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Approximately 4 million people with drug problems also have mental illness problems. This means that about 30% of those with a drug or drug and alcohol problem also suffer from a serious mental illness including personality disorders, major depression, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. [SAHMSA, 2002] Addiction and depression often go hand in hand. If one is using or abusing addictive substances or engaging in addictive behaviors it is very likely that person is also suffering from depression. Likewise if one is depressed one may self medicate as a way of denying or coping with the difficulties and pain that depression brings.
Depression and other psychiatric illnesses increase the risk of addiction. Of all people who are diagnosed as having a psychiatric illness, 29% are alcohol or drug abusers. As many as 37% of people who abuse alcohol and 53% of people who abuse drugs have at least one serious mental illness. Depression, already common in the general population, is even more common among alcoholics and drug abusers.
There are several reasons that a person who is depressed might be abusing drugs of some kind. The easiest reason to appreciate is that using drugs takes one away, temporarily, from the painful feelings of worthlessness, sadness, and guilt. When the drugs wear off, those feelings return. This cycle may create or increase the addictive cycle. Often depression creates in the person a desire to withdraw. When one is forced to be in public situations it may be so painful for that person that he or she will use drugs to cope. There is also the professional opinion that one who is depressed may be more prone to abuse substances.
On the other side of the coin addictions may be the first step to depression. Abuse of drugs or engaging in addictive behaviors may create conditions psychiatric problems. There are some psychotic symptoms that occur because of the use of cocaine. Hallucinations, anxiety, and mood disorders are just a few. Depression can be a byproduct of substance abuse. Treatment of the substance abuse will lift the depression that occurred during that time.
These “dual diagnosis” situations, as they are called, are often difficult to properly diagnose and then to treat. Substance abuse must be addressed before the depression can be looked at. Many of the stresses in life can easily lead to depression, substance abuse or both. These are recognized and serious medical conditions that require treatment and for which treatment is available. Sadly there is still the stigma of recognizing substance abuse or mental health conditions and then following through. Caught early treatments can at least lessen the severity many of these conditions if not make it possible to manage.
Dr. Paul Melrose is Executive Director of the Samaritan Counseling Center of SE Michigan. He can be reached at www.paulmelrose.com or through 248-474-4701. The staff of the center can be reached at www.samaritancounselingmichigan.com or through 248-474-4701. The Center can provide counseling for parents, grandparents, and grandchildren seeking to improve their relationships.
Paul J. Melrose, D. Min, LMFT
Executive Director
Samaritan Counseling Center of SE Michigan
29887 West Eleven Mile Road
Farmington Hills, MI 48336
(voice) 248-474-4701
(fax) 248-474-1518
www.paulmelrose.com
www.samaritancounselingmichigan.com
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