Depression is a serious, life-threatening, chronic illness. Depression combined with addiction is especially debilitating. Without treating depression in an addicted person, the depression becomes a major contributor to a lack of recovery, relapse and possibly suicide. Without treating addiction in a depressed person, the addiction becomes a major contributor to a lack of recovery, relapse and possibly suicide. Ironically, both depression and addiction are treatable illnesses. Preview Claudia Black offers an easily understood explanation of the interaction of depression and addiction; presents examples of the combination of the two illnesses and utilizes quotes from those who have suffered from depression, among them Bill W. (co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous) and Abraham Lincoln. Key Points Covered Interaction of depression and addiction Causes of depression A biochemical imbalance, negative view of the world, incomplete grief. Recovery Abstinence from addictive substances and behaviors. Use of anti-depressants A discussion around the addict’s concerns of the use of medication. Therapy and recovery practices The viewer will better understand depression, the impact of the combination of depression and addiction and how recovery from both is possible. Total running time is 28 minutes.