Mental Health Blog Posts

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.

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.

There’s plenty of evidence to support that long-term use of cocaine can cause significant symptoms physiologically, often impacting an individual’s key organs and leading to life-threatening conditions such as heart attack and stroke. As well as physiological impacts, cocaine use can develop psychological impacts to the brain and create behavioural changes in an individual’s personality. We discuss whether cocaine is a key cause of psychosis, common symptoms of psychosis and how it can be treated to prevent symptoms from worsening over time.

What is Psychosis?

Psychosis refers to a condition where an individual experiences reality differently to what is happening around them, often causing a delusional state where they can experience various symptoms such as hallucinations, or disorganised thoughts.

Psychosis is a serious condition that can alter an individuals’ brain chemistry and change their personality indefinitely as the condition worsens over time.

Can Cocaine Cause Drug-Induced Psychosis?

There have been studies that indicate that cocaine-induced psychosis is a type of mental illness that is worsened by extensive cocaine use.

According to the National Institute of Health statistics, psychosis such as hallucinations or delusions are reported by 29% to 52% of cocaine users and can be related to an imbalance of dopamine in the body.

What are the Symptoms of Cocaine Psychosis?

During cocaine-induced psychosis, individuals can experience a range of symptoms whilst in a delusional state including:

• fluctuating confusion
• sweating and blood pressure changes
• paranoia
• depression
• hallucinations
• agitated behaviour
• suspiciousness

Ways to Prevent Cocaine Psychosis Symptoms

There are a few ways in which withdrawal symptoms can be eased and prevent from worsening over time.

First and foremost, withdrawing from cocaine is the most effective method for reducing psychosis symptoms, However, to reduce the intensity of withdrawal symptoms this must be done when supervised by medical professionals, Doing this without professional assistance can be difficult and lead to relapse and continuous drug use.

If symptoms persist following withdrawal from cocaine use, it is suggested that medication can be used to help reduce delirium such as haloperidol, a dopamine blocker.

Although Stress Awareness Month is well established and has been held every April since 1992, now more than ever stress levels are higher than ever in the United Kingdom, given the current climate regarding Covid-19 and subsequent lockdowns.  

Stress Statistics

According to the Mental Health Foundation, 74% of adult in the United Kingdom have experienced stress level so high they feel overwhelmed and unable to cope. With the main proportion being women and people aged between 18-24 years old. As a result of increased stress, 32% of adults in the United Kingdom have said to experience suicidal feelings and 16% have resorted to forms of self-harm to try and alleviate these feelings of stress. This is not a healthy coping strategy for stress; or any other mental health issue. So we have compiled some healthy tips and coping strategies to help you relieve your feelings of stress.  

How to cope with stress?

There are a number of coping strategies for stress but here are a selection of techniques to try. It is important to remember that these ideas may not remove all of your stress, but over time you will begin to see the benefits of the following activities and techniques.   Physical Activity Fitness has been scientifically proven to reduce negative emotions. There are a number of ways exercise can alleviate stress, both physically and psychologically. Physical exercise boosts your body's capability to use oxygen, in turn improving blood flow, which can have a significantly positive effect on your overall mood. The repetitive action of exercise can also be a positive distraction as you are more focused on your body, rather than your mind. This singular focus can cultivate energy which in turn can improve optimism. Increased physical activity can also improve your heart health, which again can help with your overall stress levels.   Build A Strong Support Network Although this can be difficult given the current stay at home orders, connecting with people can be really beneficial for stress levels. Spending time with people we love can be a great distraction and there is a great truth in the phrase 'a problem shared is a problem halved'. Sharing how you are feeling with people you trust can lower stress levels immediately, even if they don't have a solution to the issues you are experiencing. It is important to not rely on social media to build these relationships though, as it is really easy to become overly reliant on texting. But video-chat apps can be really good to connect with people as it is a normal conversation and can be done during the current lockdown orders.   Start A New Hobby It can be very easy whilst we are stuck at home to just binge-watch television or turn to bad habits like substance or behavioural addictions. Learning a new skill or hobby can reduce stress by increasing self-confidence and self-esteem. Hobbies can also create a sense of purpose and help to connect with others that share the same passion. But it is important to remember not to take a new hobby or skill too seriously and expect to be perfect at it straight away. You also shouldn't feel the need to take an organised class or exam. Enjoy learning something new and as soon as you stop enjoying it, find something else.   Practise Mindfulness  Mindfulness and self-care can be very beneficial to reducing stress, as scientists have learnt that mindfulness practices influence the stress pathways in our brains, helping to regulate the parts of the brain that deal with attention and emotions. Mindfulness, similarly to physical activity, draws your attention away from your negative thoughts and on to one main focus, again leading to a reduction in stress levels.  

Professional Help For Stress

If you have tried the above methods for reducing stress and you are still struggling with high-stress levels, reach out for professional support. We have a number of clinics listed on this site that can assist with mental health issues, including chronic stress. Especially if you are turning to unhealthy coping mechanisms such as drugs or alcohol, it is important you participate in either inpatient rehabilitation or outpatient support if drug or alcohol use is becoming uncontrollable. Remember you are not alone and there are dedicated facilities and highly trained staff that can assist you in any way you need.   Source https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/news/stressed-nation-74-uk-overwhelmed-or-unable-cope-some-point-past-year https://www.healthline.com/health/heart-disease/exercise-stress-relief https://journals.lww.com/psychosomaticmedicine/Abstract/2019/04000/Mindfulness_Training_and_Physical_Health_.2.aspx

Although Stress Awareness Month is well established and has been held every April since 1992, now more than ever stress levels are higher than ever in the United Kingdom, given the current climate regarding Covid-19 and subsequent lockdowns.

Stress Statistics

According to the Mental Health Foundation, 74% of adult in the United Kingdom have experienced stress level so high they feel overwhelmed and unable to cope. With the main proportion being women and people aged between 18-24 years old.

As a result of increased stress, 32% of adults in the United Kingdom have said to experience suicidal feelings and 16% have resorted to forms of self-harm to try and alleviate these feelings of stress.

This is not a healthy coping strategy for stress; or any other mental health issue. So we have compiled some healthy tips and coping strategies to help you relieve your feelings of stress.

How to cope with stress?

There are a number of coping strategies for stress but here are a selection of techniques to try. It is important to remember that these ideas may not remove all of your stress, but over time you will begin to see the benefits of the following activities and techniques.

Physical Activity

Fitness has been scientifically proven to reduce negative emotions. There are a number of ways exercise can alleviate stress, both physically and psychologically.

Physical exercise boosts your body’s capability to use oxygen, in turn improving blood flow, which can have a significantly positive effect on your overall mood.

The repetitive action of exercise can also be a positive distraction as you are more focused on your body, rather than your mind. This singular focus can cultivate energy which in turn can improve optimism. Increased physical activity can also improve your heart health, which again can help with your overall stress levels.

 

Build A Strong Support Network

Although this can be difficult given the current stay at home orders, connecting with people can be really beneficial for stress levels. Spending time with people we love can be a great distraction and there is a great truth in the phrase ‘a problem shared is a problem halved’. Sharing how you are feeling with people you trust can lower stress levels immediately, even if they don’t have a solution to the issues you are experiencing.

It is important to not rely on social media to build these relationships though, as it is really easy to become overly reliant on texting. But video-chat apps can be really good to connect with people as it is a normal conversation and can be done during the current lockdown orders.

 

Start A New Hobby

It can be very easy whilst we are stuck at home to just binge-watch television or turn to bad habits like substance or behavioural addictions.

Learning a new skill or hobby can reduce stress by increasing self-confidence and self-esteem. Hobbies can also create a sense of purpose and help to connect with others that share the same passion.

But it is important to remember not to take a new hobby or skill too seriously and expect to be perfect at it straight away. You also shouldn’t feel the need to take an organised class or exam. Enjoy learning something new and as soon as you stop enjoying it, find something else.

 

Practise Mindfulness 

Mindfulness and self-care can be very beneficial to reducing stress, as scientists have learnt that mindfulness practices influence the stress pathways in our brains, helping to regulate the parts of the brain that deal with attention and emotions.

Mindfulness, similarly to physical activity, draws your attention away from your negative thoughts and on to one main focus, again leading to a reduction in stress levels.

Professional Help For Stress

If you have tried the above methods for reducing stress and you are still struggling with high-stress levels, reach out for professional support. We have a number of clinics listed on this site that can assist with mental health issues, including chronic stress. Especially if you are turning to unhealthy coping mechanisms such as drugs or alcohol, it is important you participate in either inpatient rehabilitation or outpatient support if drug or alcohol use is becoming uncontrollable.

Remember you are not alone and there are dedicated facilities and highly trained staff that can assist you in any way you need.

Sources:

https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/news/stressed-nation-74-uk-overwhelmed-or-unable-cope-some-point-past-year

https://www.healthline.com/health/heart-disease/exercise-stress-relief

https://journals.lww.com/psychosomaticmedicine/Abstract/2019/04000/Mindfulness_Training_and_Physical_Health_.2.aspx