Depression and addiction is a common combination for a dual diagnosis. Learn more about what it means to have both depression and addiction, how depression and addiction are treated and how you may support your spouse in his efforts to get recovered.
Depression and Addiction: A Frequent Dual Diagnosis
A dual diagnosis is when a client of addiction has been diagnosed with at least one accompanying mental health disorder. It is not uncommon for the accompanying disorder to be a form of depression. Your spouse may have had depression prior to having an addiction. Some clients reach for substances such as drugs and alcohol in an attempt to self-medicate in order to fight against the symptoms. This is an easy path to addiction. The other way around is also possible. Your spouse may have developed depression as a result of the stressful consequences and events associated with their addiction. Still, in other clients, the exact correlation may not be so clear.
In order for your husband to get recovered, he will need dual diagnosis treatment which works by treating depression and addiction at the same time.
The Depression and Addiction Treatment Process
Depression and addiction must be treated at the same time so that the symptoms of one do not worsen the symptoms of the other or lead to a relapse. Psychotherapy is the main treatment method for both depression and addiction as it works by uncovering the underlying personal causes behind them. This will give your spouse a strong foundation in managing the symptoms of depression and entering a strong and stable recovery process. Psychotherapy session types include family therapy, group therapy, individual therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy. Lifestyle counseling and stress management are helpful for both depression and addiction because clients learn to shape their lifestyles to become healthier and more conducive to recovered living.
Relapse prevention strategies and support group meetings are also essential components of the addiction treatment program.
How to Be a Supportive Spouse
The more you understand about depression and addiction, the easier it will be for you to be a strong source of support. Consider taking part in support group meetings for the families of clients of addiction. Your husband has a long recovery road ahead and your support can be a wonderful help along the way. Ask him how you may be more supportive and be sure to be an active participant in family therapy.
If you or a woman you love is having problems with drug abuse, alcohol dependency or mental illness, women’s drug rehab may be the answer. Remember that recovery from addition and alcohol abuse treatment means learning how to cope with intensely emotional situations, and identifying when you need help and support. Treatment for addiction relapse, counseling and aftercare can help you do this, so please call us today. Destination Hope is a full service addiction and women’s health treatment facility in Florida for women who suffer from substance abuse and behavioral health issues.
