Depression and Addiction – Getting Help in the Context of a Drug Rehabilitation Center

Residential Treatment Can Help Treat Your Depression

Counselors Help Clients to Stop Using

If you’re looking for help with your depression, you’re in the right place. We want to help you regain control of your life.

You Are Not Alone

Depression is one of the most common and debilitating mental illnesses in the United States. If you or somebody you love is struggling with depression, you’re certainly not alone. An estimated 15.7 million adults experienced at least one major depressive episode in the past year, researchers at NIH found in 2014.¹  Many of these people experience devastating effects such as the inability to work, suicidal feelings, and withdrawing from their family and friends.

If you’re like many people with chronic depression, you may try to self-medicate with drugs or alcohol. You may have other problems as well. Often people who experience depression also have anxiety issues. Many of these issues are related to a trauma a person has experienced.

Treatment is Recommended (and Effective!)

Depression is a serious illness and it requires treatment to get better. A good treatment center knows that every person’s circumstances are unique, so their approach to wellness will vary depending on the individual seeking help.  There are many options to choose from, so we work together with our clients to make plans for treatment in a safe and supportive environment.

Residential treatment is a desirable option and has shown to lead to more successful outcomes.  Residential treatment removes the stressors of everyday life and allows the individual to focus on him or herself. With the guidance of effective mental health practitionaers, the person in residential treatment has the freedom to reclaim their lives in a nurturing, supportive environment.

What Are the Treatment Options for Depression?

There is no one-size-fits-all solution for individuals who are suffering from depression. Typically the treatment regimen will utilize multiple forms of therapy and occasionally integrate medication as well.

On Medication

Not everything will work for everyone, especially when it comes to medication. Responsible depression treatment will focus on treating the person, not just the disorder. Medication very well may assist on a short or long term (or even permanent) basis, but it’s recommended to always work toward minimizing psychiatric medications as coping skills are increased.  With this integrative approach, we’re able to provide individualized treatment plans that address both the depression and any co-existing disorders.

Holistic Treatment of Co-Occurring Disorders

It’s important to address the “whole person” when addressing depression. If there is a substance abuse problem as well, that must be addressed as part of the depression treatment to achieve the best chance at a long term rewarding recovery.  To help your treatment provider understand your needs, you will inevitably undergo mental health screenings and possibly a medical screening as well prior to admittance.

How Depression is Treated

• Medication: Medications are often needed to help individuals stabilize their moods and alleviate any other symptoms of mental illness, such as anxiety. The duration of time the medication will need to be taken depends on a number of circumstances, including any co-occurring disorders. Some people find their depression is only lifted when they are on antidepressants. Others may wean off the antidepressants once they feel they’ve learned new coping skills. Your treatment team will closely monitor meds and they can help you make decisions about how they’re used in your therapy.

Therapy is Useful for Depression

• Individual Therapy: Clients usually benefit from therapy such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT.)² through this therapy, the recovering individual learns more about their mental illness and how to cope with the symptoms. Through “one on one” therapy, the therapists imparts to the patient how to take charge of their wellness and find the appropriate tools to cope with their triggers for depression.

• Group Therapy: It can be very therapeutic to explore feelings and coping skills in a group of peers who are going through something similar to you. Because of this, group therapy is used to process issues that are affecting each individual (which in itself is freeing), and the moral support and accountability is invaluable at encouraging change.

• Family Therapy: Whether we realize it or not, our loved ones are an important aspect of healing. Many families have trepidation about this process, but by getting families together and discussing their involvement in each others’ lives  some major changes can happen that greatly aid the recovery of all members of the family.

In addition to therapy, most treatment  programs will offer a variety of therapeutic activities. Those who are in recovery from depression find peace and healing through activities such as art therapy, meditation, or even yoga.

After Treatment, What’s Next?

Once you’ve finished your time in a residential treatment setting,  you may have fear about re-entering the world or worry that you’ll have trouble finding your bearings in your everyday life. Your treatment team will help you address these fears and prepare for the transition. When it’s time for you to move on to your next chapter, they should sit down with your loved ones to create a plan for your aftercare.

Your aftercare plan may include outpatient treatment or seeing a therapist and psychiatrist on a regular basis. It will depend on your needs and progress at the time. Be sure to get  a plan in place that is appropriate and that the recovering person will agree too.

Getting Help for Depression

If you’re suffering from depression or another mental health problem, and you’re ready to get help, please give us a call. You can reclaim your life and find and recover from depression, in a safe and supportive environment. Please don’t suffer in silence. You have options. Your phone call is 100% confidential. We can answer any questions you may have today.

References