Alcoholism and depression can occur at the same time. Alcohol is a depressant drug, which means it slows down the function of the central nervous system. In some cases, people turn to alcohol as a way to stop thinking about the negative aspects of their life brought on by depression symptoms. Treatment of both conditions at the same time is critical to bringing them under control. At Solution Based Treatment, this is a big component of care and we offer dual diagnosis treatment to help.
Alcoholism and Depression: Why Drinking Impacts Mental Health
Alcohol influences the type of mental health symptoms a person experiences. For someone with underlying depression, it can make negative thoughts more profound and harder to overcome. It also makes it hard for a person to stop drinking alcohol or reduce how much they consume each instance. As a result, depression can worsen addiction. At the same time, alcoholism makes depression worse as well. Being in this situation often leads to complications and an inability to get help without support.
Symptoms of Alcoholism and Depression
Recognizing the symptoms of both alcoholism and depression occurring at the same time can be challenging if a person isn’t willing to open up. Some key signs to look for include:
- Using alcohol to deal with stress, trauma, or emotions
- Needing to drink to deal with the day
- Drinking every day or as often as possible
- Struggling with intense depression or anxiety when not drinking
- Feeling headaches, insomnia, or muscle pain when not drinking
- Drinking at work or school, sometimes throughout the day
Recognizing these symptoms indicates treatment is likely necessary and beneficial. Treatment programs can be helpful, especially when these conditions impact daily life or physical health.
Using Dual Diagnosis for Alcoholism and Depression
Treatment for alcoholism and depression needs to address both the addiction and the mental health component. Called co-occurring disorders, having both conditions at one time is more challenging but still treatable. Treatment is conducted using holistic, research-based methods. In short, doctors and therapists work to treat both conditions at the same time.
Treatment may include the use of medications to improve any chemical imbalances causing depressive symptoms. Medications can also help in minimizing the onset of withdrawal and cravings when alcohol is no longer available. This is often done in a controlled environment within a detox program. Over a few weeks, it becomes possible for the drugs to leave the body, mental clarity to set in, and medications to begin to work to control depression.
Dual diagnosis treatment also incorporates psychotherapy. This involves individual and group therapy sessions designed to help a person to manage the symptoms of addiction and depression better they have, such as negative thought processes and behaviors. Talk therapy also works to resolve the underlying trauma sometimes present.
How to Get Help for Alcoholism and Depression at the Same Time
If you know you are struggling with both of these conditions, reach out for treatment. Work closely with a therapist for a formal diagnosis. The process often involves a physical and mental health evaluation. Our team at Solution Based Treatment can offer this help. Once it is understood that dual diagnosis is beneficial, treatment can begin. We offer a range of care programs to help you get started, including:
- Dual diagnosis treatment
- Intensive outpatient program
- Partial hospitalization program
- Residential treatment programs
Call Solution Based Treatment Now for Comprehensive Help
Battling alcoholism and depression is debilitating. Treatment can be effective when a person makes the decision to get help through dual diagnosis treatment. Solution Based Treatment & Detox offers that help and much more. Learn more by calling 833.999.1941 or connecting with us online.