How long does the de-addiction treatment take?

Our standard rehabilitation program runs for 21 to 90 days, depending on the patient's condition and the severity of the addiction.

Is treatment free at Hamara Sankalp?

No, we provide affordable treatment and, in many cases, free treatment, especially for those from economically weaker sections t&c apply.

What is the admission process?

Family members can visit the center directly or call our helpline number to book a counseling appointment for admission.

Is aftercare or follow-up support provided?

Yes, after discharge we provide regular follow-up counseling and relapse prevention support.

Depression and Substance Abuse — Which Comes First, and Why It Matters for Treatment

Ask any family who has struggled with addiction and you'll hear confusion. ' Did the drinking cause the depression, or was he depressed even before he was drinking?' This question can be so much more than a philosophical argument-the answer to it will actually influence the treatment and the WRONG answer can mean months of ineffective therapy.

The Chicken-and-Egg Scenario

In a professional psychiatric community this combo is called "dual diagnosis." And this is what all the studies we've looked at show-the directions run both ways.

Depression first, then alcohol: A person with long-term, persistent sadness, hopeless-ness or emotional pain might start using substances as a way to numb them. It's then often dubbed, "self-medication" because the substance momentarily takes the edge off. But eventually, to stay functioning, he will come to use more of it, more often.

Alcohol first, then depression: Over time, an addict who has never been diagnosed with depression, can indeed develop a form of it solely because long-term, excessive substance use alters some of the brain systems that were responsible for motivation, pleasure and mood regulation. Furthermore, an addict's depressed state can also be worsened by his or her guilt, isolation and life-implosion resulting from the addiction.

Many people actually cycle back and forth between a depression and the addiction in a self-defeating cycle, where trying to address one can be incredibly complicated and ultimately, clinicians simply see both as being present realities that need to be dealt with by some combination method.

Why it matters (less than you would think-and more)

While understanding whether addiction caused the depression, or whether existing depression induced the use of substances, can add important context about a particular person's circumstances, they don't seem to impact the "correct" treatment plan in modern rehabilitation. Both are present; one is not "in charge" and "responsible" for the other in ways we should be working toward correcting. Indeed, historically treatment programs have tended to work sequentially-solving the addiction, then treating the mental illness (or vice-verse.) It appears we're over this approach; after all, the depression is not "after" the addiction or vice versa. The two are integrated and are affecting the person, and often their relationships, simultaneously.

Why Integrated TreatmentWorks Better

Instead, today rehabilitation focuses on using the integrated treatment approach where the patient is prescribed medical detox for physical dependence, therapy to assist recovery of behavior pattern, psychiatry or therapy to address co-occurring mental health issues or use of prescribed drugs to alleviate depression, and involvement with the family to try and rebuild a stronger, less isolated support system. Treating only one aspect will eventually put that original problem back to the forefront again in a vicious circle: when one illness is finally resolved, the original illness comes back again, often more aggressive than ever. If depression is untreated, it makes recovering from addiction more difficult because the depression is still undermining an individual's motivation and outlook.

What Families need to be Aware Of

For an afflicted member that you care about who uses substances, look for indications of depression as well. This may take the form of their withdrawal from loved ones, and their friends, a consistent low mood even if they are momentarily feeling better emotionally from a high. Also be aware of lost interest in everyday things and hopeless states regarding the future. When approaching rehab, be open about sharing information like this when your family member is first assessed.

Hamara Sankalp's Approach to Dual Diagnosis

Since its founding at Hamara Sankalp Nasha Mukti Kendra in Haldwani, Hamara Sankalp has acknowledged that the vast majority of people entering rehabilitation are dealing with dual diagnosis. Their treatment plans focus on assessing and addressing any co-occurring mental illness, such as a form of depression, alongside physical addiction. According to Hamara Sankalp staff, "asting sobriety is not just about stopping the use of a mind- altering substance; it requires treating both the addiction and the mental and emotional factors underlying it, simultaneously." If you want to assist a loved one who could potentially be experiencing the symptoms of both depression and addiction simultaneously, contacting Hamara Sankalp at once, or calling their helpline, 14446, may be crucial in getting them on their way to lasting recovery. This article is for informational purposes and to further understanding. If you or someone you love are experiencing challenges relating to drug and alcohol addiction as well as depression, please reach out to a mental health professional or to a national support helpline.