DEPRESSION TREATMENT AT OUR DRUG REHAB​

How Depression & Addiction Are Linked ​

While many individuals struggle with dual diagnoses, no two cases are the same. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 4.7% of Americans 18 and older experience regular depressive symptoms. The World Health Organization estimates that 264 million people worldwide struggle with depressive symptoms.

This number illustrates the common struggle despite various backgrounds, cultures, and ways of living. Despite its prevalence, there is still a negative social stigma associated with mental illnesses such as depression. Depression can be viewed as a weakness, leading individuals to keep their struggles private. As a result, they continue to struggle in isolation compared to getting help for their symptoms.

It is not uncommon for individuals who struggle with depression to use alcohol and drugs to cope with their symptoms. When it comes to depression symptoms, alcohol can make us feel better at the moment; however, it has the opposite effect because alcohol itself is a depressant. So, when we stop drinking, we may feel more depressed than we did initially.

Alcohol and drugs can be used to self-medicate for mental health struggles. A concern with this is that when the person stops using, they may not have the coping skills to cope with their distress. This increases a person’s risk of relapsing in early recovery.

Some individuals have no history of depression or depressive symptoms until they develop an addiction. Depressive symptoms commonly occur during the withdrawal of different drugs and alcohol. In that situation, the symptoms are usually short-lived and resolve shortly after the person has finished withdrawing.

It is also possible that as a person’s addiction progresses, they begin experiencing depressive symptoms due to the natural consequences of addiction. For example, it is not uncommon for someone who is struggling with addiction to have a hard time functioning at work, maintaining healthy relationships, developing financial concerns, and having legal problems. For some, these changes can progress to depressive symptoms that can lead to more drug and alcohol use.

What Is Depression?

When people talk about struggling with depression, they’re often referring to Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). This condition involves a persistent low mood or a noticeable loss of interest or pleasure in things you once enjoyed. Alongside these emotional shifts, physical and cognitive symptoms can appear, like unexplained weight changes, fatigue, sleep disturbances, difficulty concentrating, and even thoughts about death or suicide.

For some, these symptoms don’t come and go—they linger. Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD) is a diagnosis used when someone has experienced depressive symptoms for two years or more. It can feel like a fog that never quite lifts. But it’s important to remember that mental health isn’t black and white. Everyone’s experience looks a little different, and that’s okay.

If you’re reading this and wondering whether you should reach out for help, the answer is yes. Even if you connect with just one of the symptoms mentioned, imagine how different your day could feel if that one thing wasn’t weighing you down.

If you recognize several of these symptoms in yourself, take a moment to think about their impact. Have you been isolating or avoiding time with loved ones? Falling behind on responsibilities? Feeling exhausted, no matter how much rest you get? With the right treatment and support, there’s hope—and often, real relief.

Now, it’s especially important to talk about thoughts of death or suicide. It’s not uncommon to have fleeting thoughts about mortality, it’s part of being human. But when those thoughts become frequent, intrusive, or shift toward suicide or self-harm, it’s a serious concern. If you’ve been feeling hopeless or overwhelmed, talking to a professional can help.

And if your thoughts have escalated to forming a plan or making an attempt, please don’t wait. Reach out to a mental health professional or call 911 and let them know what’s going on. Help is out there, and you deserve to feel better.

What to Expect in an Outpatient Depression Treatment in Louisville, KY ​

So you decided to take a risk and ask for help, now what? First, you will want to figure out what level of care you need at that moment. You can do this by speaking with an intake specialist at a treatment program.

If you are struggling with addiction and depression, you will likely be recommended to attend a dual-diagnosis treatment program. Residential treatment programs can last anywhere from 30 to 90 days, and have several factors contributing to this. Outpatient treatment would be recommended once you complete your program.

If you have mild to moderate symptoms, you may be able to begin with depression treatment in Louisville. This will likely entail individual counseling with a therapist and checking in with a doctor to discuss the potential benefits of taking medications. Your counselor will use evidence-based practices and work with you to work towards your goals. 

Goals could include:

Learning new coping skills for your symptoms.

Decreasing unhealthy thinking patterns (we all have them).

Engaging in more enjoyable activities.

There is much more to treatment than we could possibly fit in an article, so bring your questions and concerns to your session to talk about with your counselor.

Impact Outpatient Program’s Outpatient Depression Center is Here For You ​

IOP is an outpatient drug rehab center in Louisville, KY, offering compassionate support for individuals struggling with both addiction and depression. Our program is ideal for those facing mild to moderate symptoms or transitioning from a residential treatment program.

To get started, we’ll meet with you for an initial assessment. During this time, we’ll talk through your history with substance use, mental health concerns, current challenges, and personal goals. From there, we’ll build a treatment plan that’s tailored just for you.

Our intensive outpatient program typically includes 15–25 hours of group therapy each week, along with one hour of individual therapy. At IOP, we use only evidence-based practices and shape our program to reflect your individual needs. We’re a fully inclusive, LGBTQ+ friendly space, and we’re happy to work with your existing schedule to make treatment more accessible.

After completing the intensive portion of your care, you can transition into our outpatient treatment program, where you’ll continue receiving support for depression and recovery. Many people find that this next step offers the consistency and connection needed early in healing. At IOP, we value the strength that comes from peer support and the validation found in shared experience.

Our experienced team understands the complexities of dual diagnosis, and we take a holistic approach that considers every part of you. If your mental health symptoms require additional support beyond outpatient care, we’ll help you explore options that can better meet your needs.

If you’re concerned about yourself or someone you care about, we invite you to reach out. Call IOP today at (502) 912-1038 to learn more. We’re proud to serve the Louisville community and ready to walk with you on your path to healing.