Depression and anxiety are two, very common types of mental health disorders that can interfere with a person’s daily life and functioning. These conditions can hinder one’s ability to find fulfillment and enjoyment, as well as impact their relationships and quality of life. 

Depression is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness. Anxiety disorders, on the other hand, cause excessive feelings of worry, dread, fear, and uneasiness—often without explanation. Both disorders spark negative emotions and thought patterns that can, at times, feel intrusive and hard to escape. And, as a result, many people will try to self-medicate with drugs and alcohol.

Self-medication is an individual’s attempt to deal with depression, anxiety, or other mental health problems by using drugs and/or alcohol. However, self-medication is never recommended. If you are struggling with mental health symptoms, and wondering if you can use drugs to help with anxiety or depression, it is important to talk to your doctor or a treatment specialist.

Sometimes, pharmaceutical drugs are available (and effective) in helping to manage cases of depression and anxiety. However, these drugs must be prescribed by a clinical professional as they are not a one-size-fits-all solution. Other illegal types of drugs, such as alcohol or marijuana, are never recommended for treating depression and anxiety—especially in teens.

If you are still wondering if drugs can help depression, anxiety, and other mental health problems, read on. Below we cover common questions related to this topic, and offer guidance on getting the help you need and deserve.

Which Drugs Can Help Depression and Anxiety?

As noted above, illicit drugs – including marijuana and alcohol for teenagers – are never recommended to manage the symptoms of anxiety or depression. Using these drugs is a form of self-medication, which is a very dangerous practice that can worsen your mental health state. (We explore the dangers of self-medication more below.)

When prescribed by a clinician, though, certain drugs are considered safe and effective treatments for depression and anxiety. These pharmacological treatments typically fall into two categories:

• Antidepressants: As the name implies, antidepressants are prescribed to help manage depression. Common types of antidepressants include SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) like Prozac and Zoloft, SNRIs (Serotonin Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors) like Cymbalta, TCAs (Tricyclic Antidepressants), and MAOIs (Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors). Each type of drug works in different ways, but all help to balance the neurotransmitters in the brain and improve mood regulation.
• Anxiolytics: Anxiolytics are medications used to treat anxiety disorders, also prescribed by treatment professionals. There are a few different classes of these anxiety drugs, including Benzodiazepines like Xanax, Buspirone, and Beta Blockers for any physical side effects.

Depression and anxiety medications can be effective for many individuals, offering relief from the difficult symptoms. However, each drug’s effectiveness can vary from person to person, and finding the right medication may require some trial and error. It is important to work closely with your healthcare provider to monitor the effects of the medication and adjust the treatment plan if/when needed. 

When treating anxiety and depression, prescription drugs should be used in tandem with, or as a complement to, other types of mental health treatments. For example, prescription medications have been found most effective for depression and anxiety when they are combined with psychotherapy. In these instances, the prescription drugs work to address the chemical components of depression and anxiety. Meanwhile, behavioral and therapeutic treatments like CBT can provide valuable tools for managing symptoms long-term and addressing the underlying causes of these mental health disorders.

Why is Self-Medicating with Drugs or Alcohol Dangerous?

Substances like marijuana, alcohol, and even painkillers can provide temporary relief from the symptoms of anxiety or depression. They may allow you to escape from reality or give you confidence to conquer your fears. However, these effects are fleeting. In fact, after the “high” is gone, there usually comes a low period. Drugs can exacerbate feelings of sadness and anxiety. Withdrawal from drugs—which happens with frequent use—can take away your energy, make it harder to get out of bed, and trigger feelings of stress and panic. 

On top of worsened mental health symptoms, using drugs for anxiety and depression can also lead to the onset of new mental health issues. This is because of the way that drugs work in the brain. Drugs are chemicals that re-wire brain circuits and disrupt cognitive functioning with repeated or prolonged use. These changes can make a person more vulnerable to developing other mental illnesses, including mood, psychotic, and impulse-control disorders.

Using drugs for anxiety and depression can also lead to the development of a substance use disorder. Substance use disorder is the clinical name for drug addiction. When drugs are repeatedly used to try and “feel better,” to escape current realities, or to cope with daily challenges, the body will start to rely on those drugs to function properly. The brain will begin to depend on those drugs to feel okay or to get through the day. And this dependency can lead to addiction over time.

Remember, you are not a doctor. Self-medicating your mental health issues with drugs and alcohol will only provide temporary relief, and will prolong your likelihood of receiving professional help. Not only is using drugs putting yourself at risk for other disorders, self-medicating with drugs also puts you at risk for life-threatening drug reactions and overdose.

So, Should I Use Drugs to Help With My Depression and Anxiety?

Never use recreational or illicit substances to treat depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. These drugs can leave lasting changes in the brain—impairing how you think, as well as putting you at risk for more mental health challenges down the road.

Certain prescription drugs, however, can play a key role in managing depression and anxiety. These regulated drugs, when prescribed by a clinical professional, can offer relief for many individuals. Of course, they are not a one-size-fits-all solution. Talk to a treatment provider to see what their recommendation is for you and your personal circumstances. Often, prescription medications are most effective when offered as part of a larger, comprehensive treatment plan that includes therapy, lifestyle changes, and social support. 

Additionally, you should never use prescription drugs or medications that have not been prescribed to you. Some prescription medications are highly addictive, and others pose dangers that can threaten your health if not taken properly. Speak to a doctor if you are interested in trying a prescription to help with anxiety or depression.

If you or someone you know is struggling with depression or anxiety, it is essential to seek professional help. A clinical professional can help you explore the most appropriate or effective treatment options. Depression and anxiety are medical conditions that deserve the same attention and support as any physical illness or injury. Help is available to you. You do not need to turn to drugs; you can turn to a professional treatment specialist.

Turnbridge is a treatment provider helping teens and young adults overcome a range of substance abuse and mental health disorders. If you are in need of our support, we are just one call away. Contact us at 877-581-1793 to speak with a treatment specialist.