How Does Stress Contribute To Addiction?

Stress is a normal part of life, but it can impact individuals in various ways. While for some, stress can be a motivator, pushing them to overcome challenges, others can find it very overwhelming and may turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms such as substance use and addiction.

Understanding the link between stress and addiction is therefore essential for those individuals to be able to manage their triggers and get onto the path of recovery. So here we look at exactly how stress contributes to addiction and provide some proven strategies to help you manage your levels.

Understanding Stress And Its Impact On The Body

Stress is the body’s natural response to any perceived demand or threat – whether this is real or not. It might be work-related pressures, difficulties in a relationship, huge life changes, financial problems or something health related. Either way, when the brain is alerted to a stressful situation, the body goes under huge physiological and psychological changes. This includes an increase in heart rate and blood pressure and the release of cortisol and adrenaline, two stress hormones.

Chronic stress is when someone experiences a constant feeling of pressure and overwhelm over a long period of time, and it can have a significant impact on health. This includes leading to anxiety, depression, cardiovascular issues and even digestive concerns.

The Mental Health Foundation has even revealed that 74% of UK adults have felt so stressed at some point over the last 12 months they have felt unable to cope. This statistic alone highlights how widespread stress can be as well as the importance of addressing it effectively among all ages.

How Stress Leads To Addiction

Research shows that stress can often be a precursor to addictive behaviours. This is because some individuals turn to substances or activities to self-medicate and alleviate their emotions or symptoms. This might include using drugs, alcohol, gambling or even other addictive activities like gaming and shopping to escape from everyday pressures. For example, someone in a highly stressful job may use alcohol after work to unwind and relax, leading to a dependency on alcohol to feel good.

Some of the most common stress-related substance abuse and addictions include alcohol, drugs, smoking, gambling and even eating disorders. While these behaviours and substances may provide temporary relief, they will exacerbate stress in the long run and create a harmful cycle that the individual is likely to find difficult to break.

The Stress Addiction Cycle

Studies show that stress can lead to addiction and addiction can increase stress levels. This results in a vicious cycle that is challenging to get to grips with. An individual may begin drinking alcohol to deal with a stressful situation, but their alcohol consumption may result in further issues at work or home, which increases their stress levels and reinforces their alcohol dependency to cope.

Another example is someone who may turn to over the counter prescription painkillers to deal with chronic pain. Highly addictive, this medication could soon impact the individual’s ability to turn up for work or take care of their daily responsibilities, putting them at risk of more stress and struggling to get out of the vicious stress addiction cycle.

Biological And Psychological Mechanisms

When an individual feels stressed, the chemistry in their brain is altered, especially in the reward system which makes them more prone to stress in the future. This is because the body releases a stress hormone like cortisol which affects the brain’s reward system and increases an individual’s cravings for something that will make them feel good, such as an addictive substance.

Chronic stress can even result in long-term changes in the brain, meaning the individual will find it even harder to experience pleasure from everyday activities. Instead, they may gravitate towards substance use to achieve that sense of reward and satisfaction, when they are feeling stressed.

Anxiety, depression and PTSD can also contribute to the stress addiction cycle. Those with mental health issues are more likely to experience stress and those with high levels of stress are more likely to suffer from mental health concerns. Again, this can drive these individuals towards addictive behaviours and substances to cope.
Strategies For Managing Stress And Preventing Addiction
Stress management is essential for those who are trying to prevent and recover from addiction. While these strategies will be personal to the individual, some of the most effective techniques include regular exercise, mindfulness, healthy eating and maintaining a balanced lifestyle.

Studies show that mindfulness activities like deep breathing, yoga and meditation can help to reduce stress levels and aid emotional regulation. Plus, regular physical activity releases the body’s feel-good chemical, known as endorphins, which can help to balance out any stress hormones.

Certain lifestyle changes like working on a healthy and regular sleep routine, taking part in uplifting hobbies and building a strong support network can help to break the stress addiction cycle too. Plus, getting help from professional counsellors and addiction specialists can provide much-needed support and advice. Not only will they be able to advise on medication, but you may be able to access specialist treatment like cognitive behavioural therapy which addresses thought patterns within stress and addiction.

Seeking Help For Stress Management And Addiction Recovery

If you are worried about your own stress levels and the impact this could be having on your addiction or recovery, reaching out for support is key. Friends, family and professionals can all provide the necessary encouragement and advice and there are also plenty of resources online regarding hotline services, community groups and therapy options.

What’s more, at the Rehab Directory, we can point you in the right direction and have access to a range of comprehensive treatment programs including those that take a holistic approach to recovery. One thing to remember is that recovery is possible and by taking control of your stress, you’ll be better able to manage your emotions and be one step closer to a healthier and happier life. So, what are you waiting for? Reach out today.