Addiction and Depression: Reach Out For Help Posted On

For millions of individuals suffering from addictions, whether to alcohol, drugs, gambling or else, the consequences of addiction can cause quite a bit of stress, despair, insecurity and worry. For people also prone to being affected by a depressive disorder, a dual-diagnosis can make the fight for recovery and a healthy life tremendously difficult.

How common is the mix of both depression and addiction?

“The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry reports that one of every three adults who suffers from alcohol or drug abuse also suffers from depression” (source).

A similar relationship exists between depression and gambling addiction. It exists, and it can cause pain and hurt, but the most important thing you should know?

Help Is Available.

If problem gambling is affecting you or a loved one, you can reach out for help. Problem gambling is treatable, and recovery is possible.

This needs to be understood. We can all do better to educate our family members, friends and neighbors about the dangers associated with addiction in our communities.

While too few understand the impact gambling addiction has on the lives of many individuals, the truth is that gambling addiction has the highest suicide rate of all addictions.

Suicide is never the answer.

Reach Out For Help.

There are multiple ways to seek help for problem gambling. From private counseling to support groups, self-help to in-patient rehabilitation centers, there are various support systems available to help individuals affected by addiction at any level of severity.

For many people, the conversation about addiction starts at home. Whether you choose to talk to your parents, educate friends about your addiction, or reach out to another person close to you for help, starting the talk about recovery at home can be a great way to explain to your loved ones how you feel, what support you need and how you can plan to take the next step toward your recovery.

For others, talking to professionals can be a great first step in reaching out for help. Trained professionals who understand the effects of gambling addiction can provide significant guidance when you need to talk about your addiction and make changes in your life.

If you are nervous about talking to a professional or someone at home first, consider speaking to others who have felt the effects of addiction and depression themselves. Groups such as Gambler’s Anonymous can allow you to meet others who understand what you’re feeling because they too have been in similar situations and felt the same consequences of addiction.

Reach Out For Help Immediately – Don’t Wait.

Addiction and depression can have dramatic, devastating consequences, but they don’t have to affect you that way. You can find help right now, no matter what has happened in your past. No matter how high your debt, no matter how many relationships have suffered because of your gambling. Help is available.

You can call the NYS HOPEline at any time. Trained professionals who understand problem gambling are available to answer the phone 24 hours per day, every day of the year. They can answer your questions, and they can talk you through any crisis. You can reach the NYS HOPEline by calling 1-877-846-7369.

If your addiction or depression is causing you to have suicidal thoughts, you can also call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255). You’ll get connected with a trained counselor in your area right away.

Addiction and depression are scary, but they don’t have to rule your life. Take control. Reach out. Get help. Have hope.

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