When you’re struggling with a substance use disorder, you may wonder how you got to where you are. Without realizing it, you might begin resorting to alcohol and drugs as a coping mechanism. Many people who have an addiction to drugs or alcohol have an underlying mental illness as well, which needs treatment. Having depression and anxiety might be the reason you turn to substance use in the first place.
Self-Medication Due to Depression and Anxiety
Mental illness can develop for a wide range of reasons, and it typically starts in a person’s teenage years or early 20s. Two of the most common forms of mental illnesses are depression and anxiety. It’s entirely possible that someone begins to exhibit symptoms of depression and anxiety without knowing it. Consequently, turning to alcohol or drugs may be a misguided way of self-medicating.
Turning to drugs or alcohol may help alleviate symptoms initially, but they eventually make the symptoms worse. Being stuck in your active addiction alters the way that your brain creates different neurotransmitters.
Without the proper form of dual diagnosis treatment, it can be difficult to overcome your addiction. When you’re struggling with both mental illness and addiction, Steps to Recovery will guide you through the treatment you need.
Treating Depression and Anxiety
At a facility that specializes in dual diagnosis, you’re going to get treatment for your mental illness as well as your addiction. At Steps to Recovery, you’ll work individually with a licensed professional who can help give you a proper diagnosis of comorbidity.
It’s important to have a proper diagnosis because sometimes your depression or anxiety is part of another condition. Some other mental illnesses that can cause depression and anxiety can include the following:
- PTSD
- OCD
- Bipolar Disorder
- ADHD
- Borderline Personality Disorder
The beautiful part about addiction treatment is that your mental illness can begin to get better as you stay clean. When you’re stuck in the cycle of addiction, you may have anxiety around where you’ll find your next high. You may also experience depression as a result of the way you’re living your life.
However, staying clean and sober can lead to an alleviation of your symptoms.
Getting the Help You Deserve at Steps to Recovery
Steps to Recovery is an addiction treatment center that also specializes in treating depression and anxiety. We offer Pennsylvania addiction recovery services, and we’re passionate about seeing people recovery.
With the help of our compassionate and caring staff, we will guide you through your recovery program. Soon, you’ll start to see the benefits of our treatment. Some of the therapeutic methods that we provide here at Steps to Recovery include the following:
- Psychotherapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Group Therapy
Don’t let depression and anxiety control your life. At Steps to Recovery, we will lead you on your journey to achieve a more fulfilling life. Call us today at 866-488-8684.
