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Treatment for Depression and Addiction in West Palm Beach

Nearly 1 in 4 people with serious mental illness also struggle with drug or alcohol addiction.[1] One of the most common mental health conditions reported among people who struggle with substance abuse is depression. Depression can seriously impact a person’s daily life, functioning, and overall well-being, and it can also increase the risk of addiction and alcoholism. Left untreated, depression can also increase the risk of relapse in people who have sought treatment for addiction.

People who struggle with depression and enter into an addiction treatment program must address their depressive symptoms in order to make a full recovery. Treatment for depression and addiction involves a comprehensive approach that combines pharmaceutical support, lifestyle changes, and psychotherapy.

How are Depression and Addiction Treated?

Co-occurring depression and addiction are best treated at an integrated, dual diagnosis rehab facility. Treatment always begins with detox as most people who get sober go through a period of withdrawal. Detox is managed with medical supervision and pharmaceuticals, but detox is only a minuscule part of the recovery process.

Antidepressant Medications

After completing detox, patients who struggle with depression and substance abuse may be prescribed antidepressant medications. Antidepressants are designed to improve the way the brain processes the chemicals that control a person’s mood. Some of the most commonly prescribed antidepressants include:[2]

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
Atypical antidepressants
Tricyclic antidepressants
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)

These medications can be highly effective at reducing symptoms of depression and helping people live normal, healthy lives. However, many antidepressant medications take 4-8 weeks to begin working, so some people may lose their patience as they are desperate to find relief. Doctors at dual diagnosis rehab centers in West Palm Beach work closely with patients to help them find the specific medication that works for them.

Inpatient Dual Diagnosis Rehab for Depression and Addiction

Antidepressant medications and the completion of a detox program aren’t intended to be the sole treatment for depression and addiction. Instead, patients are encouraged to attend a residential or inpatient rehab program where they have access to around-the-clock care and support. Since people with co-occurring disorders like depression may be at a higher risk of relapse, they can benefit the most from highly intensive and personalized treatment.

Dual diagnosis addiction treatment programs are those that specialize in treating both addiction and mental or behavioral health conditions such as depression and anxiety. These programs use integrative treatment programs that combine the most effective parts of addiction treatment with individualized mental health care.

During inpatient rehab in West Palm Beach, patients participate in a variety of therapies and holistic healing techniques to learn how to overcome depression and addiction.

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy, often referred to as “counseling” or “talk therapy,” aims to teach people who suffer from depression new ways of thinking and behaving. It does so by helping individuals change their daily habits that contribute to depressive symptoms. Psychotherapy is facilitated by a licensed and trained mental health professional in both individual and group settings.

There are two particular types of psychotherapy that are effective in the treatment of depression and addiction. These are:[3]

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) – CBT is an approach that helps individuals identify, challenge, and change unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors. When treating depression, CBT introduces mindfulness principles into the patient’s life to help them cope with symptoms of depression.
Interpersonal therapy (IPT) – IPT is an approach that focuses on analyzing interpersonal and life events and how they impact one’s mood as well as how one’s mood affects his or her interpersonal relations. The goal of IPT is to help patients improve communication skills, build a social support group, and cultivate realistic expectations in regard to depression as well as life events.

Support Groups

Support groups play an integral role in both depression and addiction recovery. Studies demonstrate that peer support can help reduce symptoms of depression like loneliness, anxiety, and isolation.[4] Support groups can also benefit addiction recovery by bringing together like-minded individuals who can support one another in their journey.

There are many places where support groups can be found, and a good rehab center will introduce patients to local support groups in the area. Possible options for support include:

An addiction treatment alumni program
Members of a therapy group
12-Step fellowships like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA)
12-Step alternatives like SMART Recovery or Celebrate Recovery

Lifestyle Changes

Shortly after beginning dual diagnosis treatment for depression and addiction, many people experience relief from their symptoms. However, overcoming depression often requires people to make significant lifestyle changes, as well. During rehab, patients work with holistic doctors, counselors, and nutritionists to improve their quality of life by making changes in the way they care for themselves.

Examples of lifestyle changes that can help treat depression and substance abuse include:[3]

Eating a healthy, balanced diet
Getting plenty of exercises or physical activity
Maintaining a regular bedtime and wake-uptime
Taking medications as they are prescribed
Abstaining from drug and alcohol use
Not taking on more responsibilities than one can handle

Find Treatment for Depression and Addiction in West Palm Beach Today

With the right kind of treatment, individuals who struggle with depression and addiction can get better. Here at Mandala Healing Center in West Palm Beach, we use a holistic approach to address the mind, body, and spirit–so we help individuals cope with every aspect of life. Get the help you deserve by giving us a call today.

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