20/04/2022
What comes first addiction or depression?
According to popular belief, depression is one of the main causes of substance abuse and addiction in teenagers. It is thought that depressed youth tend to self-medicate with things such as drugs and alcohol, which, over time, leads them to becoming addicted. Yet, as studies continue to emerge around depression and substance abuse, it seems more and more unclear as to whether or not depression does actually leads to substance abuse. Some research now suggests that depression is, in many cases, actually caused by an already existing drug or alcohol problem.
So, much like the chicken or the egg debate, many want to know, which comes first – depression or substance abuse? And the truth is, there is no definitive answer. It can go either way, and truly depends on individual circumstances.s
WHEN DEPRESSION COMES FIRST
Adolescents and teenagers who suffer from depressive disorders experience uncomfortable feelings and emotions (sadness, hopelessness, loneliness, etc.). Depressed individuals often isolate themselves, have trouble sleeping, and experience a lack of motivation or interest in daily activities. Thus, teens with depression often want to feel better and/or seek to “numb out” (dull) the difficult emotions associated with depression. Many do this by self-medicating with drugs and/or alcohol. While drugs and alcohol can provide relief in the short term, these substances are highly addictive and can actually intensify depressive symptoms in the long term.
Depression often leads to substance use. Feelings of constant sadness or numbness, worthlessness, feeling overwhelmed, feeling constantly badgered by negative and self-critical thoughts often cause people suffering from depression to seek relief, even if it’s only temporary.
Addiction and depression both originate in the brain, which automatically makes teens with mental health issues more apt to developing addictive behavior(s).
WHEN SUBSTANCE ABUSE COMES FIRST
Some teenagers develop symptoms of a mental illness, such as depression, only after engaging in drug and/or alcohol use for a period of time. Drugs and alcohol are chemicals and have a significant effect on the chemistry and cell composition of the brain. Over time, the effects of substance use can change the way the brain operates and regulates emotional and mental functioning, leading to a chemical imbalance that contributes to the development of depression in many teens.
Addiction can also cause depression. Perhaps the key feature of addiction is helplessness in the face of substance use. Most people with substance use disorders no longer enjoy using substances but they can’t stop. What’s more, addiction often leads to feelings of shame for having done things you hate in order to get drugs.
DUAL DIAGNOSIS
Whether depression leads to substance abuse, or the other way around, the correlation between depression and drug/alcohol use is so common it has it’s own term – dual diagnosis. Dual diagnosis, also referred to as co-occurring disorders, is common in teens, and can be difficult to treat when compared to teens that have only been diagnosed with a single disorder.
TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR TEENS
Dual diagnosis treatment is needed when a teen is suffering from both a mental illness and a substance abuse problem. Whether addiction came first, or depression was the first to arrive, treatment can make a significant difference for your teenager.
-Detoxification – often occurring in an inpatient, medical setting, those struggling with substance abuse are monitored on a 24/7 basis where medical staff can administer tapering amounts of the substance (or the medical equivalent) in an effort to wean a person off the drug in a safe and effective way.
-Inpatient rehabilitation – inpatient treatment provides teenagers with 24/7 medical and mental health support.
-Step down programs – various options are available for “stepping down” from an inpatient or residential setting including sober living homes or “halfway houses”, partial-hospitalization programs, and intensive outpatient programs.
-Individual psychotherapy – almost always a crucial element to any phase of dual diagnosis treatment in teens, individual psychotherapy can be very effective.
-Medication – medication is often used in conjunction with psychotherapy in treating depression in teenagers.
-Support groups – 12-step groups (such as Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous) can be helpful to a teen’s efforts in maintaining sobriety and avoiding relapse.
