When a person has an addiction plus depression, doctors say they have a "dual diagnosis." The term is a reminder for physicians, nurses, and other medical professionals that this patient has extra challenges on the road to recovery. Symptoms of addiction and depression can be very similar. When depression is directly connected to the drug or alcohol abuse, and isn't present independently, it's considered a consequence of the addiction.
The combination of addiction and depression can make it harder to recover. When a person feels sad, hopeless, or exhausted, battling an addiction is a special challenge that may be difficult to face. But knowing about the link between addiction and depression, and seeking treatment to address both issues, can help make recovery possible.
Often, some people who are several weeks, if not months, into their recovery, still exhibit symptoms of sadness, hopelessness, and exhaustion. This might not be due to “not working” the recovery program hard enough or not having “faith” in a higher power, but, rather, to the presence of depression and the need for special treatment. For more information contact your state’s Mental Health Association.
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