Depression negatively impacts a person’s mood, sometimes regularly, and people may search for ways to numb the pain. There are healthy ways to cope that are often taught through therapies, but people who aren’t equipped with these methods or have lost all hope may be inclined to turn to substances as an “easy” option. Drugs and alcohol directly impact cognitive function and, as a result, our emotions and feelings. Because of this, people can abuse substances as a means to deal with the negative symptoms of depression. This is a dangerous path that leads to addiction and other health problems.