People with persistent depressive disorder, also known as dysthymia, often use drugs and alcohol to cope with their symptoms.
Some people with depression self-medicate with drugs and alcohol to cope with their symptoms, putting them at high risk for addiction. Substance abuse problems are common among people who experience the symptoms of persistent depressive disorder, also known asdysthymia. Without professional help, the symptoms of dysthymia can negatively impact a person’s life, especially if addiction is also present.
Effects of Drug Abuse on Persistent Depressive Disorder
Some people may seek out substances, such as alcohol or drugs, to suppress the unwanted symptoms from dysthymia. This self-medicating behavior can allow the person to feel better, but only temporarily. In the long run, using drugs or alcohol tends to exacerbate the symptoms of dysthymia. The effect that addiction has on a person with dysthymia can vary depending on the specific substance used.
Dysthymia and Alcohol
Alcohol may temporarily relax the body, relieve stress and alleviate depressive symptoms. However, the aftereffects of alcohol can be detrimental to an individual’s brain chemistry.
There is a strong link between severealcohol use and depression. Nearlyone-thirdof the patients diagnosed with a mood disorder have co-occurring alcohol dependence. People with dysthymia who drink excessively tend to have more frequent and severe occurrences of depression and are more likely to contemplate suicide. Heavy alcohol use also can also hinder the effectiveness of the prescribed antidepressants given to combat dysthymia symptoms.
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Dysthymia and Marijuana
Thoughmarijuanais known for its calming effect, this drug may exacerbate symptoms of most depression disorders, including dysthymia. Introducing marijuana into the system may temporarily ease symptoms of dysthymia, but after the high has subsided, the individual may experience worsened depressive symptoms. Marijuana use, especially heavy use, has been linked withoccurrences of anxiety and depression.
Dysthymia and Stimulants
Few studies have been examined the effect that stimulants have on dysthymia. However, some research suggests thatstimulantsmay help improve mood, concentration or energy in people with depressive disorders.
Statistics on Dysthymia and Addiction
Mood disorders, including dysthymia, are themost commonmental health disorders that co-occur with addiction. According to the National Institute of Mental Health Epidemiological Catchment Area Study,32 percentof individuals with a mood disorder also had a co-occurring substance use disorder.
Can Dysthymia Lead to Drug Addiction?
If a mental health specialist does not diagnose and treat a mental illness quickly, it can lead to the use of alcohol and drugs. While drugs and alcohol can improve dysthymia symptoms in the short-term, misusing these substances can cause heightened depression or other symptoms in the long-term.
Treating Dysthymia and Co-Occurring Substance Use Disorders
Patients with untreatedmental health disordersmight turn to substance use as a way to temporarily soothe symptoms. As with all co-occurring disorders, substance use disorder and dysthymia can cause both conditions to worsen. For long-term recovery,treatmentfor the co-occurring disorders must occur simultaneously.
If you think you or your loved one grapples with co-occurring substance use and dysthymia,contact The Recovery Village today. With locations across the country, our staff have experience working with patients with co-existing disorders.
