Addiction Summary

Depression and substance abuse create a cycle: depression can lead a person to substance abuse and the effects of that abuse tend to create more depression. Alcoholism and depression share similar symptoms. All substances of abuse have major effects on the brain's dopamine system. The human brain is so self-regulatory that it acclimatizes itself to the drug and compensates for it. The user soon needs more and more of it in order to receive the same effect.

Genetic predisposition plays a large role in the tendency for addiction. In those who suffer from depression and addiction, both must be treated simultaneously, however, it is common for practitioners to treat the addiction and then treat the depression. Removing the addictive substance suddenly can cause serious withdrawal symptoms and increases the risk of suicide. Antidepressants can be useful in treating alcoholism. Alcoholics also tend to...