Something that became clear to me after some time away from using was that the alcohol (in my case) that I was using to treat my anxiety and depression were actually causing the anxiety and depression.
It didn't happen right away, but by working on my coping skills, life skills, and inner thoughts, I was able to get past the anxiety and depression. There was no hope in Hell that I would have gotten better while drinking. It had to be done sober. Putting a neuro-toxin in my body caused my problems. Yes, I had some anxiety and depression before the alcohol - but the things bothering me could have been dealt with years ago instead of drinking at them; which solved nothing. The problems were no where near as severe as the alcoholism.