Dual Diagnosis Treatment for Depression at Engage Wellness Acton

Dual diagnosis, also known as co-occurring disorders, refers to a situation in which a person suffers from a substance use disorder as well as a mental health disorder. Depression is one of the most common types of co-occurring disorders. A person with a substance use disorder may use drugs or alcohol as a way to manage depression symptoms. In other people, substance use can create depression symptoms.

Many people struggle with co-occurring disorders. In 2021, 46.3 million people over the age of 12 in the US suffered from a substance use disorder. Among them, 13.5% had co-occurring disorders, as noted by the US Department of Health and Human Services.

If you are struggling with depression and a substance use disorder, seek help from Engage Wellness Acton immediately.

Does One Disorder Cause the Other?

Depression is more than just being sad. It occurs when a person struggles with uncontrollable hopelessness and helplessness. It may be due to a chemical imbalance in the brain or due to life events. Some people may even have a predisposition for depression, especially if family members suffer from it. In these people, the onset use of alcohol or drugs on a consistent basis can foster the development of depression symptoms.

In others, substance use disorder can develop as a type of self-medication strategy for depression. Drug-impaired depression is challenging to treat and requires comprehensive mental health treatment to address more than just symptoms.

What Are the Most Common Dual Diagnosis Symptoms in Those With Depression?

A person with addiction and depression may have a number of symptoms that demonstrate the complexity of their condition.

One of the first signs that depression may be present is the use of substances to deal with depressive symptoms. Common substances used in those with depression include:

• Nicotine
• Alcohol
• Marijuana
• Opioids, including fentanyl and heroin

Often, a person with depression may look for medications called stimulants that can lift their mood or offer focus to them. For example, some may use cocaine or meth because these are central nervous system stimulants. They help to get the brain and body moving faster, which can then create a feeling of energy in a person who may be struggling with helplessness.

The following are common signs of depression that may or may not be evident in those with addiction:

• Feelings of helplessness or hopelessness
• No longer participating in activities they used to enjoy
• Self-isolation
• Lack of energy all of the time, even with rest
• Changes in eating and sleeping habits
• Limitations on engagement with family and friends
• Sudden weight loss or weight gain not otherwise explained
• Thoughts and talking about suicide or harming someone

If you suspect you have any of these symptoms, and you are using any type of drug on a consistent basis, it may be time to reach out for immediate help.

Depression and addiction treatment at Engage Wellness Acton’ can offer ongoing support for you. Do not wait to contact us for immediate guidance and help.

How Is Dual Diagnosis Diagnosed in Those With Depression?

Everyone feels sad sometimes. Those who feel sad often, and especially when they may not have a reason to feel like that, could be suffering from a hormonal imbalance that could contribute to health complications and the onset of substance use disorders.

To diagnose this co-occurring disorder, a full evaluation is necessary. This evaluation will consider substance use habits as well as the actual symptoms of depression a person has.

Diagnosis of depression and substance use disorder may include:

• A full examination by a medical provider and therapist
• Questions about substance use and frequency
• Analysis of thought patterns and behaviors that are out of the norm
• Blood work, to help address underlying depression
• The presence of withdrawal symptoms when a person stops using the substance

A conversation with you, your family, and your medical team can help to pinpoint the likelihood of dual diagnosis. However, there is no way to rule out the possibility of a mental health disorder until a person has gone through the detoxification process when necessary.

With the onset of mental health treatment (including depression and addiction treatment at the same time), it is possible for a person to navigate a long-term recovery.

Treatment of Depression and Addiction Through Dual Diagnosis Treatment

Mental health treatment for depression and a substance use disorder must be done at the same time to be beneficial to that person. Treating one component of co-occurring disorders without also treating the other could put a person at a higher risk of relapse.

Depression and addiction treatment is typically a multi-step process. It may include the following:

Detoxification

To start mental health treatment when you have a co-occurring disorder, it is critical to remove the toxins from your body that may be causing your cravings. Detox is a process that involves medical monitoring for ridding the body of the substance and enabling the brain and body to begin to work through the dependency.

As a first step in the treatment of substance use disorders, detox can involve spending several days in a treatment center. Medications and medical care may be available to help you through these initial days.

Inpatient Mental Health Treatment

A person with dual diagnosis will need a wide range of treatment methods to help them recover from both the mental health and substance use disorders. At Engage Wellness Acton’, we offer an individualized treatment plan to address the specific risk factors you are facing. This treatment may include the following:

• Medication-Assisted Treatment: MAT is a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses the chemical imbalances that are occurring. With it, you may feel fewer side effects and cravings as your body re-learns how to work without the substance.
• Depression Medications: Also, at this time, your therapist may recommend the use of medications to help improve the underlying symptoms of mental health. Depression medications help to improve chemical imbalances and foster clarity for those with symptoms.
• Behavioral Therapy Treatment: The next step in treatment is typically to focus on learning how to correct inaccurate and negative thinking that can often put a person on the path to relapse. This can be done through a range of behavioral therapy programs, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and motivational interviewing.
• Group Therapy: While many people work with their therapists for behavioral therapy, another component of mental health treatment is the use of group therapy or peer-supported groups. This is a process of learning about your addiction, the symptoms you have, tactics for learning how to navigate stress, and much more.

Ongoing Care

Most people experiencing the need for a dual diagnosis treatment program will need ongoing care. This can be done through various stepped-down treatment programs. Ongoing therapy helps to build confidence when real-world triggers and complications arise. Depression and addiction treatment is an ongoing process for most people, though you’ll need less intensive care over time.

The Benefits of Dual Diagnosis Treatment

As you navigate the next steps in seeking depression and addiction treatment, consider the benefits that may come from it:

• Mental and physical health improvement
• Improved mental clarity and decision-making
• Better ability to maintain education and career goals
• Improved relationships with family and friends
• Better quality of life

Dual Diagnosis Program

Our substance use and mental health treatment program at Engage Wellness Acton’ is an individualized treatment program designed to provide you with the one-on-one care you need. Our program incorporates group therapy, MAT care, substance use education, and support for all forms of depression. When you are struggling, let our team help you to build a better, more long-term solution.

Contact Engage Wellness Acton for Immediate Help

At Engage Wellness Acton, our team of highly skilled professionals specializing in mental health and substance use disorders, is available to help you. Depression and addiction treatment using the most innovative and effective strategies is available, and it can change your future. Contact us now to speak to an admissions counselor.