Addicts who suffer from depression are the most difficult cases by far. They will need all the help they can get to resolve their problems. There multiple issues with these addicts that must be addressed before they can start on their road of recovery. Professional therapeutic assistance will be required.
Once professional assistance is attained, a therapist will require abstinence from drugs or alcohol so that she can get a better understanding of the conditions involved. It is hard to diagnose a patient who is an addict suffering from depression. Substance abuse can cause depression while at the same time depression can cause substance abuse. Once the patient has attained sobriety, the therapist can then get a clearer picture of what may be causing the depression. At this point the addict should adhere to abstinence from any substance abuse to see if the mood disorder improves. The patient’s depression can now be assessed and diagnosed more clearly. If the depression continues without substance abuse then a course of treatment can be developed by the professional therapist.
Psychosocial treatments can work well with patients who suffer from dual disorders, such as addiction and depression. This treatment addresses the issues that the patient is suffering from in the form of group therapy, individual drug counseling, cognitive behavioral-therapy, and relapse prevention. In the most severe cases, medication may be required. A doctor on staff will make that judgment and give the necessary prescriptions.
If the patient does not respond well to psychosocial treatments and therapy sessions, then medication may be the only course of action. Addicts who suffer from depression are at risk of committing suicide. Everything must be tried to help the individual. There are medications that will help with addiction withdrawal symptoms. They may also need a medication to help relieve the depression and sadness that they are experiencing. It is very important that the patient receives therapy along with their medications. The combination of therapy and medication may be the best course of action.
If the therapy and medication seems to be working, do not fool yourself into believing that your problems are over. Be sure that the patient continues with therapy sessions and takes any prescribed medication. You also always need to stay on the lookout for signs of relapse and recurrence. This is very common with addicts. If a relapse into depression occurs it won’t be long before the patient resorts back to his addictions.
The most important part of recovery for an addict suffering from depression is their support system. Their family needs to let them know that they will always be there. They must be encouraged to go out and do the things they once enjoyed so much, have their family join them when possible. The addict cannot be allowed to alienate themselves from friends and family. They need assistance and reason to motivate them to change their lifestyle to a healthier, happier one. And more than anything they need unconditional love and support from everyone around them.
