It is certainly not easy to overcome substance abuse. Addiction has a way of taking over a person’s life. It causes a lot of negative changes in a person’s world. Substance dependence can cause an individual to experience emotional, physical, and mental hardship. Sometimes, people who are dealing with addiction also struggle with issues outside of addiction. One thing that a lot of individuals suffer from is depression. Unfortunately, depressive disorder is common in the lives of people who are suffering from substance dependence. And, often, addiction causes or is caused by that depressive disorder. As a result, the person may find it very difficult to overcome addiction. Even if the person goes through treatment for drug or alcohol abuse, it can be difficult to remain free from it because they are still struggling with depression. That’s why it’s so important to learn how to handle the effects of depression.

If you are currently struggling with depression as well as addiction, it’s important to learn more about how to deal with these issues in the best way. Even if you have already completed treatment for substance abuse and have found your way to a life of sobriety, it’s helpful to know how to continue dealing with those feelings of depression. After all, depression doesn’t go away just because you’re in recovery. Fortunately, there are many different ways in which you can address depression as a person in recovery. Let’s talk about how you can work to deal with this issue and work to stay free from addiction for good.

When You’re Struggling With Depression and Substance Abuse

When a person is struggling with depression, he or she may experience a lot of challenges in life. Depressive disorder can prevent people from having peace and normalcy. In other words, when an individual is dealing with this mental health disorder, it can be hard for him or her to enjoy life. This disorder is characterized by long periods of sadness, loneliness, anxiety, and self-esteem issues. Many people who are struggling with depression also experience sleep problems and behavioral changes as depression often make people feel agitated and emotional. Some individuals even become socially withdrawn, isolating themselves from others. When depression and addiction are paired in a person’s life, it can make things extremely difficult for him or her. In many cases, depression can prevent people from getting the help they need. They may have a lack of motivation because of the depression and feel guilty or ashamed of their addiction.

Fighting Depression After Treatment

Thankfully, many individuals do get the strength to ask for help for their addictions. As a result, these individuals can become free from the bondage of drug and alcohol dependence. However, it’s important to also work to overcome the depression they’re experiencing. If you have been struggling with depression, there are a few things you can do to continue fighting and overcoming the effects of depression in your life. Here are some tips:

• Find comfort in a good support group.
• Surround yourself with positive friends and family.
• Avoid addiction relapse as it can make depression worse.
• Attend therapy/counseling regularly.
• Seek professional/medical guidance.

If you are dealing with depression and addiction, you don’t have to feel ashamed or afraid to ask for help. Here at Wellness Retreat Recovery Center, we are dedicated to helping each one of our clients overcome the obstacles in his or her life. Our mission is to help people find complete and total freedom from substance abuse as well as the other issues, such as depression. Through our dual diagnosis program, we work to help people find peace and relief from the effects of addiction and co-occurring problems. Please contact us today to learn more about our services!