Depression and Substance Abuse
Substance abuse affects the body and the brain.
Since the brain is affected there are feelings of euphoria and depression. Over time, there is less euphoria and more depression. This is because the brain becomes so acclimated to the substance abuse that it needs more and more to have any of the “high” feeling, so depression is present more and more and for longer periods.
Substance Abuse and Depression co-exist in most cases.
* Whether your drug of choice, the bottom line is Depression is going to win out in the end.
Normally, alcohol or marijuana bring a somewhat calming and slowing down feeling that you mistake for a pleasant, floating feeling. Other drugs such as cocaine can cause an elevated high feeling that comes crashing down when the coke wears off the feeling. Like I said, Depression will win out at the end.
“It is no accident that nearly all substance abuse cases have a diagnosis of depression, and it is simply because the brain is altered with the use of illicit drugs. * Go to any Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous meeting and you will hear stories of depression from practically every member if not all.“
Once believed to be one or the other, meaning someone develops a drug problem because of depression or someone is depressed because they can not have their drugs, it is known now that illicit drug use impairs the brain and never enhances it or helps it in any way.
* Substance abuse leads to depression.
It is a real imbalance that it should not be taken lightly because only increases the abuser’s misery.
This is a fact that must be faced and dealt with, in order to ensure a better chance of recovery when going through a withdrawal program. A proper drug rehab center recognizes the reality of depression in substance abuse and can help you win the battle over both.
