The term dual diagnosis refers to the coexistence of two disorders at the same time, one being an addiction and the other a mental health condition. Such is the case for a person suffering from the dual diagnosis of alcoholism and depression simultaneously. Depression is the most common mental disorder found in dual diagnosis.
Do mental illnesses occur due to substance use, or are mental disorders what lead to drug use? Both situations can occur. Alcohol can contribute to the development of depression due to the adverse effects it causes. Alternatively, depression may incite alcohol consumption to alleviate its symptoms.
At CCAdicciones, we understand the difficulty of suffering from an alcohol addiction alongside a mental disorder such as depression, but we are here to help you. Despite the difficulties involved in the dual diagnosis of alcoholism and depression, we provide treatment for a recovery with guarantees.
The relationship between alcohol and depression
Alcohol is a nervous system depressant. In small doses, it may seem to improve mood, make you feel better, and have the ability to disinhibit, improving social skills by reducing shame. These are the symptoms for which alcohol is considered a social drug and is directly linked to social events because of its recreational use. At a celebration, party, nightclub, bars… alcohol is often the protagonist.
Alcoholic beverages are often used as a means of escape. In the face of adverse situations, alcohol is used to relax, calm down, and momentarily forget difficulties. However, the truth is that continued alcohol consumption will only produce negative effects.
Abusing alcohol can lead to an addiction, known as alcoholism. It also increases the risk of suffering from depression, and if this mental disorder is already present, it will worsen it. One of the reasons it can contribute to developing depression is the consequences generated by the addiction. Family and financial problems, worsening work performance that can lead to dismissal, arguments with a partner, loneliness, lack of understanding… these are just some of the effects derived from alcoholism.
Due to the normalization of alcohol consumption, the real risks of excessive drinking are not perceived. Quitting alcohol will have many benefits, both physical and psychological. Furthermore, depression will improve considerably.
Reasons why the dual diagnosis of alcoholism-depression occurs
What happened first: the alcohol addiction and then the depression? Or, vice versa, has an alcohol dependency developed due to depression?
Three different situations can be distinguished to explain dual diagnosis. Firstly, suffering from a mental disorder, as it will be a risk factor that can induce substance use. The individual has depression, and it is this low mood that leads them to consume alcohol. They drink with the purpose of forgetting their situation, not feeling any pain, obtaining momentary pleasure, etc. Ultimately, to alleviate the symptoms of depression. Until they become addicted to the sensation obtained after ingesting alcohol.
Having an addiction and consuming a substance can, in the long run, lead to the development of a mental disorder. The consumption of certain substances is directly related to mental illnesses. Repeated alcohol consumption will cause alcoholism, and depression may originate, causing the dual diagnosis of alcoholism and depression.
Finally, and in a smaller percentage, neither of the two disorders—mental and addiction—are related to each other. There is no previous link between both illnesses. That is to say, neither has been the direct cause of the other. Even so, they will affect each other because substance use will aggravate the mental disorder, and the latter may cause consumption in greater measure and quantity.
Dual diagnosis treatment
A person with a dual diagnosis requires very specific treatment with personalized attention because they present greater vulnerability. It must be taken into account that the recovery process will be longer and more complex than if it were only an addiction, as there are two different disorders that will affect each other.
Dual diagnosis complicates the recovery process and hinders the application of detoxification treatment. In the case of a patient suffering from a dual diagnosis, a precise diagnosis of their situation and the mental disorder linked to their addiction must be made. The treatment proposed in these types of cases will be more flexible so that the patient adapts correctly.
The abrupt cessation of a substance to which a dependency has been generated can cause what is known as withdrawal syndrome. In the case of alcohol, if the person interrupts their consumption without any control, they will experience a strong withdrawal syndrome with symptoms such as: tremors, delusions, sweating… For this reason, it is so important to seek the help of expert professionals in addictions to quit a substance definitively. However, if there is also an added mental disorder, it is even more significant. Quitting drinking when a total dependency on alcohol has been generated without any control will worsen the symptoms of depression, evidencing its negative effects on mental health.
People with dual diagnosis are highly stigmatized. Both addiction and mental disorders are two taboo subjects in today’s society. They are singled out and judged. Part of the dual diagnosis treatment will involve working to avoid the prejudices linked to these types of illnesses.
There is always a way out
If you have a dual diagnosis of alcoholism-depression, or an addiction, you need help. CCAdicciones is a private therapeutic and detoxification clinic with a health registry. We have a medical team specialized in addictions. Thanks to their experience and knowledge, they will assess each patient’s situation to determine the treatment that best suits each case. Always with personalized attention.
We adapt completely to you, your personal circumstances, and your particularities. At CCAdicciones, we are at your full disposal 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. If you need to start over and have a healthy life, away from addiction, please contact us and we will inform you.
