The dysthymic condition is no less dangerous for its subtlety. Dysthymia is a state of chronic mild depression, in which individuals are prone to states of sustained negative affect. What that means, in plain terms, is that dysthmics feel bad all the time, and thus are wont to turn to drug and alcohol addiction as a means of succor and relief. As should perhaps go without saying, a dysthymic addict cannot get sober without proper psychological care. The only catch is that the muted nature of dysthmyia itself can make that care hard to come by.

It is possible to be dysthymic without knowing it. The disease has none of the telltale hallmarks of clinical depression or bipolar disorder, and thus often goes overlooked by both victims and their doctors. This is especially troubling in the addiction treatment process, when proper dual diagnosis is vital to long-term recovery. The practical implication, then, is that you need to to find a rehab center that can evaluate you thoroughly and accurately. Healing has to start with an honest assessment of an addict’s psychological state. Short of that, you can’t ever expect to get sober for good.