What is the connection between addiction and depression? Like depression, the cause of addictions may have a neurochemical component to it. Also, some 20% of addicts have other psychiatric problems, such as depression. It is important to note, though, that not everyone who is addicted to something - be it to smoking, alcohol, drugs, or their career - has depression, and not everyone who is depressed develops an addiction.
Addictions are a primary disorder. That means that, even if an addict suffers from depression and is treated for depression, the addiction will not go away.