Three Ways Stress
Can Lead to Addiction
A connection between stress and substance abuse may be obvious to many. The question that remains, however, somewhat resembles the “chicken or the egg” theory. Does stress lead to addiction? Or is it an addiction that leads to stress?
Most assuredly, the presence of substance abuse (drug addiction or alcoholism) produces a significant amount of stress. Mentally, physically and emotionally, a substance abuser becomes focused wholly on obtaining his next hit or drink by whatever means necessary. This is stressful on many levels. Does this issue go beyond this question?
The Connection Between Stress and Substance Abuse
The debate of whether stress leads to addiction or vice versa begs the obvious question: Why do people use drugs? What causes addiction in the first place?
Alcoholics and drug abusers consume drugs and alcohol to get rid of unwanted feelings. Depression, grief, feeling “left out” or nervous are all examples of feelings one could try to escape, using drugs and/or alcohol. These unwanted feelings themselves are a source of stress.
There are any number of feelings, situations or circumstances which could precipitate substance abuse and addiction. For example:
- Loss of a job
- Death of a loved one
- Family turmoil
- Relationship troubles (breakups, etc.)
- Pressure at work or school
- Physical injury or surgery
Undoubtedly, these circumstances (and an infinite number of other potential combinations) are stressful. Drugs and alcohol are employed as a means of escape from reality.
The Cycle of Stress And Addiction
The mere presence of stress doesn’t mean all people are equally susceptible to developing addiction problems. Addiction itself can be prevented in a number of ways, but often situations get out of hand rapidly and overwhelmingly. Take, for example, these three ways that stress can lead to addiction:
Injury, Medical Condition or Surgery
Injury and physical recovery can be extremely stressful and traumatizing. Each year, thousands of Americans become hooked on the opiate pain medications they are prescribed during this difficult time, as these pills offer a much-desired, temporary and costly respite from the stress of one’s condition. Once these medications are consumed, physical dependency can quickly take hold, thus laying the foundation for addiction.
Family Issues
Divorce, domestic violence, and other family issues can be very stressful. The trauma of losing a loved one can cause a complete mental collapse. As such, these situations can and often do lead to substance abuse. Sadly, many children who are raised in the midst of addiction and criminality join into similar lifestyles themselves.
Trouble at Work
Economic times have been tough for many. Loss of livelihood further puts stress on all areas of life, which can push one to extreme lengths of attempts to escape financial burdens.
Comprehensive Addiction Treatment
Undoubtedly, drug addiction and alcoholism produce stress and trauma on the abuser and his/her family. The real targets of address, however, are the underlying issues which existed prior to substance abuse.
Stress is a byproduct of substance abuse. Remove the addiction from one’s life, and the only stress that will remain is that which was there prior to the addiction.
Thus, in order to comprehensively treat addiction, a program must target:
- Underlying issues (family, work, health, friends, etc.)
- Existing habits and behavioral patterns
- Areas where life skills are lacking
- A thorough future plan, including
- Career
- Support structuring
- Hobbies and positive activities
- Personal health and wellness
By tackling substance abuse at all of these angles (and more), addicts and alcoholics are given the tools they need to truly succeed in life, free of any chemical dependency.
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