Addiction and depression are serious conditions which often occur in combination. A person who is experiencing depression can use substances as a way to cope. On the other hand, a person who is addicted to substances can experience episodes of depression. Both these conditions have adverse effects on the physical, psychological, social and professional areas of your life. Therefore, the recovery process for addiction and depression occurs simultaneously.
Addiction is a long-term condition which involves the compulsive intake of a substance or the persistent performance of an activity in spite of harmful and negative outcomes. Substance abuse occurs when a person gets addicted to substances such as alcohol, nicotine, caffeine, illegal street drugs (marijuana, heroin, LSD, PCP) and prescription drugs. Other activities that can lead to addiction are viewing pornography, gaming, shoplifting, etc. Addiction involves developing tolerance for the substance and experiencing withdrawal and relapse when the person tries to stop the use or if the substance is not available.
Depression is a psychological condition characterized by episodes of extreme sadness, feelings of hopelessness, reduced interest in daily activities, reduced energy and changes in appetite and sleep.
A person who is experiencing depression and addiction will suffer from a poor quality of life. As the nature of these conditions is pervasive and chronic, the treatment, recovery and maintenance is difficult and long-term. Intensive psychotherapy, medications, rehab programmes are some of the ways to battle substance abuse and clinical depression.
Following are some tips to overcoming addiction and depression:
1. Continued Treatment
When you are trying to get back to your daily life after intensive treatment/rehab, regular check-ins and follow-ups with your psychiatrist/psychologist will help you to maintain your focus on your recovery. Medications and regular counseling form a huge part of your recovery and maintenance process.
2. Leaning on your Support System
Family, romantic partners, friends, and colleagues will help you throughout your journey. Asking for help can be difficult at first, but knowing that there are people that you can rely on will be extremely helpful. Staying in touch and working on your interpersonal skills will help in strengthening your support network. Being a part of a support group will help in managing the feelings of loneliness.
3. Maintaining a Daily Routine
The familiar patterns of staying in one place (sleeping in bed) can cause you to go back to the same previous emotional state (low mood, cravings). Establishing a routine involves planning your days with particular activities to do (work, study, hobbies, exercise, meals, sleep). Exercising and outdoor activities will improve your physical health as well. The most difficult thing is to be consistent.
4. Cultivate Hobbies
Signing up to learn new skills and reconnecting with older hobbies will bring joy and a sense of accomplishment.
5. Engage in Self-reflection and Self-care
Addiction and depression treatments involve a lot of self-work. Hence, introspection and self-talk will help in connecting with yourself. Practicing kindness, compassion and care for yourself will definitely help in the recovery process.
6. Participate in Community and social work
Being a part of a social cause and volunteering will help in building a sense of community and purpose. Practicing gratitude and helping people in need will improve your mood and can be a part of your weekly routine.
Recovery from any psychological condition can feel extremely lonely and exhausting. If you or someone you care about is experiencing psychological distress, reach out to Veda Wellness in Mumbai, Bangalore and Delhi. Veda is the best rehab for the treatment of substance abuse, depression, anxiety. They offer residential treatment programs which includes medications, psychotherapy, group therapy and post-treatment follow-ups.