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Depression and Anxiety: The Link to Substance Abuse

Depression and anxiety are two mental health disorders that commonly occur alongside a substance use disorder. Having both can turn into a vicious cycle as one disorder can make the other worse. However, addiction, anxiety, and depression can be treated at a dual diagnosis treatment center in Long Beach, CA, or another city. Dual diagnosis involves an evaluation of the level of addiction and the person’s mental health. Those found with a psychiatric disorder usually need mental health treatment to improve their chances of recovery.

Important Facts About Anxiety and Depression

Different types of depression and anxiety affect millions of American men and women. In fact, anxiety disorder is the most common mental illness affecting 40 million adults or 18.1% of the US population each year. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also estimates that 10 percent of Americans suffer from depression. Many people who suffer from anxiety are also battling depression.

Meanwhile, doctors find themselves prescribing anti-depressant and anti-anxiety drugs to treat the conditions and help people live a normal life. The disorders reduce a person’s quality of life. To add fuel to the fire, taking these drugs on a long-term basis can lead to dependence or addiction. As such, you’ll find many people who are addicted to drugs are also battling anxiety, depression or another type of mental health disorder.

Anxiety and depression often drive a person to take larger doses of their medication, alcohol, or other drugs to suppress emotional pain or hopelessness. Other symptoms people try to fight off are fear, panic attacks, mood swings, trouble sleeping, and suicidal thoughts.

Furthermore, it is usually far more difficult for a person living with depression or anxiety to end substance abuse. Even after overcoming substance abuse, the individual will continue to experience these symptoms. This exposes them to a fresh cycle of substance abuse. As such, their recovery is likely to be a life-long journey.

Do Depression and Anxiety Cause Addiction?

Drug or alcohol addiction is a substance use disorder. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), addiction is a chronic brain disorder. At the same time, depression and anxiety can encourage substance abuse as some people turn to drugs or alcohol to self-medicate.

In some cases, substance abuse is responsible for causing panic, anxiety, depression and other mental dysfunctions. Regardless of which one comes first, treating substance abuse alone is not enough to end drug or alcohol addiction. Dual diagnosis treatment allows addiction treatment professionals to address substance use and co-occurring disorders at the same time.

Since there is no cure for anxiety or depression, your personalized recovery plan may also include relapse prevention planning and aftercare. These programs essentially help you to continuously manage thoughts and behaviors that trigger depression or anxiety symptoms that lead to substance abuse.

Depression and Anxiety Treatment at a Rehab in Long Beach, CA

If you (or a loved one) resides in California and are looking for a safe haven to recover from substance abuse, you can consider Promises Behavioral Health. There is a vast number of programs and therapies that are used to tackle addiction and mental health disorders, such as depression and depression, head on. In fact, there is an inpatient anxiety treatment center and depression treatment center that focus specifically on clients with these underlying problems.

Prior to treatment, the client may need to go through medical detox and withdrawal to help them lose physical dependence on drugs or alcohol. Based on the treatment plan, the client may need to follow up with cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT is done with a therapist who will help you understand the link between addiction and certain mental issues. Other programs, therapies, and services include:

Give Yourself the Chance to Live a Better Quality of Life

Promises Behavioral Health in Long Beach, California, runs several addiction treatment centers located throughout the country. So no matter where you are or whether you are a man or woman, we can help. Our addiction treatment specialists will work together to tailor a treatment plan that suits your recovery needs. Please call 844.875.5609 to find out more.

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