According to popular belief, depression is one of the main causes of substance abuse and addiction in teenagers. It is thought that depressed youth tend to self-medicate with things such as drugs and alcohol, which, over time, leads them to become addicted.
Yet, as studies continue to emerge around teen depression and drug abuse, it seems more and more unclear as to whether or not depression leads to substance abuse. Some research now suggests that depression is, in many cases, caused by an existing drug or alcohol problem. So, much like the chicken or the egg debate, many want to know which comes first – depression or substance abuse. And the truth is, there is no definitive answer. It can go either way and truly depends on individual circumstances.
Adolescents and teenagers who suffer from depressive disorders experience uncomfortable feelings and emotions (sadness, hopelessness, loneliness, etc.). Depressed individuals often isolate themselves, have trouble sleeping, and experience a lack of motivation or interest in daily activities. Thus, teens with depression often want to feel better and/or seek to “numb out” (dull) the difficult emotions associated with depression. Many do this by self-medicating with drugs and/or alcohol. While drugs and alcohol can provide relief in the short term, these substances are highly addictive and can intensify depressive symptoms in the long term.
Addiction and depression both originate in the brain, which automatically makes teens with mental health issues more apt to develop addictive behavior(s). And because teenagers’ brains are still developing, they are particularly vulnerable to the damage that is caused by drug and alcohol use. Drugs and alcohol can greatly reduce the production of dopamine in the brain. Dopamine (a neurotransmitter) plays a central part in regulating emotions and sending reward/pleasure signals to the brain, so the less dopamine one produces, the more prone one becomes to the symptoms of depression.
Another factor to consider when examining the presence of depression before substance abuse is the concept of negative urgency. Negative urgency occurs in people who have a tendency to act impulsively during times of heightened emotion. When teens experience negative urgency and act impulsively, they are not thinking about potential consequences, which is when many turn to drugs and/or alcohol.
Some teenagers develop symptoms of a mental illness, such as depression, only after engaging in drug and/or alcohol use for a period of time. Drugs and alcohol are chemicals and have a significant effect on the chemistry and cell composition of the brain. Over time, the effects of substance use can change the way the brain operates and regulates emotional and mental functioning, leading to a chemical imbalance that contributes to the development of depression in many teens.
Every teen is different, and depending on the length of time he or she has had depression and substance abuse, symptoms can look different. Nonetheless, there are some general signs to look out for that could indicate your teen is struggling:
Whether depression leads to substance abuse or the other way around, the correlation between depression and drug/alcohol use is so common it has its term – dual diagnosis. Dual diagnosis, also referred to as co-occurring disorders in teens, is common in teens and can be difficult to treat when compared to teens who have only been diagnosed with a single disorder.
Dual diagnosis treatment is needed when a teen is suffering from both a mental illness and a substance abuse problem. Whether addiction came first or depression was the first to arrive, treatment can make a significant difference for your teenager. There is some debate regarding the most effective approach to treating those with dual diagnosis.
Some believe that substance abuse should be seen as the primary disorder and always treated first, while others view both disorders as equally important and opt for an integrated approach to treatment. Regardless, treatment of depression and substance abuse in teenagers often involves various steps or levels of care to treat both disorders and prevent relapse effectively.
Of course, the elements of treatment may vary depending on the individual prevalence and severity of symptoms. Nonetheless, if your teenager is struggling with depression and a substance abuse problem, they must be assessed and provided treatment recommendations.
Polaris Teen Center is a residential treatment facility for psychiatric and co-occurring substance abuse and eating disorders. To learn more about our individualized programs or to speak to an admissions specialist, learn more at https://polaristeen.com/ or call 1-844-836-0222.
This post was last modified on April 29, 2025 3:23 pm
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