Do you struggle with depression? Have you tried to ignore it, hoping it will go away? According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, having depression makes you twice as likely to have a drug or alcohol addiction compared to someone who does not have depression. When depressed, you may turn to drugs or alcohol to self-medicate. Once it wears off and the feelings of despair return, you may increase your drug or alcohol use—this is where addiction takes root.
It is possible to get out of the pit of depression, despair, and addiction. Recognize what depression looks like. Identify the common signs of drug and alcohol addiction. Then, seek a treatment plan that works.
Common Signs of Depression:
- Changes in weight
- Changes in appetite
- Hopelessness
- Suicidal ideation
- Guilt or self-condemnation
- Loss of interest in activities
- Changes in sleeping patterns
- Fatigue
- Restlessness
- Anger
- Irritability
- Inattentiveness
- Anxiety
- Reckless behavior
- Physical aches and pains
Common Signs of Drug and Alcohol Addiction:
- Changes in weight
- Changes in appetite
- Loss of interest in activities
- Changes in sleeping patterns
- Problems at work or school
- Financial difficulties
- Relationship problems
- Hiding drug use from others
- Lying about drug use
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Cravings for drugs and alcohol
- Reckless behavior
- Drug and alcohol withdrawal symptoms
As you can see, there are some similarities between depression and addiction. Addiction will only make your depression worse. Instead, here are five more practical ways to help ease your depression.
First, seek professional help. Seeing a licensed counselor is vital in determining whether you struggle with depression. They will help you develop a treatment plan. Schedule an appointment with a psychiatrist or a medical doctor—they may want to prescribe medication to treat your depression, or perhaps suggest a treatment center for support.
Second, attend a Life Recovery Group. Studies show that attending a support group consistently is crucial for your recovery. Once you get into a group, find a sponsor or mentor. If you struggle with a drug or alcohol addiction, your family needs to get into a support group, too. Addiction affects the whole family.
Third, exercise regularly. Plan to meet a friend at the gym or go to the park and exercise. Set a goal of exercising 20 minutes a day several times a week. Exercising regularly is one of the best things you can do for your mental health.
Fourth, develop healthy relationships. Having relationships with unhealthy people will undermine your efforts to improve your overall well-being. It’s important that you build relationships with people who support your growth and healing. If someone does not support your recovery, you may need to set boundaries with them.
Fifth, deal with triggers. There are times in your life when a traumatic event will occur, and it will trigger you. It could be a divorce, job loss, or death in the family. If you let it, this event will cause a downward spiral of depression, drinking, or using drugs. Take proactive steps by practicing good self-care, praying and reading the Bible, reaching out to a friend, talking with a counselor, or checking-in with an accountability partner every day.
Turn to the Lord; ask Him to rescue you. The psalmist wrote, “He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along,” (Psalm 40:2). There is a connection between depression and addiction. But it’s not too late to get out of this dark pit—call 800-NEW-LIFE today! We have counselors, resources, Life Recovery Groups, and treatment centers that will help you.