Inpatient Rehab for Alcoholism and Depression in North Carolina

About 280 million people worldwide live with depression. Many adults also struggle with alcohol abuse and addiction. In some cases, people live with alcoholism and depression, or other mental health conditions.

When someone lives with alcoholism and depression, they require specialized treatment. Alcohol addiction treatment can help people overcome alcoholism. People must also receive specialized types of therapy to treat depression at the same time.

This article will explore the treatment options for people living with an alcohol use disorder (AUD) and depression. You will also learn about what happens during rehab for alcoholism and depression.

If you or someone you love lives with a mental health disorder and alcoholism, you are not alone. Contact the Carolina Center for Recovery team now to explore our treatment programs. You may also schedule an intake assessment, verify your insurance, or ask questions.

Depression: An Overview

Many people think of depression as feeling sad or “blue.” Some believe that sadness, grief, and depression mean the same thing.

However, depression is a condition that impacts people’s lives in many ways. People with depression may feel tired, isolated, or hopeless. These feelings can make it hard for them to function on many–or most–days.

Some of the most common symptoms of depression include:

• Loss of interest in daily life
• Not feeling pleasure or happiness
• Ongoing feelings of self-hatred, guilt, or shame
• Low mood
• Feeling very tired
• Sleeping too little or too much
• Intrusive thoughts about dying or death
• Suicidal thoughts or behaviors

Depression can happen as a response to an event. It can also occur without a clear cause.

In some cases, depression may be part of a condition called post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). People with PTSD may experience mental and physical symptoms of trauma after a terrifying or highly stressful event.

The Link Between Depression and Alcoholism

People with depression may be at increased risk of developing a substance use disorder (SUD), including alcoholism. In fact, nearly 20% of people with depression meet the criteria for an alcohol use disorder at some point in their lives. Depression can be very painful. People with depression may struggle to function.

The mental and physical pain depression causes may be too much for people to cope with. People with depression may develop alcoholism if they drink alcohol to numb their emotional discomfort.

Drinking heavily or frequently can change how your brain and body work. These changes can make it nearly impossible for you to quit drinking when you want to.

People with alcoholism or other types of SUDs must seek substance abuse treatment. People with depression and alcoholism require specialized treatment for both conditions.

Inpatient Rehab for Alcoholism and Depression: What to Expect

If you live with alcoholism and depression, seeking treatment is critical. Inpatient rehab programs offer personalized treatment plans in a structured setting with 24-hour care. Treatments and therapies can help you identify the mental and physical roots of your alcohol abuse. You will receive evidence-based therapies that can help you get sober and avoid relapse.

Here is what to expect from an inpatient rehab program.

Assessment

Before you begin treatment, a doctor or addiction specialist will evaluate your needs. This evaluation will include:

• Questions about your drinking and other substance use
• A mental and medical health history
• Information about other family members with addiction
• Lab testing
• A physical exam

This information will help your treatment team identify issues that could complicate detox. It will also help the specialists determine which type of treatment you need to be successful in recovery.

Detox

Detoxing from alcohol can be very challenging. People often experience uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms, including:

• Tremors
• Anxiety
• Sweating
• Insomnia
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Headache

Some people develop more severe symptoms, including seizures and hallucinations.

During inpatient detox, you will receive medications to manage withdrawal and keep you safe. The staff will monitor your symptoms, provide care, and give you the emotional support needed for a complete detox.

Antidepressants

Antidepressants are medications primarily designed to treat depression, but they can also be useful in managing addiction, particularly when depression co-occurs with addiction or when addiction is a consequence of attempting to self-medicate depression.

Antidepressant medications work by affecting neurotransmitters in the brain, such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine, which are involved in mood regulation. Antidepressants are not a quick fix and may take several weeks to start producing noticeable effects. It’s important for individuals taking antidepressants to work closely with their healthcare providers to find the right medication and dosage that works best for them.

Sometimes, it takes a couple of tries to find the right antidepressant that works. Antidepressants are most effective when used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that may include therapy, support groups, lifestyle changes, and other interventions tailored to the individual’s needs.

Treatment

Long-term recovery from alcoholism and depression requires comprehensive, evidence-based treatment. In an inpatient rehab, you will live in a safe, secure treatment center and follow a tailored treatment plan. Inpatient rehab can reduce the potential for relapse and provide the intensive care required to overcome dual diagnosis conditions.

Your treatment plan may include:

• Individual counseling
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and other behavioral therapies
• Mental health care
• Group therapy or support groups
• Family therapy
• Relapse prevention education
• Coping skills practice
• Nutrition support, art therapy, exercise, and other holistic therapies
• Aftercare planning

During your time in rehab, you will learn how to manage the symptoms of depression. Your treatment team will connect you with community resources so that you can continue to work toward recovery.

After completing an inpatient rehab program, you may participate in outpatient treatment as part of your aftercare plan.

Find a North Carolina Rehab for Alcoholism and Depression

If you live with depression and alcoholism, effective treatment is available at the Carolina Center for Recovery. We offer an inpatient rehab for alcoholism and depression, as well as other types of treatment programs.

Contact our specialists now to learn about your treatment options. You may also ask questions, verify your insurance, or schedule an intake evaluation.