Addiction and depression are formidable in their own rights. Teamed up together, however, they can become seemingly unbeatable. But we want you to know it's not impossible. In fact, with the right mindset and assistance, it's more than doable. This is about more than just coping with addiction and depression, it's about beating them and coming out on top.

Keep reading for our best 5 tips for dealing with this dangerous duo.

Dealing with Addiction and Depression

Depression can take away all of your happiness and hope in a single moment. You can go from enjoying yourself, the people you're around, and what you're doing to hating life instantly. Sometimes, depression even gives us suicidal thoughts.

Addiction, on the other hand, activates us. Once we get the idea of using in our heads, it becomes all we can think about. Suddenly, nothing else matters.

1. Take Time to Understand Addiction and Depression.

Although they're diseases, most people don't treat addiction and depression as such. Instead, people often look at them as weakness or choices that can be easily unmade.

However, regardless of what others think, you need to know the truth. The truth is, addiction and depression are both diseases. And while it may be your choices that led to addiction, it's certainly not an on/off button you can press freely. In the same way cancer or diabetes requires treatment and recovery, so do addiction and depression.

2. Don't Do It Alone.

You wouldn't expect someone suffering from a major illness to go it alone, and neither should you.  While we realize that shame and pride may be a contributing factor, it's necessary for people who suffer from simultaneous addiction and depression to get help. Ask your friends and family for help, and be open to receiving it. There are also plenty of support groups out there with equal, if not more benefits.

Even if you're trying to them, it's only a matter of time before your friends and family catch on. Allow them to be there for you, as you would for them.

3. Be Open to Suggestions.

As part of receiving help, you also have to be open to suggestions and recommendations. The road to recovery may not look how you want it. However, if it was easy and painless, there wouldn't be 8.5 million Americans also suffering from simultaneous addictions and mental health disorders.

Do what it takes to recapture your life.

4. Learn How to Resist Cravings.

One of the worst parts of recovery is the relapses. Not everyone has them, but they're certainly not uncommon. It's important to know that a relapse doesn't mean the end, it's doesn't mean it's time to throw in the towel and go on a binge. The key is learning how to beat cravings when they happen. Follow the DEADS approach to combat urges and give yourself the best chance.

5. Learn How to Ride Out the Peaks and Valleys.

Finally, the road to recovery for addiction and depression is full of ups and downs. You'll have one moment where you feel free from addiction, only to feel a craving in the next. You have to understand and accept that becoming sober and beating depression takes patience and perseverance. Learn how to ride the rollercoaster and don't let it beat you.

You Can Do This 

At Fresh Start Sober Living, we specialize in helping people just like you. Like we said earlier, you don't have to do this alone.

If you are suffering from addiction and depression, contact us to learn how we can help you. We're looking forward to working with you to recapture your life!

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