Depression is a persistent and intense sadness. If not addressed, it may cause further complications, including addiction.
Substance abuse is when you use alcohol or drugs in ways that harm your health, life, and relationships.
But how does untreated depression make someone turn to alcohol or drugs? Let’s find out.
What Is Depression?
Depression is a sickness of the mind. Depression is a mental health condition that affects feelings, thoughts, and actions. It’s more than normal sadness.
Depressed people have become hopeless, lethargic, and demotivated and show no interest in things that they found pleasing to them over weeks or even months.
Depression may also lead to alterations in sleep, food consumption, and energy levels.
At Grace Health Clinic & Urgent Care, our behavioral health services help people with depression. We offer treatments and support to prevent depression from escalating into issues like substance abuse.
How Does Untreated Depression Lead to Substance Abuse?
Unmanaged depression might drive substance use, as individuals struggle to brighten their mood. However, this can worsen depression in the long run.
- Alcohol may make one relax, but it does not solve sadness.
- Medications such as marijuana or pills appear to work in the short run, but they can cause even greater problems in the future.
- Some people over-medicate themselves to get the feeling of relief.
Drinking or using drugs may aggravate depression. It can impair health, destroy friendships, and result in problems at work or school.
Depression modifies the brain as well. The chemicals in the mind that regulate feelings and happiness can become out of balance.
When an individual is using alcohol or drugs, this may cause the brain to become dependent on the substances. This may cause addiction.
Depression most often intensifies when there are cases of addiction. This develops into a complex cycle to break without assistance.
Signs That Depression Is Leading to Substance Use
It is not always easy to see when someone is struggling. Some warning signs include:
- Growing dependence on substances to cope with feelings
- The avoidance of duties, education, or social obligations
- Detaching from social circles
- Adjusted sleeping or eating
- Health concerns, including headaches, abdominal discomfort, and perpetual tiredness
Behavioral health services at Grace Health Clinic & Urgent Care can help identify these signs early. Treatment is effective because it is comprehensive due to investigations, therapy, and medications.
How Treatment Helps
Therapy is most effective when depression and addiction are addressed simultaneously. This is called dual diagnosis treatment. We make a plan just for you at Grace Health Clinic & Urgent Care.
Therapy and Counseling
Therapy is a safe place to talk. A therapist can help you:
- Learn to think in better ways through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
- Make positive choices with Motivational Interviewing.
- Healing by involving loved ones in Family Therapy.
Medicine
Sometimes therapy is not enough. Medicine can help your brain feel balanced. Dr. Abisola Onashile can provide medicine as part of your care plan.
Extra Support
Behavioral health services can also give:
- Ways to manage stress
- Help with sleep
- Wellness advice
- Methods to engage with others
These assist individuals in avoiding alcohol or drugs.
How to Prevent Substance Abuse
You can prevent substance abuse by getting help early.
- See a doctor or therapist if you feel sad for a long time
- Talk to friends or family about your feelings
- Do healthy activities like walking, drawing, or breathing exercises
- Be careful with alcohol or drugs
Grace Health Clinic & Urgent Care offers support and virtual care, so getting help is easy.
When to Get Help
See a doctor if you:
- Feel sad or hopeless for more than two weeks
- Stop enjoying things you like
- Think about hurting yourself
- Use alcohol or drugs to feel better
You can get immediate support at Grace Health Clinic & Urgent Care. We welcome walk-ins, same-day appointments, and virtual visits to make care more accessible.
Conclusion
Depression in its untreated state is severe. It may cause substance abuse. One of the things that people can do to make them feel good is to take alcohol or consume drugs, but these aggravate the depression.
Get help early to prevent depression and substance abuse. Behavioral health services at Grace Health Clinic & Urgent Care can help you feel better and stay safe.
Whether you or someone you know is feeling depressed or is addicted to substances, make a call to Grace Health Clinic & Urgent Care now on 360-200-1696, or visit gracehealthclinicuc.com to get the necessary assistance today.
FAQs
When should I ask for help?
If you’ve felt depressed for weeks, lost interest in things you love, or had suicidal thoughts, seek help.
Can medicine help with depression?
Yes. Medicine prescribed by Dr. Abisola Onashile can help your brain feel balanced and improve therapy.
Is substance abuse always linked to depression?
Not always. But depression can make someone more likely to use alcohol or drugs. Stress and trauma are the other causes.