About Depression and Addiction
Depression and Addiction Facts
According to statistics from the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 350 million people worldwide suffer from depression which makes it the number one cause of disability in the entire world. Even worse is the fact that only half of these people will ever receive treatment and appropriate help. In the United States, 7% of the total population experiences depression every year. That’s 15 million adults who need assistance. Without a strong support system, the impact on your personal relationships, finances, and well-being can be disastrous. According to some estimates, over one-third of the people suffering from depression will engage in substance abuse. This is a kind of self-medication that alleviate the feelings of low self-esteem, despair, and hopelessness.
What groups are the highest risk of depression? Data compiled by the CDC (Center for Control Disease and Prevention) shows that the following groups are more high-risk:
- Middle-aged adults between 45 and 64 years old
- Hispanics and African-Americans
- Women
- Mostly unemployed
- No health benefits or medical insurance
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Depression and Addiction Signs and Symptoms
Here are some of the most common signs of depression:
- Changes in sleeping habits
- Lack of interest in your usual activities
- Having no energy
- Having a hard time concentrating on something
- Thinking about suicide
- Feeling desperate and/or guilty
- Loss of appetite
Regarding addiction, asking yourself the following questions might help you determine if you are suffering from substance abuse disorder:
- Are you using larger amounts of drugs than initially planned and for a longer period?
- Have you tried to stop and failed?
- Do you experience any cravings (whether it’s for alcohol or drugs)?
- Have you noticed any interference in your life, work, or school?
- Do you need more to get the desired effect?
If your answer to any of these questions is yes and that you recognize some of the depression symptoms above, you might suffer from addiction and depression.