For anyone struggling with substance use disorder, the stress of the holidays can be overwhelming, but those diagnosed with co-occurring Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) can find it especially challenging.
What Is Seasonal Affective Disorder?
Seasonal Affective Disorder is a type of seasonal depression that is fairly common during the long winter months. It has close ties to other co-occurring conditions such as substance use disorder. During the winter months, it’s important to keep a keen eye on those who suffer from SAD. Ensuring they’re being heard, and supported, during these times can help to improve their emotions. Read on to learn more about SAD:
The Signs & Symptoms
Being on the lookout for signs and symptoms of SAD can help family members to identify the behavior before bad actions set in. Some of the signs and symptoms of SAD include:
- Having low energy
- Hypersomnia
- Overeating
- Weight gain
- Craving for carbohydrates
- Social withdrawal (feel like “hibernating”)
Substance Abuse & Seasonal Affective Disorder
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, more than 20 percent of people diagnosed with a mood disorder such as seasonal affective disorder also have a substance use disorder. Seasonal Affective Disorder can be especially challenging for those in recovery as it increases stress levels, intensifies depression and can draw people to relapse by self-medicating with drugs or alcohol.
Treatment For Seasonal Affective Disorder
In these cases, effective integrated treatment should be used to treat both the addiction itself and any mental health conditions. We use an integrated treatment approach at Aquila to treat both addiction and the co-occurring disorder. Each illness needs its own treatment plan and our one-on-one support and small groups help identify and treat patients in a holistic way. When both illnesses are treated, the chances for a full and lasting recovery are greatly improved.
An integrated treatment plan for co-occurring SAD and addiction may include:
- Individual counselling. Allowing patients to discuss and address issues with SAD that they have experienced in the past, as well as issues that arise during treatment.
- Group therapy. Treatment for co-occurring disorders such as SAD and substance abuse benefit from the support of others facing similar challenges that can be shared in group therapy sessions.
- Partial Hospitalization. Our Partial Hospitalization Program provides balance between direct medical supervision and individual accountability, allowing clients to tackle their substance abuse while receiving treatment for the co-occurring disorder.
- Ongoing support. Patients need continued support after they leave treatment, and a professional integrated care program can provide continuing care for patients, offering them the accountability and support they need to continue along their recovery journey.
- Light therapy. The idea of light therapy is to give daily exposure to light during the fall and winters months when there are less hours of natural sunlight. Symptoms of SAD may be relieved by sitting in front of a light box first thing each morning, from fall until spring.
- Psychotherapy. An adapted form of Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), known as CBT-SAD, has been shown to be effective for SAD. This treatment involves techniques such as identifying negative thoughts and replacing them with more positive thoughts along with behavioral activation, helping the person to identify activities that are engaging and pleasurable, to improve coping with winter.
Supporting SAD At Home
Along with professional treatment, managing of co-occurring disorders can be supported at home by:
- eating a healthy diet
- getting enough sleep
- taking medications provided by a physician
- exercising regularly
- engaging in activities that make you happy
Seek Help From Aquila Recovery
Many people in recovery with co-occurring SAD may isolate themselves during this time of year. Contrary to the intent, isolation often results in increased feelings of sadness and loneliness, can lead to depression and increase substance use risk. Don’t give in to the temptation to hide away from the rest of the world. Seek help from a professional, reach out to your sponsor or lean on your support network. For more information regarding SAD and co-occurring substance use, reach out to Aquila Recovery today. You can reach us by phone at (202) 618-9125 or request a consultation online.