Depression is one of the most prevalent mental health challenges in the U.S., but there’s still a lot of stigma surrounding what it is and how to overcome it. Depression is a severe illness that can adversely affect every aspect of your life and come between you and your loved ones. An untreated alcohol abuse disorder can compound your depression symptoms, leaving you feeling worse than before. This Mental Health Month, how can you quit drinking while dealing with depression?
The Relationship Between Drinking and Depression
Depression and substance abuse disorders often evolve alongside each other. People who rely on alcohol to provide a short-term escape from the pain of depression may soon find themselves unable to quit drinking. Substance use alters the brain’s reward pathways. With long-term drinking, your reward circuit adapts to alcohol, making it increasingly challenging to achieve pleasure from any other source. You may experience uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms when you try to drink less or quit cold turkey, which can drive you further into depression.
When you are living with depression and an alcohol use disorder concurrently, mental health professionals call it a dual diagnosis. Because these two illnesses fuel each other, treating them simultaneously is crucial for putting you on a path to recovery and restoring your health and well-being. An accredited rehab facility can help you quit drinking while dealing with depression.
What Does Dual-Diagnosis Treatment Entail?
When you’re ready to make a fresh start and reclaim your life from co-occurring depression and addiction, medically managed detox will be the first step in your treatment program. In this initial phase, trained professionals will monitor your condition and administer medications, as necessary, to help ease any discomfort you may feel as your body and mind become clear of alcohol’s effects.
After you are medically stable, you’ll be ready to move into residential treatment. During this period, you will participate in 12-step group meetings, individual therapy and relapse prevention education. The goal is to uncover the underlying cause of your substance abuse and learn healthy coping strategies for dealing with depression.
Once you complete your stay in our residential treatment program, you can move into extended care at Vista Taos. Here, you’ll benefit from ongoing support to help you stay sober and on track with your new goals.
Why Choose Vista Taos?
At our family-owned dual-diagnosis treatment center, you can equip yourself with all the tools you need to quit drinking while dealing with depression. Our holistic approach addresses all facets of your well-being and complements traditional treatment with amenities like yoga, massage, acupuncture and meditation. Vista Taos residents also have the opportunity to enjoy various activities and excursions to enhance their recovery experience.
To learn more about experiencing Taos, New Mexico, as a spiritual retreat and declaring your independence from alcohol and depression, please contact our admissions team today.
