Depression I Bi-polar
Depression is a significant complicating factor in recovery from alcohol and drug addiction, eating disorders and other process addictions. For many people, symptoms of depression lessen as they establish abstinence and get through the initial phases of acute and post-acute withdrawal. (The latter applies also to eating disorders and process addictions in addition to chemical dependencies). As a stable sobriety and recovery are established, the symptoms of clinical depression are no longer present. One of the early (and ongoing) psychological tasks of recovery is to begin to tolerate normal feelings of sadness, anger, anxiety etc. in response to difficult life situations (past and present). In the absence of the old, addictive coping behaviours, normal feelings can sometimes be mistaken for depression, but people in recovery do become more practiced and skilled at recognizing and tolerating feelings.
There are other people for whom their use of addictive substances or behaviours has been an attempt to relieve an underlying depression (or anxiety or other disorder). It is usually (although not always) necessary to establish a period of abstinence in order to get a clearer idea of any underlying diagnosis. In these cases, attention needs to be paid to both the addictive behaviour and the depression. There are some people for whom it may be very difficult to establish or maintain abstinence if the depression (or other mental health problem) remains untreated, and this can lead to a cycle of continual relapse.
People at any stage of recovery can become depressed, in response to any number of physical, psychological, emotional and social factors. Many of the activities vital for self-care in recovery from addiction are the same as those for managing depression (i.e. support, self-help, routine, attention to nutrition and exercise, emotional and spiritual health, and professional intervention when needed). It is important to seek professional advice if you are struggling in recovery (particularly if you are doing all the things that are suggested, such as attending 12-Step meetings, talking to a sponsor, working the Steps etc.), but still feel that you are suffering from depression. There is help available! With the knowledge of our highly skilled staff depression treatment is available at Life Works.
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