There are many reasons why people have an addiction. Some are easy to guess but others are much less obvious.
Some people are genetically predisposed to the disease of addiction, which means the prefrontal cortex in their brain wasn’t made for moderating the pleasure system. Some people grow into their addiction based on environmental factors or ongoing substance abuse. The most common reason the people use is because they’re suffering from an underlying mental disorder, and they find a temporary solution in drugs or alcohol. Recovery from addiction is possible, if the person has the honest desire to stay clean.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and Addiction
Depression is a mental illness that many people don’t fully understand. From the outside looking in, we often think individuals with depression should just simply quit focusing on the negative, and they’ll have a happier life. Unfortunately, it’s not that simple, and these people need help to embrace recovery.
Everyone gets symptoms of depression, but the brain is able to bounce back to a state of recovery, and the person feels well again. Those who have clinical depression have a brain that’s incapable of doing this, so they experience sadness, fear and worry at a much more consistent level than other people.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a specific type of depression that relates to the changes of the seasons. Those who suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) are triggered during different seasons, and science may have figured out why.
The lack of sunlight in seasons like winter and fall can lead to drops in serotonin levels, which are responsible for managing a person’s mood. People with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) may also have drops in their melatonin levels, which can cause them to have poor sleep patterns.
The common symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) include:
- Lack of energy
- Weight gain and craving for foods high in carbohydrates
- Anxiety
- Lack of concentration
- Poor sleep in the summer
- Increased libido in the summer
Addiction and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Many people who suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) turn to drugs or alcohol to manage their depression, but the effects don’t last long. Eventually, their substance abuse stops helping with their depression and only makes it worse. Their body grows dependent, so they’re unable to stop on their own.
If you’ve become addicted, allow us to help. The first step toward recovery is going to a professional drug and alcohol detox center. You’ll learn how to manage your depression during the season changes in a healthy way, and you’ll have the confidence to never drink or use again. Let us be there to help you start your journey of recovery.
