Substance abuse is a critical problem that affects all areas of a person’s life. If you’re dealing with dependency on drugs or alcohol, it’s also possible that you may be experiencing a mental health condition. Sometimes these issues are co-occurring and may have always existed. Substance induced mood disorder (SIMD) is different because it arises specifically from taking or withdrawing from an illicit or legal substance.

Phoenix Rising understands how difficult and scary these issues can seem. Take a look at the information below to learn more about how mood disorders related to substance abuse can occur as well as what you can expect from a professional treatment program.

About Substance Induced Mood Disorder

SIMD involves changes to how you feel, think and behave based on the presence or removal of a particular substance, such as drugs or alcohol. Such changes can last any length of time, from just days to even weeks. The key to a mood disorder being substance induced is that it cannot have been present before taking the substance.

Therefore, if you were dealing with a mental health issue that affects your mood or behavior prior to your first encounter with a drug or alcohol, this condition would not be substance induced. It would be considered a co-occurring disorder. Substance induced mood disorders can also be challenging to recognize and diagnose, even by professional medical providers.

Causes and Symptoms

Drugs can affect the balance and levels of chemicals in your brain that affects the ways in which you think, feel, and act. When this occurs with the introduction or removal of a substance, you may experience a SIMD. These mood disorders often occur in conjunction with using drugs like LSD, cocaine, alcohol, prescription medications, as well as some over-the-counter medications.

There are a number of emotional symptoms you might experience due to taking drugs or alcohol. You might notice them while you’re consuming the substance or it’s possible to notice signs upon withdrawal. Symptoms can be depressive or manic and include:

• Poor memory or concentration
• Low energy
• Sadness and lack of interest
• Hopelessness
• Suicidal thoughts
• Talkative
• Racing thoughts
• High energy
• Irritable or aggressive
• Reckless decision-making

How Phoenix Rising Can Help

When dealing with dependency or a substance induced mood disorder, a professional depression treatment program like Phoenix Rising’s can truly help to ease your discomfort and help you on the road to recovery.

Services we offer include:

• Detox services
• Residential program
• Partial hospitalization
• Intensive outpatient treatment
• Dual diagnosis treatment
• Equine therapy
• Individual therapy
• Job placement and case management

It’s important to know, however, that you don’t have to overcome substance abuse and its related symptoms on your own. Having the support of a quality treatment center can make the process much easier to manage. Call our office at 8552328211 to learn how you can get started toward your recovery.