Depression affects millions of Americans. It can occur at any time and can be caused by various reasons, such as heredity or medical conditions like thyroid problems, brain tumors, or even vitamin deficiencies. Substance abuse can worsen the symptoms of depression or cause symptoms that are similar to depression. In some cases, substances can also change the brain chemistry to mimic depression. This means that prolonged substance use could potentially cause depression. However, if you are struggling with the symptoms of depression, then depression therapy with Avedis Recovery can potentially help ease those symptoms.
Substance Abuse And Depression
The depression and substance abuse connection may not seem immediately obvious. However, the two can be connected. Depression is a mood disorder that can cause a persistently depressed mood or loss of interest in activities that formerly brought joy. There are many different types of depression, and that is why it can look different for each individual. Six types of depression include:
- Major Depression
- Persistent Depressive Disorder
- Bipolar Disorder
- Seasonal Affective Disorder
- Postpartum Depression
- Psychotic Depression
There are a variety of substances that can mimic these types of depression. Substance abuse disorder can lead to the cycle of addiction. Addiction occurs when your abuse of a substance, usually drugs or alcohol, has caused your body and brain chemistry to change so that you need that substance in your system to function normally, or you suffer uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. However, substance use disorder can also lead to unwanted symptoms that develop over time. Some of these symptoms may mimic the symptoms of depression.
Symptoms of Depression
Unfortunately, substance abuse can cause specific important changes in brain chemistry. These changes can lead to depression symptoms, and clinical depression can develop over time. Some of the symptoms of depression may include the following:
- Feelings of sadness
- Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
- Inability to complete tasks
- Not able to practice basic self-care
- Changes in appetite
- Lowered self-worth
- Feelings of guilt
- Sleep disturbances
- Low energy and fatigue
- Slowed speech patterns
- Pacing or handwringing
- Thoughts of death or dying
- Delusions or paranoia
- Self-harm activities
If substance abuse is not treated early on, that depression could last for the rest of your life. That’s why it is so important to recognize the above signs of depression and get the help you need.
Depression Treatment Center In Los Angeles
When you seek treatment for depression, your physical symptoms will be diminished. This offers you the clarity to learn new coping mechanisms other than substance use. Whether you have major depression or depression symptoms caused by addiction, reaching out to a qualified depression treatment center in Los Angeles could help change your life for the better. Avedis Recovery is a choice that offers plenty of services and therapies, some of which include the following:
- Programs to help with specific addictions
- Individual therapy
- Family counseling
- Group therapy
- Trauma therapy
- Medication-assisted treatment
- Cognitive-behavioral program
- A dialectical behavior therapy program
- Treatment for co-occurring disorders
- Detox programs
- Outpatient or residential programs
- Personalized programs
- Robust aftercare programs
- 12-step options
- Nutritional counseling
- An accredited and professional staff
- Evidence-based treatment
- A clean, state-of-the-art facility
Avedis Recovery is a depression treatment center in Los Angeles that can help you if you are struggling with addiction and depression.
Seek Treatment For Addiction And Depression Today With Avedis Recovery
Finding the right treatment for addiction and depression might be difficult. But with Avedis Recovery, it doesn’t have to be. Avedis Recovery’s experienced and professional therapists understand the complexity of the depression and substance abuse connection and can help you. Call us at 833.514.0579 to learn more about our depression treatment programs. We are here to help you get through your addiction to fight the symptoms of depression.