The Overlap of Stress & Addiction
For most of us, stress is built into life whether it springs from a traffic jam on the commute home, an urgent email from your boss, or even something as seemingly simple as scheduling a doctor’s appointment.
At the same time, stress is known to negatively affect our health in many ways. It also puts a hefty toll on mental wellness and is a major trigger for problem gambling, drinking, and other addictions. Stressful, right?
When it comes to understanding why stress leads to these tendencies, it’s important to realize people aren’t seeking another problem in life. They’re seeking escape in lieu of other coping mechanisms. Tapped too often, that method of escape can turn into a trap that sprouts new stressors, which drive the individual back to drinking or gambling for relief, and the cycle continues.
If you, your patient, or a loved one is struggling with addiction, here are some tips to minimize stress for more successful recovery.
Seek a different method of coping with stress. Choosing an alternative goal or activity can be a healthier form of escape and a distraction from the pull of addiction. (For example, some find the routine of a fitness regimen to be beneficial for structuring their time, staving off boredom, and releasing anxious energy.)
Find manageable ways to reduce stress. Maybe that’s changing the route to work or finding a podcast that makes the commute more enjoyable. Maybe that’s taking a social media or news detox. Maybe it’s taking an earlier bedtime to read before falling asleep.
Get connected with an accountability partner or support group. It’s always easier to tackle big things with the help of others. Not only does it increase the likelihood of recovery, but it reduces the pressure of hiding the problem. It’s freeing to know and feel that you’re not alone.
Consider your own triggers. Besides the examples here, there could be any number of specific things that trigger you. It could be a specific person or group of people, or it could be an area of town that brings up these feelings.
Start a journal and get your thoughts on paper. Sometimes connecting with our own feelings is an obstacle, especially if we’ve suppressed and numbed them for a long time. Journaling can be a window into yourself, revealing what really matters to us and clarifying what steps we need to take to change trajectory and thrive.
If you’re struggling with problem gambling and need immediate help, call 1-800-GAMBLER. For support with mental health or other substance abuse disorders, call the national SAMHSA helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
Sources:
https://www.algamus.org/blog/how-stress-fuels-gambling-addiction
