Depression is a mental illness that interferes with many aspects of a person’s life. Everyone has a bad day every now and then, but depression is more than that. Depression consumes a person’s perception of reality and distorts everything the individual does, thinks, and feels.
Many people with depression turn to drugs or alcohol to escape from the intense feelings of loneliness, worthlessness, and fear. The pleasurable euphoric feelings are temporary and the drugs or alcohol can worsen the symptoms of depression. Drugs and alcohol increase the risk of suicidal thoughts.
Depression is treatable with the appropriate medication prescribed and managed by a medical professional. A person with depression should not do drugs or drink alcohol, especially while on medication. All medication comes with a warning label that lists side effects and dangers of mixing the drug with alcohol. Harmful or deadly interactions are caused by mixing medication with drugs or alcohol.
Alcohol is a depressant and causes lethargy, sadness, and hopelessness. Many people with a mental illness or disorder drink alcohol and put their lives at risk for health complications. Alcohol affects a person physically and mentally. Neurotransmitters in a person’s brain release dopamine and create a pleasurable euphoric effect. Drugs and alcohol eventually take over the brain’s control of body movement, thinking, coordination, and memory.
When a person loses control of his or her body, there is an increased risk of accidents and death. He or she needs to go to a specialized treatment program for depression and drug and alcohol addiction to avoid the devastating effects. Depression is treatable with help from a medical professional. Individual counseling, group therapy, and medication are some of the useful tools for treating depression. If a person is suffering from depression and addiction, both need treatment as a dual diagnosis.
Programs are tailored to the person’s individual needs. Treatment can vary from person to person, depending on the amount used and type of drug. Depression and addiction are treatable.
“Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.” – Robert Collier
If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, get help today. Cypress Lakes Lodge offers treatment for addiction in a peaceful, remote, oxygen-rich environment. The program encompasses holistic addiction therapy for the mind, body, and soul. The focus is on physical, mental, and emotional well-being by generating the balance of life-enriching treatment, wellness, and healthy, sober, sustainable relationships. Call us to get started: 409-331-2204