Depression impacts millions of individuals and families in communities around the country each year. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), “For more than 20 million people in the United States who have depression, the feelings persist and can interfere with everyday life.” Depression is a common symptom of addiction and withdrawal. Painted Desert Recovery treats substance use disorder (SUD) and co-occurring depression using psychotherapy and other evidence-based methods.

What Is Depression?

Depression is a mood disorder characterized by feelings of persistent sadness. The condition causes changes in energy levels, motivation, emotional stability, and behavior. People in recovery may have difficulty maintaining focus and motivation if they experience episodes of untreated depression. Clinicians provide clients with emotional support, coping skills, and prescription medication when necessary to manage the symptoms of depression.

Most people experience at least one depressive episode at some point in their lives. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “During 2020, 18.4% of U.S. adults reported having ever been diagnosed with depression.” Depression is a risk factor for many other mental health conditions. People experiencing depressive episodes benefit from professional mental health treatment. Painted Desert Recovery ensures women with dual diagnoses involving SUD and depression have access to the care they need to heal and manage their condition.

Most Common Forms of Depression

People may be diagnosed with multiple forms of depression. Generally, the underly cause determines the type of depression a person experiences. For example, new mothers may be diagnosed with postpartum depression (PPD). Depressive disorders increase a person’s risk of experiencing SUD. According to Women and Health, “Depression correlates with substance use, and new mothers with postpartum depression (PPD) may be at high risk for substance use.” Other forms of depression also increase a person’s risk of risk-taking behaviors like substance abuse.

Some of the most common disorders featuring depression include:

• Major depressive disorder (MDD)
• Persistent depressive disorder (PDD)
• Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
• Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)

Bipolar disorder is another condition involving cyclic periods of depression. This disorder is one of the most common co-occurring mental health disorders alongside SUD. Trauma-informed integrative care provides some of the best outcomes for women recovering from this form of dual diagnosis. Treatment generally involves addressing all active symptoms and underlying issues simultaneously using a combination of therapeutic techniques.

Some people may also experience depressive episodes as symptoms of SUD without meeting the criteria for a co-occurring depressive disorder. Clinicians use psychotherapy and other services to help people overcome a lack of motivation or ambivalence caused by depressive symptoms caused by SUD.

The Role of Genetics

Some depressive symptoms and disorders have genetic causes. According to Frontiers in Psychiatry, “Family and twin studies have provided strong evidence for the contribution of genetic factors to the risk of depression.” People with a family history of depression are two to three times more likely to develop depressive symptoms. “Heritability has also been shown to be especially influential in severe forms of depression.” The clinical team uses comprehensive assessments and diagnostic tools to determine if someone may have genetic factors influencing their depression. Treatment options are available to help people with depression influenced by genetics.

Side Effects and Symptoms of Depression

The most common symptoms and side effects of depression include:

• Lack of interest in everyday or previously enjoyed activities
• Persistent feelings of sadness, helplessness, or dread
• Sleep disturbances, including insomnia and oversleeping
• Changes in appetite leading to weight gain or loss
• Exhaustion
• Difficulty focusing
• Unusual irritation
• Self-imposed social isolation

Clients with depressive disorders have a higher risk of experiencing a severe depressive episode during withdrawal and early recovery. Professional mental health and addiction treatment reduce the risk and help people stabilize more quickly after withdrawal.

Treatment Options at Painted Desert Recovery

Simultaneous treatment of depression and SUD often provides the best outcome. In many cases, the symptoms of SUD and depressive disorders overlap, making treatment more straightforward.

Painted Desert Recovery helps women recover from substance abuse and co-occurring disorders, including depression, using a variety of therapeutic methods, including:

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
• Art therapy
• Animal-assisted therapy
• Experiential therapy
• Group therapy
• Nutritional therapy

Some clients may have depression caused by nutritional deficiencies or genetic factors. Prescription medication can help some people manage their depression by addressing genetic or nutritional issues impacting mood. Clients are treated using personalized care plans designed to take into account any personal preferences, needs, or accommodations.

How to Help a Loved One With Depression

Individuals with depressive disorders may require long-term treatment. The support of friends and family makes it easier for people experiencing depression to successfully manage it and find healthy ways to cope with symptoms. People with loved ones experiencing depression benefit from educating themselves about the symptoms and side effects.

A few ways people support individuals in treatment for SUD and co-occurring depression include:

• Attending counseling or therapy to repair any relationship issues caused by SUD or symptoms of depression
• Offering to help in practical ways, including providing transport to medical appointments or medication reminders
• Actively listening and providing emotional support

Everyone responds differently to depression. Friends and family can speak with their loved ones and the care team at Painted Desert Recovery to discover the best way to help.

Depression is one of the most commonly diagnosed co-occurring disorders. Some individuals recovering from substance use disorder (SUD) struggle with depressive episodes, impacting their ability to focus on healing and moving forward. Painted Desert Recovery uses psychotherapy, nutritional therapy, prescription medication, and other treatment options to help clients manage depression. To learn more about our programs, call us today at (844) 540-0353.