Jacksonville, FL Counseling Services
Depression and substance abuse occur at a high rate amongst adults. While one can occasionally occur without the other, depression generally leads to substance abuse or substance abuse can lead to depression.
At Breakthroughs’ Jacksonville, Florida substance abuse treatment center, we have credentialed therapists willing to help you get freedom from substance abuse. Get counseling today by contacting our Jacksonville counselors.
How Substance Abuse Causes Depression
Drugs directly affect the brain, its dopamine levels, and ability to produce dopamine. Depending on the drug used, our northern Florida rehab center can develop individualized substance abuse treatment plans to help overcome your chemical addiction.
Here is how depression and substance abuse occur from three commonly abused drugs:
- Marijuana – Brain functioning is slowed and cognitive abilities decreased. Individuals can become dependent and become depressed during withdrawal. Learn more about our Florida marijuana addiction treatment
- Cocaine – Dopamine levels become elevated, but when an individual crashes, they become depressed. In order to regain an elevated mood, they require more cocaine. Learn more about our Florida cocaine addiction treatment
- Alcohol – Alcohol can cause depression during intoxication and withdrawal. Learn more about our Rehab Center in Jacksonville
How Depression Causes Substance Abuse
Individuals that are depressed may attempt self-medicating themselves. Some may refuse to recognize that they’re depressed, while others believe substances, such as alcohol or marijuana, may bring them out of depression.
Substance abuse is not treatment for depression. If you are feeling depressed, you need to consult with our Jacksonville therapists, or you risk worsening your depression.
Older Adults at Risk for
Substance Abuse and Depression
While older adults represent 13 percent of the American population, they account for approximately 18 percent of all suicide deaths. A recent report by the Surgeon General on Mental Health concluded that 60 to 75 percent of adults over the age of 75 that commit suicide have symptoms of depression.
Additionally, SAMSHA estimates that approximately 17 percent of adults over the age of 60 abuse substances, such as:
- Alcohol
- Prescription drugs
- Over-the-counter medication
Why is depression and substance abuse so prevalent amongst the elderly? One theory is that prescribed pain medication is more common amongst older adults, which can lead to substance abuse. Additionally, elderly individuals may be unable to afford counseling and treatment for depression. These two factors can cause an increase in substance abuse and depression amongst older adults.
If you are depressed, require chemical addiction treatment, or you suspect a loved one of substance abuse and depression, our Jacksonville therapists can help you get counseling today.
Please contact our rehab center to schedule a consultation with one of Breakthroughs’ therapists. We are dedicated to providing affordable and effective treatment for mental health in Jacksonville, Florida.