Alcohol or Drug Induced Depression Treatment

There is a typical experience most people have in response to a tragic event in their lives or some other common cause of normal temporary depression. But, a substance-induced mood disorder is different. It can continue for months and sometimes even years. One cause of clinical depression is alterations in the way certain chemicals interact in the brain due to alcohol or drug abuse. Substance misuse can trigger or exacerbate a sense of loneliness, hopelessness, sadness, and other negative emotions that are characteristic of prolonged severe depression.

If you or some you love is suffering from Alcohol or Drug Induced Depression, call Pathways Real Life Recovery to schedule a free consultation.

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What is Substance Induced Depressive Disorder?

This mental disorder involves persistent, significant mood changes, showing clear indicators of depressed mood after consuming a particular drug or during withdrawal from it. The individual’s mental health history is factored into determining the link between the medication and depression. Further, the symptoms must be significant enough that the individual has lost a substantial amount of normal daily functioning.

Substance-Induced Mood Disorder Symptoms

To qualify as a symptom, a condition listed below has occurred while under the influence of alcohol, an illicit substance, or medication or during the patient’s withdrawal from the drug. Some symptoms include:

Continuous sadness or hopelessness
Low self-esteem
Feeling of emptiness
Lack of concentration
Excessive or insufficient sleeping
Lack of energy, fatigue
Continuous irritability or anxiety
Loss of interest in favorite activities
Diminished interest in sex
Significant and rapid weight gain or loss
Delusions or hallucinations
Thoughts about death or suicide
Risky behavior
Abusing drugs to self-medicate for depression

Causes of Substance/Medication Induced Depressive Disorder

This form of depressive disorder is caused by a particular substance/medication. Some types of illicit substances and prescription medication that cause depression include:

Alcohol
Opioids
Amphetamines
Benzodiazepines
Hallucinogens

Drug or Alcohol Induced Depression Treatment

Like numerous other mental health disorders, depression can be successfully managed with appropriate treatment. Treatment options for substance-induced depression can include a wide range of medications, psychotherapy types, and even therapeutic brain treatment techniques.

Medications for Depression Treatment

Antidepressant medications are used to help improve the processing of brain chemicals that are responsible for mood. These can be very helpful in alleviating depression. Among the most frequently prescribed antidepressants are:

Tricyclic Antidepressants
Atypical Antidepressants
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors

Non-Pharmacological Depression Treatment

Antidepressants may be addictive. With co-occurring disorders, depression, and substance addiction, recovery may require entirely non-pharmacological treatment options.

For Chemically-Induced Depression Relief, Call Pathways Real Life Recovery

With the right treatment, people with this form of depressive mental health disorder can go on to live normal, happy, and highly productive lives. But, many may be unwilling to accept the treatment necessary to overcome the disorder. Pathways mental health recovery professionals are highly experienced in providing the most effective treatments for the gamut of depression disorders.