The Link Between Alcohol and Depression

CARTA
Oklahoma Citizens Advocates for Recovery & Treatment Association Newsletter
The Link Between Alcohol
and Depression
Which comes first? Does depression lead to addiction or is it the other way around?
In the history of drug and alcohol abuse and depression, one can’t help but ask the
age-old question: Which comes first? Is it generally the depression that leads to addiction, or does the addiction lead to the depression?
According to a study by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism,
depression usually precedes substance abuse. The study revealed that depression is
often rooted in childhood. Frequently, traumatic childhood situations such as divorcing,
abusive parents, molestation, or similar events trigger depression, and when the child
reaches adolescence or adulthood, he can easily find an escape from his feelings by
using drugs or alcohol. Children who were not depressed during childhood are less
likely to start abusing alcohol or drugs, although this is not always the case.
Actor and Comedian Jim Carrey used different medications to cope with a traumatic
childhood. As an adult his depression worsened due to failed marriages and relationships and it continues to threaten his peace of mind, according to a source on tribune.com. "Jim has suffered from severe depression in the past, and you have to worry
those fearful days are coming back again,” revealed the source. “When you talk to him,
he’s not as animated as he used to be. He seems [to be] at a low point — like a ship
without a rudder.” Sometimes a person may be depressed and use drugs and alcohol
to escape their troubles, other times, a person can become addicted and then lose
grasp of everything and fall into a deep depression. The link between depression and
addiction will always be strong. Treatment for either condition should always take into
account the likelihood of co-occurring disorders.
December/January 2015
OCARTA’S Vision and Mission:
OCARTA’s Vision
Our vision is that local communities
demonstrate awareness, compassion, and
support for individuals affected by mental
illness and addiction.
OCARTA’s Mission
OCARTA’s mission is to empower recovering people and their families through physical, emotional, and spiritual growth to
make significant contributions to society.
Through effective communication, public
education, and promotion of healthy public
policy, OCARTA will reduce the stigma
associated with addiction issues and support effective treatment.
In This Issue

2014 Recovery Walk/
Fest Success!

Meet Melodie Mills

Upcoming Events

A Few Stats

Peer Recovery
Support Specialists
A few Stats:
23.5 million persons aged 12 or
older needed treatment for drug or
alcohol abuse in 2009
Of these, only 2.6 million received
treatment at a specialty facility
14.8% were ages 25-29
14.4% were ages 20-24
12.6% were ages 40-44
In 2011, 8 million adults reported
having co-occurring disorders
Approximately three quarters of
Americans believe that recovery is
possible!
2014 Recovery Walk/Fest
Fest a Success!
Thank you Donors, Sponsors, and Volunteers for all your support. The 2014
Recovery Walk and Fest was a success because of you! Thank you to all
that helped in sponsorship, donations, and volunteering! We Love you all.
We had a record 614 in attendance! Extra special thank you’s to our walk
sponsors…
Gold Sponsor
Anonymous
*Source: SAMHSA
Drugabuse.gov & recoverymonth.gov
Bronze Sponsors continued
$2,500.00
Silver Sponsors
Eagle Ride Inst.
$250.00
Rightway Medical
$250.00
Nomac Drilling
$500.00
Alan Switzer, CPA
$250.00
Teen Recovery Solutions Highschool
$500.00
Lloyd & Carie White
$200.00
Oxford House Sober Living
$500.00
Mary Dahlgren
$200.00
McDonalds
$500.00
David C Williams MD PC
$100.00
David Burstein
$350.00
Dr. David Ford
$100.00
First Step Treatment Center
$350.00
Bronze Sponsors
In Kind Sponsors
Cole/Paine and Carlin
Cutting Edge Research
$250.00
$250.00
Heartland Ice, Landrun Records,
Ozarka, Feed the Children, Bar S,
DBSA
$250.00
Brown’s Bakery, Nothing Bunt
Grand Lake Mental Health
$250.00
Cakes, & Johnnie’s Bakery
ODMHSAS
$250.00
Valley Hope
$250.00
Meet Melodie Mills!
Recovery is the passion that drives my life. I enjoy working
with others to find solutions to everyday life events. I have an
Associates degree in Psychology, which has helped me to
better understand why we do some of the things we
do. Recovery has taught me a great deal and I continue to
learn daily. I believe the key factor I have learned, is to never
lose hope and always have faith. I have a powerful connection with my Higher Power. My recovery and my relationship
with my Higher Power are the most important aspects of my
life, because without either, I wouldn’t be on the journey I am
on today. I have a supportive family who I adore. In my
spare time I Like to be outdoors. I enjoy fishing, boating,
swimming, & motorcycle rides.
Upcoming
Events:
Every Friday—
Karaoke & Open Mic
Night
Feb. 7th– Unity House
Dance
Feb. 13th-Valentine’s
Luncheon
Feb. 18th-Bowls of Hope
Feb. 21st-Christian Connection Dance
Feb. 27th– Rhythm and
Blues Concert
Feb. 28th-Newcombers
Dance
March 7th-Shawnee
Dance
How OCARTA works!
Peer Recovery Support Specialist
OCARTA is a training ground for anyone wishing to become a Peer Recovery
March 14th-St. Patty's
Day Bash
March 21st-Christian
Connection Dance
March 28th-TRC Dance
April 23rd
RALLY FOR RECOVERY
@ State Capital
9am-2pm
Support Specialist. The meetings are held on Wednesday and Saturday afternoons and trainings last for 6 months. Then PRSS candidates are eligible for
state certification. During training trainees are exposed to tons of education, volunteer opportunities, chances to expand their own recovery and moments to share
their experience, strength, and hope in a way that is inclusive and builds others
up. OCARTA sends folks for certification on a continual basis and is confident
that those trained inside our walls are the best PRSS’s out there! Anyone interested in becoming a PRSS can contact the volunteer coordinator, Sarah Duvall at
sarah@ocarta.org (405)693-6883
OCARTA Staff
Contact Us
Give us a call for more
information about our
services.
OCARTA
2808 NW 31st
Oklahoma City, OK
73112
(405) 848-7555
Visit us on the web at
www.ocarta.org
Hours:
Mon-Thurs 9 AM—9 PM
Fri
9 AM—11PM
Sat
1 PM—11 PM
Back Row: Frank Boyles, Melodie Mills, Lyndon Pugh (volunteer)
Middle Row: Mike Baker, Kevin Surveyor
Front Row: Brandi Smith, Donna Woods, Monica Delclef
OCARTA
2808 NW 31st
Oklahoma City, OK 73112
PLACE
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