Depression and Addiction: How Co-Occurring Treatment Can Help

A person suffering from depression may develop an addiction. A person with an addiction to a substance may develop depression. Both conditions can occur at the same time, and when they do, treatment can be complex but critical. Treatment for addiction and depression can be very effective, and it may give you your quality of life back.

At English Mountain Recovery, we offer comprehensive treatment for co-occurring disorders like this. Our addiction treatment program in East Tennessee provides effective strategies to help you navigate your symptoms in a meaningful way.

How Addiction and Depression Go Together

Many people who have depression may be susceptible to the development of a substance use disorder (SUD) as they use those symptoms to cope with the complex feelings and thoughts they have. For example, you may turn to stimulants to help you have more energy and focus to get through difficult tasks when your brain just does not seem to want to do so.

Conversely, some people may begin to develop depression after developing an SUD. If you are predisposed to have a mental health disorder like depression, such as due to environmental or genetic factors, the use of substances can trigger those symptoms to occur.

Feeling emotional pain and hopelessness may ease for a few minutes with the use of drugs, or you may be able to forget your symptoms with alcohol, but it doesn’t last. If you have disputes, you are now facing two conditions at once.

How We Treat Depression and Addiction at the Same Time

To be effective, co-occurring disorder treatment must focus on treating both conditions at one time. This allows for management of all symptoms and complications to your health at once, creating the best possible opportunity for long-term recovery.

We offer an individualized treatment plan. That means your co-occurring disorder treatment in Tennessee will focus specifically on your needs. However, it may include several components of care, including:

Detox Services

For those with an active addiction, detox services become the starting point. During this process, you will get hands-on support as your body removes the toxins in your bloodstream. Over the course of several days, you may experience discomfort and emotional upheaval. In our detox treatment program, you’ll have ongoing support for that process, including medications that can alleviate the discomfort you’re feeling.

Residential Treatment Programs

Residential treatment programs for co-occurring disorders create a plan to help you over the long term. These programs range from 21 to 28 days. During this time, you’ll live within our treatment program just outside of Knoxville in a home-like environment. Your treatment may include:

  • Individual therapy: You’ll work with our team to develop an understanding of your SUD and the impact it is having on your life. You will also explore your depression and why it may be occurring. We work to find resolutions.
  • Medication management: Those who are in treatment for depression may benefit from the use of medications. While here, you will receive careful medication management, allowing us to find the right combination of treatments to support your wellbeing and recovery. This can take some time to balance processes.
  • Group therapy: During group therapy, you’ll learn about your addiction and depression, gain skills for managing stress, and learning to cope with complications in your life and wellbeing. You’ll work with peers experiencing similar factors.
  • Equine therapy: We offer equine interaction experiences that allow you to develop a rapport, communicate trust, and build healthy boundaries by working closely with horses.
  • SMART Recovery: During this process, you’ll learn how to navigate unresolved trauma and overcome the challenges you are facing resulting from it. If you are experiencing symptoms due to previous domestic violence, child abuse, or other prolonged traumatic exposures, we may recommend this care for you.

Every situation is vastly different, but our goal is always to provide you with an individualized therapy plan to address both your depression and SUD symptoms effectively.

We also provide you with ongoing care after treatment. You’ll gain access to care that includes transitional support, relapse prevention, and family therapy. Every step of the way, you’ll have licensed therapists and professionals ready to support your recovery process.

Take the First Step Toward Co-Occurring Disorder Treatment

Battling depression and addiction may be something you’ve learned to cope with throughout your lifetime. Now, it’s time to reclaim your future and build a healthy plan for your life, one that you control.

At English Mountain Recovery, you gain the resources necessary to support long-term care. Contact us now. Let our addiction and depression treatment program in Tennessee help you.