Did you know that over one-third of Americans are living with extreme stress? According to a survey released by American Psychological Association, stress affects people’s mental health, relationships, productivity, and much more. Now, with the world’s battle against the COVID-19 pandemic, every citizen is in a race against time.
From being laid off from employment to economic uncertainty, there seems to be no path left to achieve salvation. In these trying times, the collective stress level is dangerously high. A study showed that, in 2020 alone, there was a significant increase in antianxiety medications, from a mere 11.7% to 37.7%. However, this seems to be only the tip of the iceberg.
Another point of concern is the addiction’s impact on mental health. Experts suggest that most mental health issues are either a result of addiction or its cause. Further, the increase in stress levels is also one of the causes of deterioration in mental health. Combine stress with drug abuse, and you have a single recipe for disaster. Keep in mind that stress is a well-known factor that develops addiction of any kind. The matters become worst if we’re dealing with someone who already has a mild case of drug abuse. So, before addiction or stress reach a tipping point, we must find ways to get past them. Let’s explore our options.
Chronic Stress in a Nutshell
By definition, stress is a feeling of emotional or physical tension that may occur from any event. Of course, those events can be both good and bad, but the impact can even be fatal if not mitigated immediately. Psychologists suggest that when a person feels stressed, their mind engages in a “fight-or-flight” response. This immediate reaction may lead to heart problems, respiratory concerns, lack of focus, and so much more.
Another point to note is that there are different levels of stress caused by various events. Short-term stressors comprise abnormal reactions, which usually occur in pressure situations. It can be a good thing to a certain level, but it can sometimes become anxiety if not dealt with adequately. On the other hand, long-term stress is more dangerous as it causes severe mental health problems resulting from the death of a loved one, divorce, the loss of a job, etc. Traumatic stress disorders occur from events such as terrorism, natural disasters, or violence.
Several pieces of research suggest that long-term stress can lead to addiction. What makes matters dire is that long-term stress can worsen addiction – eventually leading to suffering or death. Another thing to ponder is the myths surrounding the use of drugs and how they can reduce stress. The reality is that drugs make users more vulnerable to short-term stress than non-users.
How Does Chronic Stress Lead to Addiction?
These medications affect the receptors in the brain. Addicts suffering from chronic stress find these drugs helpful; since they find a temporary escape from reality while being intoxicated. Although these drugs serve to minimize stress, the impacts are temporary. That temporary sensation in response to these medications can cause long-term effects on a person’s body or mind.
In time, a person’s brain starts to rely on those drugs, which results in drug dependence, thus, leading to addiction. Another element that people don’t understand is that chronic drug abuse amplifies stress and makes it hard to quit in the future. But how can one cope with addiction? Here, we provide you with a definitive set of guidelines to help you develop a coping mechanism against addiction.
Tips to Cope with Addiction
We must first understand that everyone has different ways of coping with their problems. However, all we need is to take that first step toward the path of recovery.
Exercise
One of the most impactful mechanisms suggested by psychologists is physical activity. Daily exercises release endorphins, and stress improves self-esteem, and stabilizes moods, significantly. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), staying physically active can be the perfect catalyst through which you can control your drug cravings.
Individual Counseling
The first thing about overcoming addiction is accepting it’s becoming a problem. If you continue to live in denial, the journey ahead will be further challenging. In this regard, behavioral counseling can be of assistance. The individual, group, or family therapy can help you identify the root cause of drug addiction. Then, with a professional by your side, you can start your recuperation steps in no time.
Spirituality
Connecting yourself to a higher power can help lay a strong foundation and unearth inner strength to fight off difficulties. Countless rehabilitation centers offer programs to help them turn their lives over to a higher power. With the help of these programs and several faith-based tools, you can manage cravings and reduce chronic stress.
Meditation
Another helpful method to stop your addiction is meditation. Techniques like mindfulness are quite common in reducing dependence and assisting users in staying sober. Apart from that, these methods are also pretty effective in dealing with stress. Instead of opting for drug intake, we can take up meditation as our prime coping mechanism.
A Healthier Lifestyle
Want to know a quick way to quit addiction now? Stop it! And begin a healthier lifestyle! Often underrated, elements like healthy sleep patterns, diets, and physical activities can help you eliminate the unhealthy regime. Also, don’t forget to make healthy social connections. A positive influence can be quite effective in reducing stress levels.
Cutting Off Negative People
Negative energy can be found everywhere! You will find people who are always complaining about life, even though they are doing much better than most. Their emotions and toxicity bring negative energy around you, thus, influencing your thoughts and actions in the worse way possible.
One of the most prominent benefits of having positive people around you is that they help you eliminate the negative ones. They allow you to believe in yourself; instead of making you feel worthless and hapless to life’s obstacles. When you believe in yourself and you take control of your life, you will eventually have a better lifestyle without being addicted to anything.
Conclusion
We conclude our discussion by highlighting that stress can trigger drug abuse, leading to addiction and, eventually, more stress. So, effective stress management is evident to impact it positively. Furthermore, rehabs can offer several services with which you can lead a balanced and sober life.
One thing to always remember is not to give up! Everyone has their own pace of coping, and these methods may work differently for everyone. So don’t hesitate to ask questions, make an appointment, and find a way to counteract your weakness. Remember, your addiction is only strong if you let it overpower you.
If you know someone battling addiction and finding it hard to get back to life, reach out to AR Counseling. With over two decades of experience, the experts can help individuals get rid of addictions that impact their quality of life.
