At Pines Recovery Life Detox in South Florida, we want patients in our substance abuse detox programs to understand the close relationship between depression, recovery, and mental health. When you feel positive and strong, you can resist cravings and stick to your plan for a drug-free life. However, depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues can leave you feeling vulnerable and needing a fast fix. Therefore, you should make safeguarding your mental health a priority during recovery.
Mental Health and Recovery
Behind every bad feeling, you can find an underlying cause of concern. For example, when you get angry, you lash out because someone or something hurt you. As we grow older, our socialization teaches us to suppress anger and push down our bad feelings. This comes at a cost. When you turn anger and ill will inward, it has nowhere to go. Instead, use your coping skills to deal with your feelings in the here and now.
We follow a similar process for depression. Depression and anxiety have a more insidious effect on your outlook. Hope and determination are critical to the success of your recovery. Learn more about how to hold on to these positive feelings.
How Addiction Factors In
When you feel depressed, anxious, or panic-ridden, it impacts your mental health in numerous ways. You may feel desperate to regain a sense of well-being. Additionally, you may feel tempted to go back to drug or alcohol use to numb those negative feelings without dealing with them. Instead, build a network of supporters you can call in an emergency.
At Pines Recovery Life Detox, we help you begin the journey toward sobriety with comprehensive detox and aftercare programs. Use the direction you receive in our aftercare program to find a reputable recovery facility. Our alumni program helps you learn to create positive connections and work toward goals such as sober living, employment, and mending relationships.


Medications in Detox and Recovery
Many people who develop a substance use disorder begin using drugs and alcohol as a way to self-medicate. It may begin with legal prescriptions for pain or depression and morph into an addiction to opiates or other drugs. Alternately, it can begin with gateway drugs and lead to addictions to more severe narcotics.
Some medications can help ease your withdrawal symptoms during detox. You may also receive medication during your recovery program. The medications used in substance use disorder treatment help you focus on your mental and physical recovery without the discomfort and pain that often accompanies withdrawal.
If you have any questions about medically assisted detox, you can ask during the detox admissions process. This is a great time to clear up any questions you have about your stay at Pines Recovery Life Detox.
Alleviating Depression and Anxiety in Recovery
A licensed therapist can help you understand the true reason behind your depression or anxiety. During detox, you can begin this process with our licensed therapist. This process prepares you for the self-examination and commitment required to make the most of a qualified recovery program.
When researching recovery programs, it’s important to note which ones offer dual diagnosis programs. These programs address mental health and addiction simultaneously, giving you your best chances for a full recovery.