How Are Depression and Addiction Related?

In 2020, at least 21 million people in the United States (8.4% of the U.S. population) had at least one episode of depression.

It is estimated that more than 1 in 4 adults with significant mental health issues also has a substance use problem. Mood disorders and addiction are often comorbid, which means they occur together.

Read on to find out more about depression and substance abuse, and their occurrence together.

Depression

Depression is more than just being sad. It’s a mental health condition that requires treatment. If you are experiencing a sad or “down” mood that is lasting an unusually long time and interfering with your activities of daily life or functioning, this might be depression.

Symptoms

Symptoms of depression can look different in different people. For the most part, the symptoms last at least two weeks, and interfere with everyday life. Symptoms can include:

• Sad or anxious feelings all the time
• Irritability, restlessness, or easily frustrated
• Trouble falling or staying asleep
• Early morning wakening or sleeping too much
• Loss of interest in activities previously loved
• Physical ailments that don’t get better with any treatment
• Trouble concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
• Feeling guilty, worthless, or helpless
• Tiredness, even after sleeping
• Thoughts about suicide or self-harm

Types

Under the umbrella of depression, there are different types of the disorder, although major depressive disorder is the “classic” depression most people think of when they think of the disorder.

Different types of depression can include:

• Dysthymia: Also called persistent depressive disorder; a depressed mood for at least two years, may also have episodes of major depression with periods of less severe depressive symptoms
• Postpartum depression: Major depression during pregnancy or after giving birth can make caring for yourself and your baby difficult.
• Psychotic depression: This is when severe depression is combined with psychosis.
• Seasonal affective disorder: The onset of depression occurs during winter, with less sunlight, and typically gets better with spring and longer days.
• Bipolar disorder: This is a different disorder, but periods of depressive episodes alternate with episodes of mania.

Depression and Addiction

Depression (and other mental health disorders) and addiction can often occur together.

More than 1 in 4 adults with significant mental health disorders also has a substance abuse issue.

Certain drugs can cause symptoms of depression and other mental health disorders, and some people with mental health disorders will abuse substances to self-medicate. Mood disorders and addiction also have facets of underlying causes, like:

• Changes to the brain makeup
• Exposure to trauma
• Genetic predispositions
  

Symptoms of Substance Abuse

Symptoms of a substance abuse problem can include:

• Changes in attendance and/or performance at work or school
• Getting into trouble more
• Sudden mood swings
• Using substances in dangerous situations like driving
• Changes in eating or sleeping patterns
• Unexplained changes in personality or behavior
• Decline in motivation
• Being fearful, paranoid, giddy, or hyperactive for no apparent reason
• Bloodshot eyes
• Weight loss/gain
• Unexplained change in friends or hobbies
• Unexplained need for money
• Continued substance use despite negative consequences

Treatment

There are treatments available for depression, substance abuse, and co-existing depression and substance abuse.

Various aspects of treatments often overlap. Treatment can also vary among individuals—there is no “standard” treatment, and the methods can vary depending on the needs of the individual.

Treatment for depression can include:

• Medications like antidepressants
• Psychotherapy
• Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)

Treatment for substance abuse can include:

• Behavioral counseling
• Medication
• Evaluation and treatment for mental health issues
• Treatment of withdrawal symptoms
• Long-term follow-up plan of care to help reduce the risk of relapse

How to Cope

If you’re living with either depression, substance abuse, or both, it can be hard. You aren’t alone, and do not have to cope with these by yourself.

Some practical things you can do to help cope include:

• Support groups: There are various support groups like Narcotics Anonymous, Alcoholics Anonymous, depression support groups—your healthcare provider or therapist can help you find these, as well as support groups at hospitals or treatment centers.
• Don’t isolate yourself: Find people who will support your treatment and/or recovery, whether a friend or family member, neighbor, or teammates.
• Stay active if possible: Moving your body can help alleviate the symptoms of depression.
• Be gentle with yourself: Recovery takes time.

When to Talk to Your Healthcare Provider

If you think you might have a substance abuse problem, depression, or any other mental health issue, call your healthcare provider and ask to be seen as soon as possible. Explain briefly what is going on, so they know how important it is. They can connect you with mental health professionals, treatment programs, and support groups in your area.

Summary

Depression and substance abuse often co-occur, because of self-medication, shared root causes, or develop from the other.

Signs can include:

• Losing interest in things that once brought joy
• Unexplained changes in eating or sleeping
• Changes in personality

There are treatments available, and many treatment plans aim to address both mood disorders and addiction.

A Word From VeryWell

Depression and substance abuse are challenging when dealing with them individually; when you are living with both conditions, it can be even more so.

There are treatments for both conditions, and you don’t have to do this by yourself. Talk with your healthcare provider about what’s going on. They can help you get started on the path to treatment and recovery.