Substance Abuse Counselor

In the majority of cases, these two conditions co-exist.

It is difficult to tell which came first; the depression or the drug addiction but they are often found together. Substance abuse is capable of causing depression because all substances directly affect the brain. This off sets the chemical balance within the brain and depression occurs. Even drugs that elevate moods (such as cocaine), can send someone spiraling into a depression when the drug wears off. Alcohol and marijuana are depressants anyway, even though someone under the influence of one or the other appears to be happy on occasion.

* Any drug or alcohol substance allowed into the body has a direct affect on the brain.

This is one of the reasons addictions occur. However, depression is one of those side effects that slip in there while the abuser is enjoying their high. Then the two feed off each other. The substance abuse affects the depression and vice versa. It is a vicious cycle which is why both must be treated when someone goes through rehab.

* * * Depression can also lead to drug abuse. It’s the old “Which came first; the chicken or the egg?” When a person is depressed, they are not thinking clearly. They just want to “feel good”. * * *

Often, after time, the solution to them becomes drugs or alcohol. Even though it is a temporary fix that elevates the mood, it is, to them, better than the depression. * The problem is that the substances only increase the depression. * The abuser may feel good for a short amount of time, but when the drug or alcohol wears off, the depression will be even worse.

* Treating one problem and not the other is only a quick fix.

It is a band-aid that will work temporarily but won’t be successful. Depression and substance abuse feed off of each other. When one is treated, they must both be treated. Eventually, it may be revealed whether the substance abuse lead to the depression or the depression lead to the drug abuse but if they are both being treated, both problems will be solved.

“The depression that a substance abuser feels is not simply a funk. It is a real chemical imbalance that only adds to the abuser’s misery. It should not be taken lightly. Any threats of violence or suicide should receive immediate attention by calling 911.“