«Understanding the seriousness of depression is essential to identify how it relates to addictions and how they feed off each other, making recovery difficult without proper intervention,» the specialist emphasized in a statement.
Later, he pointed out that depression is a complex emotional disorder that manifests in a persistent depressed mood; loss of interest in activities; changes in appetite and sleep; fatigue, feelings of worthlessness, and difficulty concentrating; and recurrent thoughts of death or suicide.
Adán also explained that addictions represent a spectrum of compulsive behaviors related to substance use or activities, whose elements include «intense craving» for the substance or activity, loss of control and persistence in use, development of tolerance, and withdrawal syndrome or neglect of responsibilities and important activities, among others.
«Addictions affect not only physical health, but also emotional well-being, generating an impact on interpersonal relationships and work. Like depression, they require a comprehensive therapeutic approach,» the specialist stated.
The doctor stated that depression can lead to substance use as a form of self-medication, as people seek temporary relief from their symptoms, and that these addictions themselves exacerbate depressive symptoms, creating a cycle that is «difficult to break.» «And addiction intensifies depression, while depression increases vulnerability to addictions.
The relationship between depression and addictions can also be explained by shared neurobiological factors, meaning that changes in the brain’s reward systems and imbalances in common neurotransmitters like dopamine predispose both conditions.
Finally, he emphasized that Ruber International Centro Médico Habana advocates for a holistic approach in the treatment of depression and addiction, focusing on the individual «as a whole» and not just on symptoms.
«Through pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy, support groups, and proper case management with lifestyle interventions, we can effectively address this issue,» Dr. Adán concluded.