can cause feelings similar to those of depression. Therefore, some people may start with drinking and develop depression.
However, drinking first is not the only way that people can experience co-occurring depression and alcoholism. Some people may feel depressed and start to drink alcohol excessively to cope with their feelings and depressive thoughts.
Lastly, alcoholism and depression may appear at the same time in individuals. Both conditions may happen together from one event or risk factor.
Regardless of which came first, getting depression treatment and rehab for alcohol addiction at the same time is essential for recovery.
How to Get Treatment for Depression and Alcoholism
When you have both depression and an addiction to alcohol, you will have a dual diagnosis. This means that throughout treatment, you will have therapists addressing both conditions.
In a dual diagnosis program, you get care to help overcome alcohol use and depression. By addressing both conditions, the treatment program helps you to avoid relapse. If you only got therapy for one or the other, after you complete recovery, you will still have the problem of alcohol use leading to depressed thoughts and feelings or depression leading to drinking. Therefore, you should go through dual diagnosis treatment for your recovery.
Why Alcohol Addiction Needs Detox as the First Treatment Step
The first portion of any rehab program is detoxing from substance use. Alcohol can cause long-term problems in your body. Consequently, if you have abused alcohol for a long time or have used it in excessive amounts, you may need the extra care offered by a residential detox program.
As you move through detox, your body will become capable of functioning well without alcohol, and your mind can begin to embrace the tips of therapy. Completing detox means that you are ready for a dual diagnosis rehab program.
Reach Out to Serenity House Detox & Recovery Houston
Detoxing from alcohol abuse is your first step toward getting treatment for depression and alcoholism. To break free of alcohol addiction and depression, contact us online or call us at 866.516.8356. You will speak with one of our advisors about the addiction detox programs here at Serenity House Detox & Recovery Houston. During your stay here, you will take the first critical steps toward recovery.
Find out how free your life can feel without the dual burdens of depression and alcohol addiction weighing down on you. Detox will provide the entry point that you need to get the treatment to make your recovery possible.
