Seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, is yet another condition that can impact your mental health, well-being, and addiction recovery. Likewise, addiction can impact your mental health and seasonal affective disorder. If you or your loved one is struggling with SAD and addiction, there are addiction treatment programs available to help. At Promises Right Step, our team is prepared to help you work through recovery as well as any mental health disorders you may be struggling with. Contact us today at 17135283709 to see what treatment options are available to you.
Understanding Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
SAD is a type of depression that occurs seasonally. It is most common during the fall or winter months when there is less natural sunlight. However, it is also possible to experience SAD in the spring and summer. SAD is believed to be related to changes in daylight and can be influenced by factors such as genetics, neurotransmitter levels, and circadian rhythms.
Those who experience SAD struggle with prolonged periods of depression during specific seasons. Some common symptoms include:
- Depression, low mood
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Difficulty concentrating
- Changes in appetite
- Changes in sleep patterns (usually oversleeping)
Depending on the severity of your SAD, you may be referred to several different treatment options. One of the most common treatments for SAD is light therapy, when an individual is exposed to bright artificial light. It can also be treated with various therapies and sometimes medication.
Understanding Addiction
Addiction can look different for everybody, depending on several factors. Generally, addiction is a complex and chronic brain disease characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use despite harmful consequences. Addiction can involve substances such as alcohol, legal drugs, and illegal drugs.
Addiction can have intense physical, psychological, and social effects on an individual. These effects can lead to various negative consequences on their personal and professional lives.
Psychological Symptoms of Addiction
The following are some of the most common psychological signs of addiction:
- Mood swings
- Increased temper
- Paranoia
- Defensiveness
- Memory problems
- Inability to focus or concentrate
- Exacerbation of any existing mental health conditions
If you or a loved one are showing these signs, seeking help is important.
Behavioral Signs of Addiction
The following are common behavioral symptoms of addiction:
- Secretive or dishonest behavioral
- Poor performance or attendance at work or school
- Withdrawing from responsibility or socializing
- Losing interest in activities that were once important
- Lying about or hiding the use of alcohol or drugs
- Using substances in a way that is damaging to health and safety
If you notice any of the above signs, it’s important to seek help right away. Addiction treatment programs can help individuals learn how to cope with their addiction in healthier ways.
The Connection Between SAD and Addiction
People may turn to drugs or alcohol to self-medicate their symptoms of SAD. While they might think of these substances as a temporary way to alleviate symptoms of depression, it can be incredibly dangerous to self-medicate for several reasons. Any sort of medication should be given under the supervision of a doctor who knows how substances might interact with a person’s brain chemistry. Use of these substances over time can also lead to addiction that lasts beyond the season in which someone experiences SAD.
SAD can make individuals more vulnerable to addiction due to its ability to co-occur with other mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. These co-occurring conditions can increase the risk of turning to substances or addiction behaviors for temporary relief.
Call Promises Right Step Now
It is essential for individuals experiencing symptoms of SAD or struggling with addiction to seek professional help. Both conditions can be treated, and early intervention can significantly improve a person’s quality of life. At Promises Right Step, we can help. Contact us today at 17135283709
