By Sandy Baker
Drug addiction is devastating. It taxes a person’s body and brain so much so that they feel unable to control their addiction or to find a way forward. For many people using drugs, mental illness is the true problem. The drugs help to mask underlying depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder that may have never been acknowledged or diagnosed. Yet using drugs to escape the effects of mental illness only makes it worse, especially in times of high stress. That’s why it is critical to get help.
Times of Stress Increase the Need for Mental Health Support
The current climate of social unrest and the pandemic is leading to an increased risk of depression and addiction. One study, reported by CNN, found that 75,000 Americans could be at risk of suicide due to underlying mental health conditions and addiction.
Part of the problem is that people are not getting the help they need. The other part of the problem is high stress levels. When a person is struggling with addiction, mental illness, and additional stress, everything is intensified. They feel the desire to use heavily no matter the consequences. They feel as if there is no way forward, nothing good to look forward to, and no way out. That’s when tragedy can happen.
How to Recognize the Need for Additional Help
If you are struggling with heavy drug and alcohol use, it can be hard to recognize the mental health problems underneath. But help is available, and here are some clear signs that you should seek help soon to get to a better place.
- Using more to get the same impact
As your mental health condition worsens, you may feel the need to use more of the drugs or alcohol you have been using. This happens as tolerance forms. Your body will continue to develop that tolerance until you are taking so much of the drug that it is toxic.
- Withdrawing from your life
If you are neglecting things in your life that you used to find rewarding, this may be a sign that it’s time to seek help. Maybe you find it harder to be around family and friends. You don’t want to ruin their day. You may not like activities you used to enjoy, such as exercising or gardening. You would rather be alone, at home, so you can use your substance/s of choice without judgment or interruption.
- You’ve thought about suicide
Are you thinking about death often? Do you find yourself unable to see anything good about the world around you? Perhaps you are consumed with the negative news. It’s too hard to deal with it all. If you have thought about suicide, seek help right away. You can start by calling the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.
How Can You Overcome These Challenges?
When you’re facing intense feelings due to addiction, depression, and stress, your first step is to reach out for immediate help. At The Ranch at Dove Tree, we can help you in various ways:
- Detox. Our detox program in Lubbock, TX, is a safe place for you to spend time as your body gets rid of the drugs and toxins. We help you manage withdrawal symptoms and deal with cravings.
- Traditional residential treatment. We’ll work with you on your co-occurring disorders (like depression or anxiety) and help you achieve balance.
- Experiential and holistic therapy. We offer a variety of modalities, including equine therapy, that can help you to find balance in your overall well-being.
- Individual and group therapy. Our professional therapists use a combination of cognitive behavioral therapy with other techniques to help you to deal with negative thoughts and emotions without using drugs or alcohol.
We are here for you right now, available 24/7. Just pick up the phone and call. You do not have to wait. You do not have to deal with addiction and depression any longer. Our team wants to give you the tools you need to get back to living a life that you enjoy. It’s possible with comprehensive treatment.
