Substance induced mood disorder is just as the name implies. Using medications, drugs or alcohol can cause depression. This disorder leads some people to lose interest or enjoyment in life completely.
Transient feelings of sadness are typical for many people. Having a temporary hangover from drug or alcohol consumption is also expected. Of course, the difference with substance induced depression is a person feels considerably worse for longer periods.
The Irony of Being Diagnosed with Substance-Induced Mood Disorder
Most people believe that taking drugs or drinking alcohol will make them feel better. Positive emotions were their only association with those substances. The irony is those same substances also make them feel worse.
They do not realize the cause of their substance-induced depression until they are diagnosed. A doctor or psychologist makes sure depression was not present before a person started using or drinking.
This is also necessary because of the different types of depressive disorders. They must pinpoint the condition to determine the right approach for depression treatment.
Types of Mood Disorders
It is common that most mood disorders are present prior to substance use. Symptoms from these conditions are what leads a person to drink or use. They use alcohol and drugs to deal with the symptoms by self-medicating.
Some common diagnostic names for these disorders and substances include:
- Alcohol-induced depressive disorder
- Amphetamine-induced depressive disorder
- Cocaine-induced depressive disorder
Substance induced mood disorder can occur with other conditions. Bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, and seasonal affective disorder are mood-related conditions. Generally, a substance user is subject to developing these conditions.
Treatment for Substance Induced Mood Disorder
A person suffering from substance induced mood disorder may display symptoms of mania and depression. Furthermore, clinicians use behavioral therapies to treat this dual condition. They may also use pharmacological options if necessary.
One of the most effective treatments for substance-induced disorder is cognitive behavioral therapy. It addresses a person’s thought patterns that relate to their mood disorder. Cognitive behavioral therapy also treats damaging thought patterns that encourage substance use.
Most treatment professionals prescribe an antidepressant to help ease symptoms of depression. A medication management program makes it easy to monitor if the person in the program is improving.
However, medication is not a cure for substance use or depression. It is helpful when used with other therapies.
Help is Available
Relief from substance induced mood disorder is possible at Crestview Recovery. We understand the difficulties of getting through each day. Furthermore, our treatment services can help. Expert treatment allows you to begin feeling better within hours or days after your last drink or drug use.
Our location fills the gap in the Pacific Northwest for treating mood and substance use disorders. We provide a range of evidence-based and holistic therapies such as:
- 12 step recovery
- Family therapy
- Dialectical behavioral therapy
- Life skills rehab
- Holistic drug rehab
Don’t give up. Your journey to a better life begins today. Our team is ready to help bring into a healthy balance. Also, take the most important step of your life and call 866.262.0531 to begin treatment as soon as possible.
Since 2016, Dr. Merle Williamson, a graduate of Oregon Health Sciences University, has been the Medical Director at Crestview Recovery, bringing a rich background in addiction medicine from his time at Hazelden Treatment Center. He oversees outpatient drug and alcohol treatments, providing medical care, setting policies, detox protocols, and quality assurance measures. Before specializing in addiction medicine, he spent 25 years in anesthesiology, serving as Chair of Hospital Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee and Chief of Anesthesia at Kaiser Permanente. This experience gives him a unique perspective on treating prescription drug addiction.
