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Depression and Substance Use Disorder: Signs, Symptoms, and Treatments
Feeling sad or stuck is hard enough, but when drugs or alcohol are involved, things can get even more complicated. Many use substances to try to escape depression symptoms, but that often makes both problems worse. When someone struggles with both, it’s called a dual diagnosis, and it needs special care and professional intervention. [1] At The Freedom Center in Maryland, we offer expert treatment that focuses on both depression and substance use, so healing can actually last.
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Key Points
- Depression and substance use often happen at the same time and need to be treated together.
- Relying on drugs or alcohol as a way of coping with or managing pressure usually makes things worse.
- Dual diagnosis treatment centers in Maryland provide therapy, medication, and tools to prevent relapse.
- Structured programs help people feel better emotionally and stay on track in recovery.
- The Freedom Center offers personalized care for depression and substance use.
What Is Depression?
Depression is classified as a serious mental health condition that goes beyond feeling sad or having a bad day. [2] It affects how a person thinks, feels, and functions. Common symptoms include a persistent sense of hopelessness, low energy or fatigue, changes in sleep patterns or appetite, and a loss of interest in things that once brought joy. For some, depression shows up as irritability or numbness rather than sadness.
Feeling sad after a tough life event is a natural response, but clinical depression runs deeper. It lingers, often without a clear trigger, and can make it hard to function at school, on the job, or in relationships. Unlike temporary sadness, it often requires professional support to recover.
There are also different types of depression, including Major Depressive Disorder, Persistent Depressive Disorder (also called dysthymia), Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, and depressive disorder due to another medical condition, like Bipolar disorder. [3]
If depression is starting to interfere with everyday life or getting worse, it may be time to reach out for professional support. With the right depression therapy, a person can learn how to manage symptoms and start feeling more like themselves again.
Addiction and Depression
When someone is living with both depression and substance use issues, the signs can blend and become overwhelming. They may feel hopeless or drained most days, lose interest in things that used to matter to them, or struggle to focus on school or work.
On top of that, using alcohol or drugs may seem like the only way to feel better, at least for a little while.
Unfortunately, self-medicating usually makes things worse. If a person is turning to substances regularly just to get through the day, and their depression isn’t improving—or is even getting deeper—it could mean they’re dealing with a dual diagnosis, also known as co-occurring disorders. [6]
They may also notice signs like needing more of a substance to feel the same effect, withdrawing from relationships, having mood swings, or struggling with basic tasks. Some people even start to feel numb or think about self-harm.
These are all red flags that it’s time to seek help. Treatment facilities for depression that specialize in dual diagnosis care are designed for situations like this.
They focus on treating both the emotional pain and the substance use together, so that one doesn’t keep triggering the other. Obtaining the right kind of support can break the cycle and help them begin building a healthier, more stable life focused on wellness.
Signs Someone May Need Dual Diagnosis Treatment
When someone is living with both depression and substance use issues, the signs can blend and become overwhelming. They may feel hopeless or drained most days, lose interest in things that used to matter to them, or struggle to focus on school or work.
On top of that, using alcohol or drugs may seem like the only way to feel better, at least for a little while.
Unfortunately, self-medicating usually makes things worse. If a person is turning to substances regularly just to get through the day, and their depression isn’t improving—or is even getting deeper—it could mean they’re dealing with a dual diagnosis, also known as co-occurring disorders. [6]
They may also notice signs like needing more of a substance to feel the same effect, withdrawing from relationships, having mood swings, or struggling with basic tasks. Some people even start to feel numb or think about self-harm.
These are all red flags that it’s time to seek help. Treatment facilities for depression that specialize in dual diagnosis care are designed for situations like this.
They focus on treating both the emotional pain and the substance use together, so that one doesn’t keep triggering the other. Obtaining the right kind of support can break the cycle and help them begin building a healthier, more stable life focused on wellness.
What to Expect at Depression Treatment Centers in Maryland
At trusted depression treatment centers in Maryland, including The Freedom Center, care starts with a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation. This helps clinicians diagnose both depression and any co-occurring substance use disorder so that the team can build a treatment plan meeting specific needs.
Dual diagnosis care ensures that both issues are addressed simultaneously—something that’s critical for lasting addiction recovery. Here’s a closer look at what treatment involves:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective tools used to treat both depression and substance use. It helps to recognize unhelpful thought patterns—like guilt, shame, or hopelessness—and replace them with healthier ways of thinking.
If someone has felt stuck in a loop of negative thoughts, CBT provides real, actionable strategies to break that cycle and start moving forward.[7]
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
DBT can be particularly useful for those experiencing intense emotions, mood swings, or suicidal thoughts. It teaches four key skills: mindfulness, emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness.
This therapy is often used in rehab for depression to help people manage strong feelings without turning to substances. [8]
Individual and Trauma-Informed Therapy
Many people with depression have a history of trauma.[9] Trauma-informed care acknowledges this and creates a safe, supportive space to explore the past without retraumatization.
This type of therapy centers on healing emotional wounds that may contribute to both depression and substance use.
Medication Management
Antidepressants and certain other medications can help stabilize mood and ease withdrawal symptoms. [10] At The Freedom Center, a psychiatrist works closely with each individual to monitor the effects of medication and make adjustments as needed. This ensures they get the benefits without unwanted side effects.
Group Therapy and Relapse Prevention
Healing isn’t just individual—it’s also social. Group therapy offers support from others who understand what they’re going through. It also includes skill-building and relapse prevention strategies to help someone maintain progress outside of treatment.
Whether an individual requires residential care or outpatient support, The Freedom Center offers structured, evidence-based dual diagnosis treatment tailored to their unique journey. If someone is searching for depression treatment centers in Maryland, the compassionate Freedom Center team is here to help them heal emotionally and regain control of their life
Family Therapy
Incorporating close family members, blood relatives, chosen family, and partners in the treatment process can enhance the patient’s treatment experience, providing essential support outside the structure of their program. Family therapy helps all parties improve communication and cultivate healthy relationships as they navigate a challenging time.
Depression and Substance Abuse Treatment Programs at The Freedom Center
At The Freedom Center, there is an understanding of how deeply connected depression and substance use can be, and programs treat both together. At this center, depression and substance abuse treatment are offered across a full continuum of care, allowing someone to get the right level of support at every stage of recovery.
In Buckeystown, the inpatient program, also known as residential treatment, offers 24/7 supervision, medical stabilization, and detox services if needed, along with a structured daily schedule of therapy.
This level of care is best for people dealing with serious depression, thoughts of self-harm, or withdrawal from drugs or alcohol. It offers 24/7 support, including help with medications and emotional stability, all in a safe and confidential setting where healing can begin.
For those who require a high level of care but don’t need overnight stays, the Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) in Gaithersburg offer flexible day treatment options.
These outpatient treatment programs include group therapy, one-on-one counseling, medication check-ins, and skill-building sessions to address both depression and substance use. PHP typically runs five days a week, while IOP offers morning, afternoon, or evening tracks to fit around work or family life.
Outpatient therapy services provide ongoing support for individuals in recovery who are ready to transition from more intensive treatment. Clients meet regularly with therapists and psychiatrists to maintain stability, prevent relapse, and continue developing healthy coping tools while planning for aftercare in their recovery journey.
Whether someone is in crisis or seeking ongoing care, The Freedom Center offers trusted dual diagnosis care tailored to their specific needs. If they’re searching for depression treatment in Maryland, the team is here to walk with them, step by step, toward healing and lasting recovery.
Why Professional Evidence-Based Treatment Is Crucial
Trying to manage depression and substance use on one’s own can be overwhelming—and even dangerous. Untreated depression, especially when drugs or alcohol are being abused, can raise the risk of suicidal thoughts, self-harm, and accidental overdose. [11]
What may start as a way to cope can quickly spiral into a dual crisis affecting every aspect of the user’s life. Professional support and mental health treatment from qualified providers are essential in these situations. Severe depression treatment centers offer medical oversight to help manage withdrawal symptoms, monitor mood changes, and safely adjust medications where clinically appropriate.
If someone is experiencing bipolar disorder, depression or another co-occurring condition, having a team that understands how these diagnoses interact is critical for effective care. Long-term recovery takes more than just a few therapy sessions—it requires an integrated plan for mental health issues and addiction treatment.
This includes consistent therapy, medication management, case management, and relapse prevention strategies tailored to specific needs.
With the right help, it’s possible to stabilize a person’s mood, reduce cravings, and help them reclaim control over their life.
If you or a loved one is ready to get help but finances are holding you back, give us a call. We can work with your health insurance provider.
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If you or a loved one is ready to get help but finances are holding you back, give us a call. We can work with your health insurance provider.
Get Help Right Now at The Freedom Center
Dealing with both depression and addiction to substances can be a tough struggle, and it is a lifelong process with many ups and downs. Although it is not a linear journey to go through, with the right treatment, it is easier to prevent major setbacks or relapses. We at The Freedom Center can help make the process easier by providing our best tools and a team prepared to help through every step of the way.
Our programs were designed to work on every aspect of a patient’s life as they transition into sobriety. From holistic treatments to legal aid and case management, we will give you all the tools needed so that you can take ahold of your life and become more independent as you improve. Dual-diagnosis treatment plans are available at our facilities as well. If you’d like more information about our program options, visit our website and contact us today. We can answer any questions you may have and help you make one of the best decisions of your life.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Depression and Substance Abuse Treatment
Powder cocaine is a hydrochloride salt that’s usually snorted or dissolved and injected.
Crack cocaine is a crystalized form that’s smoked. Crack produces a faster, more intense high, but also wears off quickly, leading to more frequent use. [11]
Both forms are highly addictive, but crack is often associated with a quicker path to dependence due to how rapidly it enters the bloodstream and affects the brain.
Common signs include persistent sadness, low energy, loss of interest in activities, changes in sleep or appetite, and using drugs or alcohol to cope. [12] When both conditions are present, a person may also experience mood swings, feelings of isolation, or difficulty in maintaining daily life responsibilities.
[1][4][5][6][13] National Library of Medicine. (n.d.-f). Dual diagnosis. https://medlineplus.gov/dualdiagnosis.html#
[2][3]Chand, S. P. (2023, July 17). Depression. StatPearls [Internet]. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430847/
[10][11][12] What is depression? (n.d.). https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/depression/what-is-depression
[7][8] Dual diagnosis. (2025, June 10). Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24426-dual-diagnosis
[9] Tailor, S. (2023, February 3). Adults with child trauma history respond to depression treatment similar to other adults. Louis a. Faillace, MD, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. https://med.uth.edu/psychiatry/2023/01/31/adults-with-child-trauma-history-respond-to-depression-treatment-similar-to-other-adults/
