Key Takeaways
- Postpartum depression is different from “baby blues” and can last months or years without treatment.
- Postpartum substance use and drug use are more prevalent among women with postpartum depression, as indicated by substance use prevalence data.
- Women experiencing postpartum depression may turn to substances as a form of self-medication, increasing the risk of developing a substance use disorder.
- Dual diagnosis treatment is the most effective approach for new mothers experiencing both postpartum depression and addiction, offering integrated mental health and addiction care.
- Comprehensive support (including therapy, medication management, detox, parenting support, and aftercare) helps promote long-term recovery for both conditions.
If you have just had a baby, you may be at risk of developing postpartum depression, which is quite common. Not only that, but you could also possibly develop a secondary disorder, such as a substance abuse disorder. These are called co-occurring disorders and can overlap, making recovery much more challenging.
It is important to recognize risk factors (such as lack of social support, previous mental health history, and exposure to adversity) that can increase the likelihood of postpartum depression and addiction.
In this article, we will be discussing what postpartum depression is and how it can overlap with addiction. We will also discuss the role of dual diagnosis treatment and how it can help treat these co-occurring disorders.
First: What Is Postpartum Depression and Maternal Mental Health?
The first thing we need to discuss before diving into co-occurring disorders is what postpartum depression actually is. This can sometimes be confused with “baby blues,” which is the common term for a very normal experience for women who have gone through childbirth.
Baby blues can result in the individual feeling unusual or unexpected emotions or exhibiting uncharacteristic behaviors. Usually, the symptoms will only last a few days after childbirth and will quickly resolve themselves.
On the other hand, postpartum depression is a mental health diagnosis that usually starts one to three weeks after a woman has gone through childbirth. If not treated, postpartum depression can last for several months or years.
The symptoms of postpartum depression include, but are not limited to:
- Changes in eating habits
- Withdrawing from loved ones
- Moodiness or mood swings
- Feelings of sadness and hopelessness
- Excessive anxiety or anger
- Inability to enjoy things
- Having trouble attaching to the child
- Suicidal thoughts
Although still a bit of a mystery, it is believed that postpartum depression is caused by the hormonal changes, fatigue, and emotional strain of childbirth. Also, those who have a history of depression or lack a support system may be at a greater risk of developing postpartum depression.
Is There a Connection Between Postpartum Depression and Substance Use Disorders?
The connection between postpartum depression and substance abuse disorders is very complex. When these disorders occur together, they are called co-occurring disorders. A co-occurring disorder is a clinical term that describes when an individual has a mental health condition and a substance abuse disorder at the same time.
When you have co-occurring disorders, one disorder may have led to the other or vice versa. This is usually the case due to the fact that many disorders increase your likelihood of developing other disorders.
If you develop postpartum depression after giving birth, this could increase your likelihood of turning to substance abuse as a way of self medication. Or, if you have a history of addiction, this could increase your risk of developing postpartum depression after giving birth. You may also be more likely to return to substance abuse as a way of coping with the unpleasant symptoms of postpartum depression, even if you went through recovery in the past.
Who Suffers the Most From Postpartum Depression and Addiction?
Substance abuse is a significant concern for postpartum women, especially those struggling with postpartum depression (PPD). According to the Mental Health Services Administration, substance use disorders affect about 5% of pregnant women in the United States, and the World Health Organization notes that around 10% of postpartum women worldwide experience depressive symptoms that can increase the risk of substance use.
Many women may turn to various substances as a way to cope with the emotional and physical challenges of the postpartum period. Below, we explore some of the most common, as well as how they effect pregnant women.
Common Substances Used to Self-Medicate
Some of the most common substances used to self-medicate during this time include:
Alcohol
Alcohol consumption is widespread among postpartum women, with studies indicating that up to 20% may engage in binge drinking after giving birth. This behavior can be particularly risky, as it may worsen symptoms of postpartum depression and negatively impact both the mother’s ability to care for her child and her overall mental health.
Illicit drugs
The use of illicit drugs such as cocaine, heroin, and marijuana is also a concern. Data from a national survey show that approximately 25% of women with postpartum depression report using illicit drugs during the postpartum period, which can significantly impact both the mother and her baby.
Prescription medications
Some postpartum women may misuse prescription medications, including opioid pain relievers, as a way to manage pain or emotional distress. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that nearly half of all postpartum women fill opioid prescriptions, highlighting the need for careful monitoring and support.
Tobacco
Tobacco use remains a common coping mechanism, with the CDC estimating that roughly 7.2% of postpartum women smoke. Tobacco use can further complicate recovery from postpartum depression and increase health risks for both mother and child. Even irregular cigarette smokers in the postpartum period are at increased risk for both substance misuse and mental health issues.
How to Treat Postpartum Depression and Addiction: Addressing Risk Factors
No matter the situation, treating co-occurring disorders is an essential step towards recovery. Especially if you are a new mother struggling with postpartum depression and addiction, the stakes are that much higher. You need to be able to recover so that you can be present for your child during this very vulnerable part of their life.
Fortunately, dual diagnosis treatment is a treatment option specifically designed for co-occurring disorders. Instead of going through multiple programs to treat these disorders separately, dual diagnosis treatment allows you to get combined care.
When you join a dual diagnosis treatment program, you will receive care from a team of mental health and addiction professionals. You will have access to all of the necessary recovery resources, such as:
- Individual therapy
- Family or couples therapy
- Medication management
- Detox
- Life skills planning
- Aftercare
- Early childhood parent training
Benefits of Dual Diagnosis Treatment
Going through postpartum depression and addiction by yourself is never a good idea, as your chances of recovery are much less, and the experience can be very isolating. Dual diagnosis treatment gives you all of the resources and support you need, and drastically improves your likelihood of long-term recovery.
In case you aren’t sure whether or not you want to join a dual diagnosis treatment program, you should be aware of the benefits.
Combined Treatment
Rather than having to join separate treatment programs for postpartum depression and addiction, a dual diagnosis program allows you to get combined treatment. Not only is this more convenient, but it is also more effective since you will be working with one care team towards a common goal.
Getting combined treatment is also essential for co-occurring disorders since they will usually have a unique relationship to one another that changes what recovery looks like.
Personalized Approach
One of the main goals of dual diagnosis treatment is to provide a personalized treatment plan to fit your recovery needs and goals. This is why these programs take a comprehensive approach that is individualized according to your disorders, symptoms, triggers, and more.
Supportive Community
Both addiction and postpartum depression are disorders that can feel incredibly isolating. When you join a dual diagnosis treatment program near you, you will get access to a supportive community of mental health and addiction professionals and others who are going through similar experiences.
Especially for new mothers who are more likely to feel isolated, having access to this community is an essential part of recovery.
Program Flexibility
As a new mother, you most likely have specific needs regarding your schedule and availability. Many dual diagnosis programs have flexible options allowing you to choose the program that best fits your situation. These options include things like long-term or short-term treatment, or inpatient or outpatient treatment.
Find Postpartum Depression and Addiction Treatment at The Lakes Treatment Center
Getting through postpartum depression is already very difficult, especially since it will look different for every new mother. However, this becomes that much more complicated if you are also struggling with a co-occurring disorder, such as addiction. The good news is that by getting the help you need, you can make a full recovery from both conditions.
At The Lakes Treatment Center, our dual diagnosis treatment program takes a comprehensive approach so that your treatment is personalized to fit your needs. We also provide a variety of other recovery resources, such as different therapies, aftercare, and a prenatal treatment program.
Are you ready to get help for your postpartum depression and addiction? Contact us today at The Lakes Treatment Center to get the recovery process started.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the risk factors for developing postpartum depression and addiction?
Postpartum depression and addiction have a higher prevalence among certain groups, such as women with substance use during pregnancy, compared to the general population. Additionally, family history and environmental factors such as stress, economic status, or lack of support can increase risk. Sleep deprivation and poor physical health are also significant contributors to postpartum depression.
Q: How are postpartum depression and addiction connected?
Mental health conditions and mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression, are often linked to substance misuse in the postpartum period. Additionally, studies have found statistical significance in the association between postpartum depression and substance use. The use of multiple substances (think alcohol use, marijuana use, and illicit drug use) has been shown to be associated with a higher risk of postpartum depression.
Q: Who is most at risk for postpartum substance use?
Women with untreated postpartum depression, limited support, a history of addiction, or high stress levels face the greatest risk. Those who previously recovered from addiction may also be more vulnerable to relapse during the postpartum period due to hormonal changes, emotional strain, and sleep disruption.
Q: How does dual diagnosis treatment help postpartum depression and addiction?
Dual diagnosis programs treat both conditions at the same time through integrated mental health and addiction care. This includes therapy, medication management, detox services, parenting support, and long-term aftercare planning—all essential for helping new mothers stabilize, heal, and regain control of their lives.
Q: Can new mothers safely detox while receiving treatment for postpartum depression?
Yes. In reputable dual diagnosis programs, detox is medically supervised to ensure the safety of both mother and baby. Specialists monitor withdrawal symptoms, provide medication-assisted treatment if needed, and transition mothers into therapeutic care as soon as they’re stable.
Q: What should I look for in a postpartum dual diagnosis treatment program?
Look for programs offering specialized maternal mental health support, addiction professionals, family or couples therapy, medication management, life-skills coaching, and flexible treatment options (inpatient or outpatient). Programs like The Lakes Treatment Center also offer resources to support long-term recovery.
