"It’s not an uncommon situation,” says Sarah Carstens, LCSW, LCADC, Clinical Director of Addiction Services at Princeton House. “Depression and addictions are like the chicken and the egg: It’s hard to know which came first. In treatment, we address both at the same time, because people need help to cope with both.”
Addressing Two Diagnoses
The first step in treatment for what is referred to as a dual diagnosis is to help the individual understand the interplay between depression and substance use, and how each has an impact on their life.
“Someone may be dealing with depression by drinking, for example, and that behavior may lead them to retreat further from family and friends, which then increases their isolation and results in deeper depression,” says Carstens. “Understanding this interrelationship can help begin the process of breaking that cycle.”
Dual diagnosis treatment at Princeton House helps individuals work through the process of understanding this interplay and then helps them develop the skills needed to cope with their depression and substance use. One set of tools used to help individuals manage their symptoms is DBT skills. Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is a specific type of therapy offered at Princeton House that can help people regulate their emotions, tolerate distress and uncomfortable feelings, and interact effectively with others. DBT, for which Princeton House is well known, requires extensive training for staff. Both inpatient and outpatient treatment programs include these DBT skills in a combination of group and individual therapy, as well as family support sessions.
“Including family and loved ones in the process is important,” says Carstens. “They play an integral part in a person’s success.”
Are You at Risk?Professional help may be warranted if you or a loved one experiences any of these symptoms to the point where they impact your daily life, relationship, work, or school activities: |
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