Steps to Take if You Suspect Depression Alongside Substance Abuse

It can be challenging to determine if someone is suffering from depression, substance abuse, or both. However, getting the right diagnosis is critical for successful treatment and recovery. If you suspect a loved one may be experiencing depression and substance abuse, there are steps you can take to help address the issues.

Look for Signs of Depression

Some signs of depression include persistent sadness, lack of interest in usual activities, significant changes in appetite or sleep habits, feelings of guilt or worthlessness, difficulty concentrating, and thoughts of death or suicide. Take note if these symptoms last for more than two weeks. Also, be aware that some people try to self-medicate depression with drugs or alcohol.

Watch for Indicators of Substance Abuse

Warning signs of substance abuse include needing more of a substance to get the same effect, experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not using, allowing substance use to interfere with obligations, continuing use despite negative consequences, giving up activities in favor of substance use, and spending a lot of time using or recovering from use.

Have an Honest Conversation

If you suspect your loved one is struggling with depression and addiction, have a kind, open conversation with them. Express your specific concerns and desire to help them get better. Avoid blaming or shaming them. Recommend they talk to a doctor or mental health professional who can properly assess what they’re experiencing. Let them know treatment and support are available.

Encourage Professional Evaluation

Only a trained healthcare provider can diagnose depression, substance abuse disorder, or both. Gently encourage your loved one to schedule an appointment with their primary care physician, a psychiatrist, or an addiction specialist. If they refuse, you may need to stage an intervention with other loved ones. Contacting their doctor yourself is an option if they consent.

Consider Inpatient Rehab

If your loved one is open to getting help, recommend they strongly consider an inpatient rehabilitation program. Inpatient rehab removes them from their using environment and provides constant care. Programs address both addiction and any co-occurring mental health disorders. Your loved one will go through detox, counseling, group therapy, education, and relapse prevention planning. The length of stay depends on individual needs.

Support Their Recovery

While your loved one is in treatment, learn about depression, addiction, and dual diagnosis so you can better understand what they are going through. Avoid enabling behaviors that contribute to substance abuse. Develop a plan for supporting them when they return home from rehab. This may involve attending counseling together, avoiding substance use around them, and providing encouragement. Manage your expectations and be patient – recovery is an ongoing process.

Plan for Aftercare

Once your loved one completes inpatient treatment, crucial aftercare should begin immediately to support their continued sobriety. This may include outpatient counseling, support groups, sober living housing, medication management, and ongoing peer support. A lack of follow up after rehab can increase the risk of relapse. Work with your loved one and their treatment team to create an aftercare plan.

Getting treatment for depression and addiction can transform your loved one’s life. With compassion, honesty, and encouragement, you can help guide them through the first steps toward healing and recovery.