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Depression Treatment Program

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Providing Trusted, Evidence-Based
Treatment for Three Decades and Counting

If you or a loved one is experiencing addiction, we’re here to help.

a woman helps someone work through depression and addiction treatmentIt’s hard to know what causes depression. We know that addiction plays a role in depression. For some, the addiction causes symptoms of depression. For others, depression causes substance abuse to begin. Americans experience depression at some point in their lives, and it’s estimated that one-third of those experiencing depression also struggle with substance use disorders.

Living with both depression and addiction can be a struggle. The good news is that there are effective treatments that can be used to help ease symptoms and make life seem worth living once more. At Michael’s House, we provide care for people with dual diagnoses, such as substance use and mental health issues.

Dual diagnosis treatment program offers patients support for both problems simultaneously instead of treating them separately. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us at 760.548.4032 to learn more about depression and addiction treatment in Palm Springs, California. 

Understanding Depression

Almost everyone feels low from time to time. It’s part of being human, dealing with the stresses that come and go throughout the day. But for people with depression, a low mood is more than a passing cloud. Instead, a low mood tends to come on and then stay for a long time with no end. The symptoms of depression can vary from person to person, but many people with depression report feeling:

  • Irritable
  • Extremely tired
  • Unable to concentrate or remember small details
  • Very hungry, or by contrast, not hungry at all
  • Hopeless about life
  • Unable to sleep or ability to sleep all day long without feeling refreshed
  • Physical pain

Some people may develop a major depressive episode where they cannot eat, sleep, work or enjoy their lives for weeks. Other people develop a mild form of depression in which they still feel significantly altered and unable to cope. These people may experience depressive symptoms for years. 

The Link Between Depression and Addiction

Evidence suggests depression and addiction share some of the same genetic markers. Both conditions seem to be inherited through the family line. For example, the National Institutes of Health found that a particular gene is linked to the chemical serotonin. However, people are more than just genes. Often, depression has a close link to stress in a person’s life. The loss of a marriage or the death of a family member puts enormous stress on a person’s emotional resiliency.

When people feel low and sad, they may turn to drugs and alcohol to shut off the signal and feel “normal.” Addiction can soon follow. Some individuals develop addictions to substances and then develop symptoms of depression over time. Addiction can damage portions of the brain, which can lead to depression.

Comprehensive treatment involving depression and addiction counseling can improve recovery rates. It is important to emphasize that both conditions should be treated simultaneously for proper healing. For example, people who only receive care for their depression might find that their addictions grow stronger as their mental health improves, and they may still face various negative consequences that could push them back into depression. The reverse is also true. Both conditions must be addressed in a depression and addiction treatment program. 

Understanding Depression and Addiction Treatment

Addiction and depression are often linked. One can fuel the other, making it difficult to break the cycle. However, there is hope. With the help of depression and addiction therapy, depression and addiction can be managed appropriately. There are a variety of depression and addiction therapies available, each with its benefits. Some standard therapies include:

  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy
  • Dialectical behavioral therapy
  • Group therapy

These therapies can help people understand their thoughts and feelings, identify negative behavior patterns, and learn new coping skills. In addition, these therapies provide a supportive environment where people can share their experiences and connect with others facing similar challenges. The most important thing to remember is that depression and addiction treatment is not a one-size-fits-all approach. What works for one person may not work for another. With the proper support, you can overcome depression and addiction and lead a fulfilling life. 

Finding Support for Depression and Addiction at Michael's House

While it’s true that people suffering from addiction and depression have a more complicated treatment process, recovery is possible. At Michael’s House, we offer co-occurring disorder programs for patients. Our integrated treatment approach simultaneously provides hope and healing from addiction and mental conditions. Our facility, located in the foothills of the San Jacinto Mountains in California, provides a hacienda-style campus described as the perfect place to find peace and serenity. Contact us at 760.548.4032 to discuss available treatment options with an admissions coordinator. 

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