Thursday, April 25, 2024

How To Help Someone With Drug Addiction And Depression

Depression Treatment Options At Gateway

Addiction & Depression

A dual diagnosis is when a person suffers from a substance abuse disorder as well as a co-existing mental illness like depression or anxiety. Both conditions require medical and therapeutical treatment. The danger of a co-occurring disorder is that a person may never get the chance to understand or cope with the trauma that contributed to their disorder.

Individuals suffering from both depression and substance abuse disorders require integrated treatment plans that address their mental health needs as well as their need for detox and recovery. At Gateway, we offer diagnosis services that utilize a variety of therapies to target both aspects of co-occurring disorders.

How To Help An Addict Who Doesnt Want Help: What To Do And Say

When an addict is in the grips of addiction, he or she may not see anything else, except for whatever is aiding their drug addiction. It is not uncommon for them to be un-amused by almost everything except their drug of choice. Learning how to help an addict who doesnt want help, is crucial for treatment to be possible.

Before speaking with your addicted loved one, make sure you research treatment options. If you are this far along in the process of trying to help them, you must have somewhat of an idea as to what you are dealing with.

Never accuse, insult, or berate an addict. This is just more fuel for them to continue using. Try a softer approach at first. And by no means, should you ever enable their addiction. The best way to help an addict is to care. If they are not willing to get help, do not ever blame yourself. The decision of them entering rehab is solely on them. Do not beat yourself up.

There is hope, though. Addiction treatment has helped many addicts regain full control of their lives, oftentimes, claiming their lives are better than they ever were. You started by asking, how to help someone with drug addiction and depression and how to help an addict who doesnt want help. Thats a great place to start. If you know anyone who is struggling, or need help looking for treatment facilities, give Better Addiction Care a call at 1-800-429-7690.

Be Supportive And Encouraging

Provide all support that you can give to your loved one with an addiction. This means that you support them in their decision to change. When your loved one suffering from addiction decided to change, half of the battle has been won. Their decision to change serves as one of the key factors to help a person recover from addiction and depression.

But bear in mind that that the person involved with addiction and depression is still in charge of their own recovery. No matter hoe supportive or how much encouragement you provide, they are the ones making the decision.

Its important to show continued to support and to have an open heart. Let them know that your concern comes from a place of love. Make them feel the best encouragement and support you can give the person.

You should understand that depression and drug addiction acts similarly. As mentioned earlier, a depressed person would have a bigger chance of turning into drug use since one of the misconceptions and believe in taking drugs is that it alleviates you and makes you forget your problem or whatever is causing your depression. Knowing this should give us the edge in conquering and fighting the huge problem of drug addiction.

Once a person becomes aware that the cause of their drug addiction is depression and other traumatic experiences in their life, they would soon realize that addiction is something that can be stopped and the only thing that would hinder them from stopping is themselves.

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Common Risk Factors That Contributes To Both Drug Addiction And Depression

Both mental illnesses, such as depression and substance use disorders, are caused by overlapping causes such as epigenetic and genetic vulnerabilities, issues with similar areas of the brain, and environmental forces such as early exposure to trauma or stress. Learning how to help someone with drug addiction and depression means educating yourself on risk factors that may contribute to both conditions.

Extend Empathy And Encourage Accountability

How to Help Someone with Drug Addiction &  Depression

There is a difference between understanding a problem and condoning a behavior. Often, those who struggle with addiction and mental health issues will struggle with feelings of being misunderstood and misconstrued by their loved ones. Finding ways to validate the experience of depression and the struggles of addiction while simultaneously remaining firm on the expectations that you have for your loved ones recovery can be a tricky balancing act. Through remaining humble, asking for forgiveness when missing the mark, and modeling healthy interactions for your loved one, you will be planting seeds of hope that things can, and will, get better.

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How To Choose The Best Drug Rehabilitation Facility In Canada

Addiction Canada is one of the premier facilities in the country that offers flexible addiction recovery treatments. There are different locations, settings, and actual programs that cater to the unique and varied needs and financial situations of the client. The facility focuses on contemporary approaches particularly on cases that require effort, time, and aftercare programs for full recovery.

Discover How Compass Detox Can Help

Do not be surprised if the one you are trying to help shows resistance. Letting that person set the pace is vital. Pushing and prodding will only cause a poor relationship with them and bad results. They ultimately have to do the work themselves. You can be encouraging, but boundaries are also essential for everyone in this situation. Just remember that even though they need help as soon as possible, time and patience are also required. Its a process.

Compass Detox offers numerous treatment programs to help those struggling with substance use disorder and a mental health issue, such as:

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The Benefits Of Taking Action Early

Movies, books, and magazines often portray people who hit bottom before they can be helped. However, this representation is a myth. People do not need to bottom out to be helped. Research shows that early identification of the problem is a much more effective solution for substance use problems.

Early identification occurs at the first signs of a problem before anyone has suffered a traumatic event, dropped out of school, or lost important relationships, jobs, health, or self-respect.

Identification can be done through a health care professional screening, employee assistance professional, or family member. What happens after the screening depends on the results of the test. Some people can learn to cut back, while some need further assessment and possible treatment.

In general, all people are better equipped to work on recovery if their substance use problem is discovered and confronted early on. Treatment in the early stages of a substance use disorder is likely to be less intense, less disruptive, and cause less anxiety.

Waiting for people to ask for help is a risky strategy. Without help, family members can expect crises like arrests, medical emergencies, loss of job, public embarrassment, and even death.

Some people find that when they seek help for themselves, the person struggling with addiction gets angry. This may be perhaps because the efforts represent a loss of control. Also, getting help signals that you are serious about changing the situation.

Encourage Them To Get Help

Get Help with Alcohol & Drug Addiction, Depression

As with other diseases, the earlier addiction is treated, the better. However, dont be surprised if youre met with denial or excuses as to why they cant or wont seek treatment. Be persistent about how important it is that they enter treatment for their addiction, but avoid making them feel guilty or ashamed in the process.

Another option is to hold an intervention for your loved one. Although these are often difficult to do, an intervention may be exactly what your loved one needs if theyre deep into their addiction. Consider bringing in an intervention specialist to help you navigate this process.

Read Also: How To Help And Addict

What To Expect When Your Family Member Enters Treatment

Part of learning how to help an alcoholic loved one is knowing what treatments are available. Another part you may not have considered is what you can expect once they begin treatment. You may end up experiencing the gamut of emotions, all of which are normal, such as:

  • Relief: You may be glad your loved one is finally getting treatment and comforted to know that your loved one is physically in a safe space.
  • Anxiety: You may worry about the well-being of your loved one and whether theyre getting the help they need.
  • Anger: You may feel resentment that your loved one seemingly burdened you with their disease.
  • Sadness: Feeling bad for your loved one and their struggles is a sign of empathy and compassion. Sadness doesnt necessarily mean pity, either.
  • Shame: You may feel either shame stemming from the guilt that you couldnt save your loved one or embarrassment at having to explain that your loved one is in Recovery.

When your loved one enters treatment, its the perfect time for you to focus more on yourself and your healing. Reach out to support groups of people who are in the same situation as you. If you find yourself blaming your loved one for their addiction and its impact on your life, speak to a therapist to work through those feelings healthily.

Eventually, you will be asked to become involved in your loved ones Recovery. Family involvement in rehabilitation has proven to be incredibly beneficial for both the patient as well as the family.

How To Help Someone Dealing With Addiction

Knowing someone who has an addiction is not uncommon, but knowing the best way to help a loved one with an addiction can be confusing and even scary. When someone has an addiction, it can affect every aspect of their lives as well as the lives of their loved ones. You will inevitably be concerned about your loved one, and it can be difficult to know what to do and what not to do, but its important to remember that Recovery is a solution.

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Learn And Use Compassionate Listening

Your loved one may not know how to express how they feel. Your loved one can feel attacked when you discuss the concerns you have about their behavior. Remove words that can trigger unhealthy emotions or the temptation to talk about yourself. Instead, use words of compassion.

Some helpful phrases to use are:

  • I am here
  • While I dont understand how you feel, I want to help
  • Let me know how I can help

Avoid saying things like:

  • Think about all the good things in your life

Be A Strong Source Of Support

Substance Abuse and Depression

Strength and consistency are what addicts need around them if they are to conquer their addictions and return to a healthy lifestyle. How to help someone with addiction feel like they are supported is to show you care on a regular basis. Quite often, people addicted to drugs or alcohol are living in isolation inside their own minds, and they dont consider how deeply their family and friends care for them.

Dont wait until they have hit rock bottom to speak about your concerns. Let them know how much you care and that you will be there for support throughout the process, no matter how long it takes. And once you make the declaration, it is crucial that you follow through, so they can feel that love and support and know there is something positive in their life they can count on.

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How To Help Someone With Drug Addiction

If you know someone who is having a challenging time letting go of drug addiction, it can be a tough time for you as well. You care for this person and want the best for him or her. But before you push them into going to a rehabilitation facility, its first important that you understand what theyre going through. Here are the things that you need to know about how to help someone with drug addiction.

Get Help For Yourself First

Being in a relationship with a person who has an addiction is often stressful. It’s important that you accept that what you are going through is difficult and seek support. You also need to develop stress management strategies, which is an important step in helping your loved one as well as yourself.

You might want to consider participating in support groups, such as Al-Anon or Naranon. Children and teens can get support from Alateen.

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Find The Right Treatment Plan At We Level Up Florida

If you or someone you love is struggling with drug addiction and depression, get them the help they need and deserve. Learning how to help someone with drug addiction and depression means acknowledging that you cant do it alone.

We Level Up Florida offers primary mental health treatment with secondary co-occurring diagnosis treatment. Were able to treat the entirety of mental health disorders from primary depression treatment to secondary co-occurring substance abuse disorders. Drug Addiction And Depression are co-occurring disorders and require that both be treated for long-term recovery success. Talk to us, learn more about the dual diagnostic approach to depression and addiction treatment. Contact our team at We Level Up Florida today for a free mental health assessment as a first step to getting help!

Depression And Substance Use Disorder

How I Overcame Depression, Anxiety, And Addiction (Andrew’s True Story Of Addiction)

Depression and addiction unfortunately go hand in hand. Many people self-medicate their depression with the use of drugs and/or alcohol. The substance abuse tends to exacerbate the problem, especially depressants like alcohol. The dual presentation of a substance use disorder and a mental health disorder is known as dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorder.

If you have a co-occurring disorder, it is important to seek out treatment for both conditions. Your substance use disorder may require detoxification, an inpatient treatment program, an outpatient treatment program or a partial hospitalization program. One of the best things about The Recovery Village Ridgefield is that there are addiction specialists on staff that will evaluate and assess your situation, and they will be able to formulate an individualized treatment program to meet your needs.

With skilled addiction specialists and healthcare professionals on staff, patients with co-occurring disorders will find the treatment they need at The Recovery Village Ridgefield. Convenient to Tacoma, Portland, Seattle, and Eugene, The Recovery Village Ridgefield provides patients with the treatment they need to begin a long-term path to recovery. If you are suffering from depression as well as substance use disorder, help is only one call away. Reach out to us today.

Every recovery begins with a call.

Contact The Recovery Village today.

Also Check: How To Get An Addict To Seek Help

How To Help Someone With Depression

It can be difficult seeing a family member suffering from depression. So, what can you do to help?

  • Listen and learn Educating yourself about depression, and dual diagnosis is a great starting point.
  • Set boundaries If you are cohabitating with this person, its imperative that you set your boundaries. This means that if you do not feel comfortable with drugs or alcohol in your house, you establish that rule and stick to it. It also might involve financial and other household boundaries.
  • Organize an intervention If the situation of the important person in your life becomes too much, it may be time to organize an intervention for them. Interventions are appropriate when a person struggling with addiction cannot clearly see the negative repercussions associated with their addiction. When conducted with the right goal in mind and with professionals, interventions can be a powerful tool for change.
  • Be supportive and encouraging You can offer to help them look for the proper treatment options and support them on their journey into recovery. But ultimately, a person cannot change unless they want to. Being available to offer an ear to listen to and an open heart to love them along the way may be the best you can do.

Understanding depression and addiction and their relationship can seem overwhelming at first, but knowledge is the key to being there for your loved ones in need.

Dual Diagnosis On How To Help Someone With Drug Addiction And Depression

The exact definition of dual diagnosis can differ between institutions. However, it is generally defined as the specific treatment of someone who has been diagnosed with having a substance abuse disorder and a mental health disorder at the same time. There is no distinction of whether the mental condition led to substance abuse or vice versa. Addiction treatment professionals understand that mental health and substance abuse have a complex relationship that is difficult to extricate from one another. Standard therapeutic approaches include cognitive-behavioral therapy , cognitive processing therapy , and prolonged exposure therapy .

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Dont: Enable Your Loved One

There can be a fine line between helping someone with an addiction and enabling them. Sometimes when we think were protecting a loved one from the consequences of their addiction, we are actually enabling them to continue with potentially destructive behavior.

For example, if youre trying to figure out how to help an alcoholic, keeping them from drinking and driving is helpful, since that could put them and others in danger. However, consistently offering to drive them home whenever they get too intoxicated is enabling their actions, because its setting up a formula in which you are constantly available to rescue them.

Studies show that people with addictions are more likely to proactively seek treatment when they are forced to face the consequences of their actions. So, if you want to know how to help someone with an addiction, allow them to make mistakes without the promise of your rescue.

Its important to set up boundaries and rules, both for your well-being and the well-being of your loved one and its important to enforce those rules and boundaries. This is the only part of Recovery in which tough love is beneficial, since its done for both you and your loved ones protection.

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