How to Treat Alcoholism and Depression in Hawaii

Are you looking for help recovering from alcohol and depression in Hawaii? Your outlook in life is arguably the single most powerful determining factor in your quality of life. How you feel about yourself, others, and your place in the world colors every interaction, every moment, of your existence. That being said, a person living with feelings of melancholy, despair, hopelessness, malaise, or, to sum it up in one term – depression – isn’t really living their life at all; they are struggling through it. People living with depression find commonplace activities to be everything from anxiety-inducing, to painful or unbearable, or simply meaningless. It affects every social interaction, their work life, and leaves them feeling unfulfilled. If you have ever felt like this, you are not alone. In fact, depression affects an estimated 16.1 million American adults (6.7% of the US population) annually, with over 280 million individuals suffering from Major Depression Disorder on the global scale.

Depression of the clinical caliber is recognized as a mental health illness, not simply a matter of having a “low mood.” To this end, it is an issue that deserves proper care, and should not be left untreated. Countless individuals have turned to substances such as alcohol to try to escape the feelings of depression. Unfortunately, while substances might offer a temporary feeling of relief, they never actually make the depression go away, and instead almost always result in making the depression worse. Not surprisingly, many people who started out as victims of depression end up becoming alcoholics or drug addicts as a result of self-medicating. Here is the good news: no matter where someone lies on their journey with depression, whether they have suffered with it long-term or short, whether they have self-medicated or not, there are solutions.

Many places exist for the sole purpose of treating alcoholism and depression in Hawaii. There are detox centers, assistance via medications, behavioral psychotherapy, self-help and coping mechanisms galore.

Detox

At the very beginning of the journey out of depression and alcoholism, an individual is advised to undergo safe and proper detox protocols. These are usually found at accredited facilities where professionally trained medical staff oversee the first few days of withdrawal from alcohol. In this way, the patient is kept as safe and comfortable as possible, with vitals being checked regularly, and helpful medications and hydration being administered to assist in discomfort and to help with sleeping difficulties. Anyone considering the journey into sobriety really is encouraged to undergo detox in this way. It is the safest (and most comfortable) way to embark on a life-altering experience.

Medication

After a careful look at your alcoholism and depression, a doctor will likely prescribe medications that are properly suited to your individual recovery. If taken properly, it can allow you to see improvements as quickly as the first two weeks. The course of medication will vary from person to person and is usually recommended to be taken in concert with various forms of therapy. People often view medication as a personal experiment that they are conducting with their doctor. Sometimes the first one they try is a success, sometimes they need to do a few more trials before finding the one that is a perfect fit for them. With a little bit of patience, individuals can find a prescription that can be the ticket to long-term success.

Behavioral Psychotherapy

If you are looking for other options on how to treat alcoholism and depression in Hawaii, behavioral psychotherapy is a widely used tool. Behavioral activation is a helpful treatment for both AUD and depression as it will help you shine a light on your actions, patterns, traumas, and inner thought life. By being willing and able to conduct some introspective examination, great insights into why you have been doing what you have been doing may be attained. Not only is this mode of therapy a method of discovery, but it is also a mode of healing.

Self-help and Coping

There are many tools one can access on their own, outside of a treatment center or a doctor’s office, that can help with mood and addiction disorders. Regular exercise, for example, is an incredible tool. Exercise works with your brain to release helpful mood-boosting chemicals and hormones, such as serotonin and dopamine. Additionally, establishing a healthy sleep cycle will assist your brain and body in being able to achieve their maximum operating capabilities. A healthy, nutrient-rich diet, full of the right vitamins, and low on the harmful aspect of modern fare, is one of the most powerful tools a person can call on to assist in sustaining their mental health. Food, when used consciously, is its own type of medicine.

On top of the above-mentioned lifestyle choices, there are many more aspects of daily living that can help elevate mood and keep a person in a healthy and safe mindset. For instance, surrounding oneself with healthy, positive people, avoiding isolation, staying accountable and up to date with partners in recovery, engaging in enjoyable healthy hobbies, and reading literature that engages your inner self are just a few of the many, many ways that people can supplement their recovery.

Is it ok to ask for help?

Keep in mind that while depression is somewhat common, we sometimes see past it or fail to notice that it’s happening to us. And when it becomes worse, it can greatly affect everything in our life.

Thus, it is important to remember that you should not be afraid to seek help: you are not alone. There is always help available and there is a way to be healthy again and get a fresh outlook on life, free from alcohol, and free from depression.

There are places that are designed to offer you a safe environment to heal yourself. These places can help you get ready to face your life head-on.

At Honu House Hawaii, we will help you. Our team can help answer your questions on how to treat alcoholism and depression and devise treatment programs to help them recover. It is our mission to provide safety and comfort, along with the tools of recovery, to those who are willing to rebuild their lives. We can guarantee a safe place to find support. For those who are suffering from alcoholism and depression in Hawaii, Honu House is waiting to welcome you. Allow us to provide essential help for your road to recovery. If you or your loved one is going through alcoholism or depression, you can reach out to us!