Typical features of drug- or substance-induced depression:

1. Depressive mood occurs after using a specific drug or substance, or shortly after stopping use.
2. Symptoms include depression, loss of interest, self-blame, fatigue, and lack of concentration, but are highly correlated with the duration of substance use.
3. It can be triggered by legal prescription drugs (such as steroids, sedatives, anti-epileptic drugs), illegal drugs (such as cocaine, methamphetamine), or alcohol and nicotine.
4. Often accompanied by physiological reactions such as sleep disorders, changes in appetite, and weight fluctuations.
5. Mood changes are fluctuating, with the characteristics of "sudden appearance - repeated intensification - possible relief".
6. The depressive state may be mistaken for primary depression. Ignoring the cause may lead to misdiagnosis or long-term dependence on psychotropic drugs.
7. After stopping substance use and recovering physically, depressive symptoms may be relieved within a few weeks, but they may also remain and require professional psychological intervention and rehabilitation follow-up.

Teaching objectives:

- Help students distinguish between depressive symptoms caused by drug or substance abuse and primary depression.
-Build an understanding of the relationship between common triggers (prescription medications, drugs, alcohol, etc.) and depressive symptoms.
- Strengthen the understanding of the interaction between "body-emotion-drug response".
- Guide participants to assess changes in their own or their relatives' emotional states in the context of drug use or addiction.
- Provide basic adjustment strategies such as safe discontinuation of medication, psychological support during the recovery period, and recovery mechanisms.
-Build awareness of relapse prevention and ongoing support networks to enhance self-care and confidence in quitting.

2. Course Arrangement(Total 6 sections)

Lesson 90:What is "drug- or substance-induced depression"?

Some low moods actually come from the body being quietly affected by drugs.

It's not that you have suddenly "changed", but the chemical reaction is interfering with you.

You deserve to be seen as a whole person, not just as a symptom.

Lesson 91:Your depression may be a side effect of medication

When your emotions become more serious, please allow yourself to check: Is it related to the medication?

Side effects are not imaginary, but real signals sent by the body.

You have the right to understand, express, and make choices about your care.

Lesson 92:When Addiction Enters the Brain: The Two-Way Manipulation of Substances and Emotions

Addiction is not a weakness of will, but a brain trapped in reward and dependence.

Emotions are not an excuse to escape, but rather participants in the cycle of addiction.

Understanding the mechanics is the first step to breaking the cycle and regaining control.

Lesson 93:Withdrawal is not the end, but a new round of emotional shock

Discomfort and mood swings are your body's way of regaining balance.

Every pain of withdrawal is a necessary pain to restart life.

You don't need to be perfect, you just need to be willing to keep going through each stage.

Lesson 94:Emotional self-healing exercises during recovery

Recovery does not rely on a rapid rebound, but on gentle but determined self-repair.

Every time I practice, I tell myself: I am taking care of myself.

You are no longer stuck in the patterns of the past, and now is the time to rebuild.

Lesson 95:How to Prevent Relapse and Build a Support Network

No one can always rely on themselves. Support is not weakness, but survival wisdom.

Relapse is not scary, what is scary is to bear it alone.

You can start building your own "solid rear".

Please complete the course evaluation to review your learning and provide suggestions. This will help you deepen your understanding and help us improve the course.