What is the relationship between addictions and anxiety or depression?
Many people ask me if addiction problems can influence other psychological problems, such as anxiety or depression. And my answer is always yes, without a doubt.
There are strong correlations between the use of addictive substances and all kinds of psychological problems, and there is a two-way direction: Addictions increase the likelihood of developing other psychological problems, and almost any psychological problem increases the chances of developing addictive behavior problems.
- Related article: "Dual Pathology: Causes and Associated Treatments and Disorders"
What is dual pathology?
Dual pathology is the simultaneous existence of an addictive behavior disorder and other psychological disorders. Each case is different, but there are usually two different scenarios:
- The person already suffers from some psychological problem (anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, etc.), and ends up resorting to drug use as a way to self-medicate and compensate for the symptoms. There comes a time when the person feels unable to face certain situations without taking drugs.
- The person develops an addiction problem, and ends up developing other problems as well, as a direct consequence of their addiction. Aggression, loss of control, relationship and family problems, losing interest in things that used to make him happy...
Not all people with anxiety or depression develop addiction problems, just as not all people with addictive behavior problems develop other psychological problems. Each case is different, and depends on many factors., from the context of the person, their genetics, their lifestyle, their support network, etc.
- You may be interested in: "The 14 most important types of addictions"
Anxiety and drug use
When we experience difficult situations, which we perceive as dangerous or threatening, we look for ways to feel better in the short term. Most of the time, anxiety problems are a consequence of some of the "solving attempts" of people. For example, avoidance behaviors, getting away from what makes us feel bad, or looking for ways to feel less.
Well, that's exactly what happens when people with anxiety use drugs like alcohol or marijuana. They seek to temporarily disconnect from their worries and the suffering of day to day.
There comes a time when drug use becomes a habit., and the person develops a tolerance to the effects of the drugs she used. So, to make anxiety go away just as quickly as before, you need to take larger doses. Which accelerates the development of your addiction.
That is why alcohol is the most consumed drug in the world, because millions of people have become accustomed to consuming it in all sorts of situations, not realizing that they are progressing bit by bit through the different phases of the alcoholism. Some studies confirm that Nearly one fifth of people who consume alcohol end up developing dependence problems at some point in their lives.. That's why it's crucial to understand how addictions and anxiety problems interact.
- Related article: "What is anxiety: how to recognize it and what to do"
Depression and drug use
Something very similar to the previous case occurs. People with depression are more prone to use certain drugs than help them forget feelings of hopelessness, guilt, or failure, or simply feel more energetic on a daily basis.
I have worked with many patients who had depressive symptoms and addiction to cocaine (or other drugs). They used frequent cocaine use to feel the energy and confidence that they were not able to feel on a day-to-day basis.
This also explains the great psychological dependence on drugs (in addition to physical dependence). When the person tries to stop consuming, in addition to encountering the physical withdrawal syndrome, they feel unable to face day-to-day situations without the effects of the drug. Using drugs regularly is an attempt to self-medicate.
- You may be interested in: "Major Depression: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment"
How is dual pathology treated?
The most effective treatment for dual pathology is psychotherapy, accompanied by psychotropic drugs in the most severe cases.
With the help of a mental health professional and addiction specialist, the person will become aware of his behavior patterns, how his addictive behaviors interact with your anxiety or depression problems (or any other psychological problems, such as conduct disorders food).
- Related article: "Why willpower is not always enough in the face of psychological problems"
What problem should be treated first?
It depends on the case, because each person is a world. Normally, after making the evaluation of the case, the person and the psychologist will decide together the therapeutic priorities. Normally, the problem that is limiting the person's day-to-day life the most, or that entails a greater risk to the person's life, will be worked on.
Therefore, in most cases, the person's addiction problems will be worked on, and then anxiety or depression problems will be worked on, as part of the global relapse prevention strategy.
How to overcome addictions (even if you have anxiety or depression)
A very important aspect of any addiction treatment is helping the person learn new tools and strategies to deal with difficult day-to-day situations (without the need to consume drugs).
Working on the person's anxiety or depression problems is essential, since these symptoms will be the main triggers for relapses in the person's day-to-day. Even if the person starts the process with a lot of motivation and good intentions, if he doesn't work on his other psychological problems, he will end up relapsing into drug use sooner or later.
My name is Luis Miguel Real, and I have been working as a psychologist specializing in addictions for years. If you suffer from an addiction problem, I can help you.
