Living with depression can make every day feel like a struggle. When you also turn to drugs or alcohol to cope, your mood can get worse, and you may find yourself isolating more. You might use substances to temporarily numb the sadness or escape feelings of hopelessness, only to find that they pull you deeper into the cycle. You are not alone. Co-occurring mental health treatment at Sheridan Grove Recovery in Aurora, CO, can help you find a better way forward.
Understanding co-occurring depression
Depression is a mood disorder that affects how you feel, think, and handle daily activities. When you have depression and substance use disorder (addiction), you have co-occurring conditions or a dual diagnosis.
Types of depressive disorders
There are several different types of depression, which can make getting an accurate diagnosis a challenge. Some common types include:
- Major depressive disorder (major depression)
- Persistent depressive disorder
- Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
- Postpartum depression
- Bipolar disorder
Common signs of co-occurring depression and addiction
You may be facing a dual diagnosis if you or your loved one experiences these signs:
- Persistent feelings of sadness, emptiness, hopelessness, or worthlessness.
- A noticeable loss of interest in activities and hobbies that were once enjoyable.
- Using substances to escape painful feelings, fall asleep, or just feel "normal."
- Withdrawing from friends, family, and social activities.
- Significant changes in sleep patterns, such as insomnia or oversleeping.
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering details, or making decisions.
Risk factors like past trauma, genetics, and chronic stress are common for both depression and addiction. Untreated depression is also a risk factor for chronic relapse, which is why an accurate diagnosis is the first, most important step toward effective and lasting recovery.
Why integrated treatment matters
When you live with both depression and a substance use disorder, getting treatment for just one condition isn't enough. If the underlying depression is not addressed, the emotional pain will continue to fuel the desire to use substances, undermining even the most determined efforts at sobriety.
Research shows that an integrated dual diagnosis approach leads to better outcomes, including improved mental health, reduced relapse rates, and a higher quality of life. Our approach is built on this evidence. We also use measurement-based care, tracking how your symptoms improve over time. This allows us to adjust your care plan as needed so it stays effective and empowers you to see your own progress.
Hope and healing, available 24/7 right here in Denver.
Our co-occurring depression treatment approach
Healing happens when care is compassionate, comprehensive, and centered on you. The Sheridan Grove Recovery approach provides stability, insight, and the practical skills you need to manage both depression and substance use.
Accurate diagnosis:
Your journey begins with a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation. We take the time to understand your complete story, ensuring we identify depression and any other co-occurring disorders like anxiety or PTSD.
Personalized treatment plan:
Every person receives an individualized care plan. We work with you to set meaningful, measurable goals for both your addiction recovery and your mental health.
Safe medication management:
For many, antidepressants can help manage depression. Our psychiatric providers carefully prescribe and monitor medications in a recovery setting to support your mood stability without compromising your sobriety.
Consistent progress tracking:
Our commitment to measurement-based care means we conduct regular check-ins and assessments. This ensures your treatment plan stays responsive to your needs as you heal and grow.
How a depression screening works
As part of a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation, we use standard, evidence-based screening tools like the patient health questionnaire (PHQ-9). These simple, confidential questionnaires help us understand the symptoms you are experiencing. We can give them throughout treatment, so we can track your progress.
What to expect during treatment
During your stay, you will be supported by a multidisciplinary team of psychiatrists, licensed therapists, 24/7 nursing staff, and case managers, all working together for you. Before you leave, we create a detailed aftercare plan, connecting you with resources and support groups.
Skills and therapies that build resilience
Our program uses evidence-based therapies to help you build the resilience needed for long-term wellness.
- Talk therapies: Like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), help you identify and reframe the negative thought patterns that fuel depression. Others, like dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), provide powerful skills for managing painful emotions, tolerating distress, and improving relationships.
- Relapse prevention and healthy habits: We teach you to recognize the triggers for both depressive episodes and substance cravings. We also help you build a foundation of healthy habits, including consistent sleep, balanced nutrition, and mindfulness practices to manage stress.
- Peer support: In group therapy, you connect with others who truly understand your struggle, which helps reduce shame and isolation.
Our commitment to high standards
Sheridan Grove Recovery is licensed by the state and accredited by The Joint Commission, demonstrating our deep commitment to clinical quality and safety. Our licensed providers specialize in treating complex dual diagnosis cases with the empathy, dignity, and respect you deserve.
Recovery with a view. Rooted in the Rockies.
Managing depression and overcoming addiction is possible. It begins with specialized, integrated, and compassionate care that treats you as a whole person. Your healing journey begins with care you can count on.
Whether you are ready to take the first step or simply have questions, our team is here to help 24/7. Contact Sheridan Grove Recovery today and find your path toward the light.
Frequently asked questions
The length of treatment is different for everyone. It is based on your individual needs and progress. Our focus is on helping you build a strong foundation for lasting recovery, not on a set timeline. Most people are in residential treatment at Sheridan Grove Recovery for about 28 days.
People who complete integrated treatment often have significant improvement in mood, sustained sobriety, better relationships, and an overall higher quality of life. Our goal is to give you the tools for long-term success.
Yes. When prescribed and monitored by an experienced medical team, antidepressants are a safe and effective tool for managing depression in a recovery setting.
Support groups provide a sense of community and reduce feelings of isolation. Sharing your experience with peers who understand is a powerful part of the healing process and is strongly linked to better long-term outcomes.
