Many of the signs of chemical dependency mimic symptoms found in those who are depressed. At the same time, depression and chemical dependency signs often go hand in hand, report counselors at the Laureate Psychiatric Clinic and Hospital. Emotional, physical and behavioral signs should be monitored closely to provide a complete diagnosis.
Emotional
Changes in attitude may appear abruptly for no apparent reason. People who are depressed and using drugs often refuse to participate in activities they previously enjoyed. They may exhibit personality changes. Previously outgoing people may become reclusive and quiet. Others who were easygoing may become cross and irritable. Substance abusers who are depressed display a general lack of energy and motivation. Researchers at the National Institute on Drug Abuse report that drugs and mental illnesses affect neurotransmitters in the brain responsible for emotional reactions like depression. People who are easily affected by negative circumstances and are more prone to stress often are more vulnerable to drug abuse as well.
Physical
Changes in eating and sleeping patterns are common among those with a dual diagnosis. According to Mental Health America, the most definitive way to detect whether a person has a chemical dependency when he exhibits signs of depression is to see if he has physical withdrawal symptoms when he stops taking the drugs. When they don't have access to drugs, people with a chemical dependency coupled with depression often become more irritable and may experience nausea, vomiting, shaking and headaches. Physical symptoms from drugs used by people who are depressed can include respiratory illnesses from smoking crack or marijuana as well as a lack of coordination and impaired mobility from drinking alcohol to relieve depression.
Behavioral
People suffering from depression tend to isolate, as do substance abusers who are keeping secrets about their drug use. They may begin to have financial or legal trouble. Missed appointments become the norm, while job and school responsibilities may fall by the wayside. Many people with depression try to self-medicate, report researchers at the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance. To perk them up, depressed individuals typically turn to substances such as amphetamines or cocaine that give them energy. They may suddenly become highly energetic and talk incessantly.
