Depression

There is a very close relationship between depression and substance abuse in adults. The two conditions usually occur together in an extremely high percentage of individuals. There are a number of different ways that this occurs. Substance abuse can cause depression and depression can cause substance abuse.

Substance abuse may cause depression because there are a number of drugs that people use and abuse that can directly affect the brain and cause depression. For example, marijuana slows down brain functions and diminishes cognitive abilities and can cause depression in a significant number of individuals. Alcohol can do the same thing. Cocaine tends to elevate people's moods, but when they come off it, they often experience a crash into depression. And there is a long list of other frequent drugs of abuse that also can lead to depression either during the time when the individual is intoxicated with the drug or during the withdrawal phase.

On the other hand, depression can lead to substance abuse. More and more individuals with depression are attempting to self-medicate. They have difficulty either accepting that they're depressed or recognizing that what they're experiencing is depression and can be treated with medications or psychotherapy. So many people turn to substances, whether it's alcohol or other drugs of abuse to actually change how they feel. In some cases, they are able to change how they feel in the short run, but in the long run, they create much worse problems for themselves, as the drug of abuse often worsens the depression over the course of days, weeks or months.

If you or a loved one is looking for treatment for any type of substance abuse we are here now to listen, answer your questions and address any of your concerns. Call The River Source today at 1-888-687-7332 or 480-827-0322 (your call is confidential). We are committed to getting you or your loved one the help they need.