Can Addiction and Seasonal Affective Disorder Co-Occur During the Winter Months?

Published On: October 30, 2024|Categories: Substance Abuse|895 words|4.5 min read|

Girl sitting on a wall and having a tough time

When the sun sets earlier and the temperatures drop, do you feel less like yourself? Are you more inclined to isolate during winter and struggle to enjoy the day?

If so, you are not alone. Tons of people find themselves with less energy and more depressive symptoms during the fall and winter months than at any other time of the year.

Known as Seasonal Affective Disorder, this season-dependent depression can significantly impact habits and behaviors and may even contribute to addictive tendencies if not correctly managed.

What is Seasonal Affective Disorder?

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a specific type of depression usually occurring in the winter months. It is often cyclical, with most people feeling the onset of symptoms in the fall and a reprieve once springtime emerges.

The exact cause of SAD is not entirely understood, but it is believed to be linked to the reduced level of sunlight during the shorter days of winter. This decrease in sunlight can disrupt the body’s internal clock, or circadian rhythm, which regulates sleep, mood and hormone production. Additionally, lower levels of sunlight can cause a drop in serotonin, a neurotransmitter that affects mood, and a decrease in melatonin production, which plays a role in sleep patterns.

Genetics may also play a role in the development of SAD. Individuals with a family history of depression or other mood disorders are more likely to experience SAD. Furthermore, people living farther from the equator, where daylight hours are shorter during the winter, are at a higher risk.

Symptoms of SAD

SAD shares many symptoms with other forms of depression, but it is unique in its seasonal pattern. Common symptoms include:

Persistent low mood
Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
Irritability
Feelings of despair or worthlessness
Fatigue
Low energy
Changes in sleep patterns, such as oversleeping
Changes in appetite, particularly craving carbohydrates, can lead to weight gain

In some cases, SAD can manifest as increased anxiety, difficulty concentrating and social withdrawal. It’s important to note that while winter-onset SAD is more common, a less prevalent form, known as summer-onset SAD, can occur and presents with slightly different symptoms such as insomnia, poor appetite and weight loss.

Can SAD and addiction co-occur?

When two mental health conditions are present in an individual simultaneously, it is known as a co-occurring disorder. It may happen when a mental health condition triggers an addiction or vice versa.

SAD and addiction can often be seen co-occurring as a form of self-medication.

At the heart of both SAD and addiction are disruptions in neurochemical processes. SAD is often linked to a deficiency in serotonin, while addiction involves the dysregulation of the brain’s reward system and dopamine levels.

During the shorter days of winter, reduced sunlight can lead to lower serotonin levels, potentially making individuals more vulnerable to depressive states. This vulnerability can, in turn, increase the risk of turning to addictive substances or behaviors as a form of self-medication. Substances like alcohol and drugs can temporarily elevate dopamine levels, offering temporary relief from depressive symptoms but potentially worsening unhealthy habits.

Environmental factors also play a role in the co-occurrence of SAD and addiction. The winter months can lead to social withdrawal and decreased physical activity, both of which are risk factors for depression and substance abuse. Lack of social support and reduced opportunities for engaging in healthy outdoor activities can push individuals toward addictive behaviors as a form of escape.

Treatment for SAD and addiction

For complete recovery to occur, both the Seasonal Affective Disorder and the addiction need to be addressed in one’s treatment plan. Luckily, there are many options for treating both.

Light therapy and medication

One of the most effective treatments for SAD is light therapy, which involves exposure to bright artificial light mimicking natural sunlight. This treatment can help regulate the body’s circadian rhythms and boost serotonin levels, thereby alleviating depressive symptoms.

Medications like SSRIs can also help manage both SAD and addiction, as they help increase serotonin levels in the brain, improving mood and reducing the compulsion to use addictive substances as a form of self-medication.

Psychotherapeutic approaches

Psychotherapy, particularly CBT, can be highly effective in treating both SAD and addiction. CBT helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors contributing to their conditions.

For example, a person suffering from SAD might learn to challenge their unhealthy thought patterns about the winter months while also developing healthier coping mechanisms to replace substance use.

Additionally, motivational interviewing can be particularly useful in treating addiction, as it helps individuals build the internal motivation necessary for changing behavior.

Support systems and lifestyle changes

Support groups, whether for depression or addiction, provide a sense of community and shared experience that can be incredibly validating and motivating. Friends and family can also play a role by offering emotional support and encouraging healthy behaviors.

Lifestyle modifications like regular physical exercise, a balanced diet and a good sleep schedule can further support recovery. Physical activity, in particular, has been shown to improve mood and reduce cravings. Outdoor activities can be especially beneficial for individuals with SAD, as they provide physical exercise and exposure to natural sunlight.