Addiction Canada Treatment Network Discusses Depression In Recovery

Addiction Canada Treatment Network believes that the use of mind altering substances changes the chemical balance of an individual and sometimes alters moods so much that many become depressed. End Quote

(1888PressRelease) September 14, 2012 - Many patients in drug rehab will also suffer from some form of depression. "Depression" is a general term used to describe a generalized feeling of sadness or, more formally, a series of mental mood disorders that result in feelings of sadness. The actual depressive symptoms run the gamut from mild to severe and, when they reach a particular intensity and frequency, can be classified as a mood disorder, such as major depressive disorder, dysthymic disorder, substance-induced mood disorder or bipolar disorder (which is often followed by a period of elation or mania).

According to many Mental Heath workers, depressive symptoms can be attributed to people whose conditions fall below the criteria necessary for a formal finding of a mood disorder. People with "depressive symptoms" may feel sad, hopeless or have the "blues". Patients in drug rehab with co-occurring depressive symptoms are plentiful and full blown mood disorders abound; a recent study showed that approximately 40% of alcoholics and 60% of drug addicts also had independent mood disorders. The numbers reveal that women are more likely than men to suffer from addiction plus a mental disorder, especially depression.

"Although people in our Recovery Network experience temporary periods of sadness or depressed mood, many are actually suffering symptoms associated with first withdrawal then with Bio-chemical distortion and we strive to eventually find out if a mental health disorder exists" says the Director of Addiction Canada Treatment Network. "We have found that therefore, it is important for our therapists working with our clients to be aware that they are often counseling patients who are experiencing mild depressive symptoms or have an actual dual diagnosis of addiction and mood disorder" says the Director.

In order to develop an effective program for dealing with depressive symptoms during drug rehab, Addiction Canada Treatment Network starts the screening process for mood issues at client intake. Admissions and intake personnel with Addiction Canada Treatment Network have been trained to pay particular attention to clues that the patient is also experiencing symptoms of depression; screenings for mood issues then continues throughout the course of treatment.

Counselor Roger states that, "the main consequence of depression during drug rehab is that the symptoms may actually interfere with patient recovery or prohibit the patient from engaging fully in the treatment process". The Addiction Canada Treatment Network Team find that someone who may be having trouble focusing or has a significant lack of energy will not be able to benefit from the sharing of others' experiences in group therapy or a 12-step meeting. Other patients will have trouble staying with the Addiction Canada Treatment Network Program and will further hold a belief that treatment is hopeless or withdraw altogether.

Another Addiction Canada Treatment Network philosophy is Addiction to or withdrawal from drugs or alcohol can lead to symptoms of depression. If severe enough, the symptoms can lead to a diagnosis of "substance-induced mood disorder". This type of illness presents as a prominent and persistent disturbance of mood due to the psychological effects of drugs and/or alcohol. Substance-induced mood disorder can present as mania, depression or a combination of the two. In alcoholics, the disorder typically presents only during withdrawal and results in a depressed mood, anxiety, lack of appetite, difficulty concentrating, sleep disturbance, or paranoia. These symptoms are shared by most drug addicts during withdrawal as well. However in those who are addicted to opioids, such as heroin addicts, the disorder can present during either use or withdrawal, with symptoms during use presenting as lack of energy, poor appetite and trouble concentrating.

Keith, a treatment co-ordinator at Addiction Canada Treatment Network states, "Many alcoholics and addicts who also suffer from depression may not be diagnosed until after they have stopped the drug or alcohol use, as the substances tend to cover up actual symptoms. For many, the depression may get worse once they enter sobriety and we look for this intensely during the course of our clients treatment program"

One of the most important aspects of depression and substance abuse is that, without proper treatment, the depression can thwart sobriety. For some patients, effective treatment may require the use of medication long after they are discharged from drug rehab. Further, the co-occurrence of addiction and depression often leads to a delay in seeking treatment. Addiction Canada Treatment Network sees that many people miss out on their chance to get well because of these facts.

Addiction Canada Treatment Network
Toronto, Ontario
1-866-220-6151
www.addictioncanada.ca

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