Depression and Relapse

Depression is a significant complicating factor in recovery from substance use disorders. Nearly all substance abusers show significant depression in the first several weeks of recovery. In most cases, the depression quickly subsides. Others, however, suffer from serious bouts of depression throughout their recovery. Fortunately the recovery plans for addiction and depression are closely related. Many of things that help people stay comfortably sober also help them manage their depression. This means that a recovery plan meets the needs of both addiction and depression can be developed. They already know and have practiced many of the recovery skills needed to manage depression. All they need to do is learn the few additional techniques that are outlined in this book.