Dual Struggle: Substance Abuse and Depression
By Rachel Benson, LMFT Rachel received her Masters's Degree in Counseling Psychology and specialized in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) with Distinction. She is originally from Hong Kong, and she speaks several languages, including Cantonese and Mandarin. Rachel is certified in Brainspotting, and trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), sand tray therapy, Gottman Couple Therapy, and Play Therapy with young children . Have you ever noticed that a night of heavy drinking leaves you feeling even lower the next day? That’s not just a coincidence—it’s brain chemistry at work. Substance abuse and depression are deeply connected, often forming a cycle that is difficult to break. Many individuals with depression turn to alcohol or drugs to cope with feelings of sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness. While substances may seem to provide temporary relief, they often worsen depression in the long run by disrupting the brain’s natural chemist...