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Topic: depression verses addiction
Topic Posted by: jan morris (morrisl@ieighty.net )Date Posted: Mon Mar 30 0:07:45 1998
Topic Description: Do the levels of chemicals in the brain at time of addiction in any way resemble those of depression? Are they at all similar in makeup? Are any of the same drugs for depression used in addiction therapy? Does the brain after it is addicted resemble the depressed brain? Are healing therapies similar and in what ways?
Posted by: Hillary Baumann (hillb@erols.com )
Date posted: Wed Apr 1 18:50:33 1998
Subject: Mental Illness and Marijuana
Message:
I have been diagnosed as suffering from atypical depression as well as bipolar 2 disorder, and hypothyroidism. I have taken cocktails of anti depressants such as prozac and wellbutrin as well as synthetic thyroid hormones. Ironically I have found that what relieves my depression and helps me regulate the mania and mood swings associated with my illnesses is marijuana. AT the same time, marijuana use does not seem to interact with the prescribed medicines as alcohol does. WHile I am allergic to Valium and have not had any success with traditional anti-anxiety drugs, marijuana has had a calming and stabilizing influence on my moods. I am interested in whether anyone else has had a similar experience.
Posted by: Marlene Pollock (nzyj99a@prodigy.com )
Date posted: Tue Mar 31 23:39:28 1998
Subject: Addiction/Depression and Treatment
Message:
My recovery time is now 18 months, after 22 years of using. My father is an alcoholic and my mother is chronic depressive. I found that treatment facilities will either treat one illness or the other, but never both. When I was housed in mental facilities I was mentally ill and drugged up. When I was in substance abuse facilities I was examine and proclaimed as not having a mental illness, hence all anti-depressive medications were ceased cold turkey. This see-sawing continued for several years. My recovery began when I realized that I was both an addict and suffered from chronic depression. I combined the twelve steps from NA with the twelve steps for dual diagnosis's. In my area of southeastern Michigan I have not come across any facility, either in-patient or out-patient that addresses both illness's. Is there anyone that expand on these dual illnesses and treatment? Has anyone been in this predicament?Thank you.
Posted by:John C. Markowitz, M.D. (jcmarko@mail.med.cornell.edu )
Organization:Cornell University Medical College/New York Hospital
Date posted: Tue Mar 31 15:11:39 1998
Subject: Treatment for Depression and Alcohol abuse in NYC
Message:
Depression and Drinking:
Some people get chronically depressed. Some people drink. Some people drink because they're depressed: alcohol often makes people feel better in the short run, and it can become a sort of self-medication for depression. Over time, though, drinking can become a problem in itself. It can make you more depressed and cause other problems. This 16-week treatment program at Cornell University Medical Center, funded by the National Institute of Mental Health, is designed to treat two problems: (1)dysthymic disorder (chronic depression) and (2) secondary alcohol abuse. Neither of these illnesses is anyone's "fault," and both are treatable. To handle these two problems, you will be given one of two psychotherapy treatments, interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) or supportive psychotherapy (SP), and you will be encouraged to attend Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings. We think both of these psychotherapies can be helpful in treating depression and in handling the alcohol problem as well. AA has long been recognized as a helpful support in dealing with drinking problems. If you can get your drinking and your life under control -- and with help, we think you can -- you're likely to feel much better. To help keep track of your drinking, your mood, and your AA attendance, we will ask you to keep a diary during the period of the study. You will meet with a trained rater who will ask you questions every two weeks. We will also check your alcohol consumption by breathalyzer or blood test, and we will ask your permission to contact someone close to you who can tell us about how you're doing. Treatment is free for people who meet study eligibility. For more information, call 212 821-0772 or 212 746-3774. Chronic depression and drinking can be discouraging, but there really is hope!
Posted by: Cynthia Dulmage (d.c.dulmage@snet.net )
Date posted: Mon Mar 30 10:29:39 1998
Subject: Depression/Anxiety/Addictions
Message:
I am very interested in joining in a discussion, in order to learn more and to better understand how to take care of one's self/loved ones, when symptoms of the above are evident. I speak for myself, and I am seeing a therapist for depression/anxiety...and know that in the past I have "used" alcohol to relieve anxiety (mostly). I think we all feel we have to - show the world that we are in "control, in
good spirits, happy-go-lucky, fun to be with/and around...having a good time". And, that' where alcohol comes in to play. As soon as one goes to visit an aquaintance or friend, say for dinner, the first thing that is said after the necessary introductions are made is "what would you like to drink?" And, everyone...waits to hear what it is, and then, conversation begins...with everyone in the room standing around with a drink in their hand. This is of course the way it is...for as long as I can remember and takes place everywhere in the world. This is how it begins and continues only the people who are more vulnerable (genetics/family history) are gradually going to find themselves having more,faster,stronger, etc. to get to where they got to, earllier on in their life. I guess this is what needs to change as well as raising the awareness levels of all concerned, not only to the dangers but also, to a greater feeling of understanding and compassion for people who find themselves slowly but surely unable...to control...their need, to have more than they should to drink, in order to "relax" and to be "fun to be around" etc. Definitely, bringing this topic up and out into the light of day is the most wonderful thing that has happened, I think, in a long time. Bill Moyers is the greatest gift to us all, his program (his family) are just so wonderful, I watched him the other night on Larry King. His son is so charming, warm, sweet...how thrilled I am to see his recovery...and to witness his dedication to helping others. Very moving indeed. Well, I am anxious to read, see, listen and learn more on the ongoing PBS special and hope for follow-ups to the links between depression/anxiety/alcohol abuse. I believe this is where the science will enter the picture, not just therapy...for a medication to calm the craving, the craving to, calm the anxiety. My family life as a child was a horror because of alcohol, both my parents were alcoholics. My brother is a recovering alcoholic, I can and do abstain...without difficulty, and I know I am fortunate to be able to do so. But I also know, there are times when I drink too much...and why? My "reasoning" is usually, unreasonable:to lose control instead of being always "in control"...to "let go". I have just as much "fun"not drinking, that I've found to be 100% real. My problem is more one of my thinking clearly, and looking the real problem squarely in the eye. It's avoidance. It's a stage in my life I'm working on. But, enough of me and that. Is there a chemical connection, in the brain, that leads us down that road? There would have to be a link. I look forward to learning more. Thank you all at PBS for your making a difference, making a better world for all of us. Yours, Cynthia
Posted by: P.R. Kelley (pkelley@alaska.net )
Date posted: Mon Mar 30 3:11:43 1998
Subject: Depression and Addiction
Message:
As a 39-year old lawyer recovering from the third major depressive episode in ten years, I was fascinated by the similarities between what I've learned from my psychiatrist about the neurobiological changes found in depression, and those described for addicts in the second Moyers episode just viewed.
Are addicts finding Paxil and other SSRI drugs beneficial as I am?