Understanding The Link Between Depression And Alcohol Abuse And Treatment Options
Depression and alcohol abuse are crippling disorders, disrupting everything from the brain’s natural operation to the ability to connect with family and friends. When they appear at the same time in an individual, their combined effects create a dangerous cycle of negative thought patterns and chemical compulsion. If left untreated, the individual could be placed at an elevated risk of accidental alcohol poisoning or suicide. The good news is that when it comes to both depression and alcohol, treatment is available.
Depression and Alcohol Abuse: Two Sides of the Same Coin
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, up to 10% of individuals in the United States already live with depression. However, alcohol abuse can magnify the effects of depression. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse estimates that 30-40% of those abusing alcohol concurrently suffer from depression. Alcohol is a natural depressant; it works to reduce brain and body activity. If someone is already depressed, they may turn to alcohol as a way to numb or mask unpleasant feelings. When an individual develops an alcohol addiction, depression may manifest as one of the side effects of this substance abuse. The presence of both depression and alcohol addiction in one person requires dual-diagnosis treatment.
Can Treatment Cure Depression and Alcohol Addiction?
Depression and alcohol treatment can be found in specialized drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs, but while a rehab facility can help an individual become sober, both depression and addiction are disorders that may never fully disappear. A good rehab program will therefore devote time to educating clients on how to successfully manage their addiction and depression. Recovery is a continuing process, but with the right treatment, it can also be a tremendously positive element in your life.
What You Should Know About Treatment for Alcoholism and Depression
Treatment for alcoholism and depression requires addressing the separate disorders and reducing the impact of each on the other. This dual-diagnosis situation requires special care to help the client better understand their addiction and learn practical tools for managing their depression. In addition to the traditional detox and addiction counseling, dual-diagnosis clients may also be prescribed antidepressants to aid their recovery.
Perhaps most importantly, you should know that even though addiction and depression can make the prospect of recovery seem impossible, you can recover, and you deserve to have the help you need.
Depression and Alcoholism Treatment in Tampa, FL
Tampa Drug Treatment Center strive to provide our clients with the best individualized rehab programs possible. We offer free clinical assessments and specialize in a dual-diagnosis approach to addiction treatment. Our staff is highly trained, and our location is ideal for your recovery: Florida’s natural abundance of sunshine helps trigger the release of serotonin, a mood-boosting chemical that can help combat depression. If you’re not from the Tampa area, we’re happy to help facilitate travel arrangements to our center. Whether you’re struggling with addiction or a combination of depression and alcohol abuse, we can customize an ideal program for you.
Call our phone line, available 24/7, or fill out the form provided here to connect with our staff and learn more about our fully accredited depression and alcoholism treatment in Tampa, FL.