Stress as an Excuse for Using Drugs

Drug use always makes life more difficult and not less. Anyone who argues that they need certain drugs or alcohol to cope with stress is blinded by the effects of drugs on the brain and body.

How Psychological Addiction Affects Stress Levels

Many addictive drugs provide immediate short-term relief of stress and anxiety. Prescription medications, narcotics, alcohol and benzodiazepines all affect the reward center of the brain. By binding to certain chemical receptors in the brain these chemicals block the transmission of physical and emotional pain signals in the nervous system. This is the same part of the brain that manages a variety of psychological processes including the following:

• Stress management and coping
• Emotional response
• Reinforcing certain behaviors (forming habits)
• Impulse control
• Memory

A person experiencing a high level of stress or anxiety will feel immediate relief, when he or she is on drugs. This relief is fleeting and comes at a high cost. The cause of the stress is not being dealt with, as it is simply being avoided. Without confronting the underlying reasons for anxiety or stress these feelings will continue to come back as the effect of the drugs wears off. In most cases the stress levels increase due to the other side effects of drug use which may include the following:

• Financial distress
• Loss of meaningful relationships
• Problems and work
• Inability to perform at school
• Declining physical health
• Loss of interest in previously meaningful hobbies and activities
• Legal problems
• Damaged self-respect and shame

More drugs will offset these feelings for a time, but they only get worse until the underlying cause is confronted. As tolerance to drugs builds, the user will feel diminished effects. He or she will need the drugs in order to function but will not get any psychological relief from stress. Drug abuse will always cause more stress than it is able to relieve.

Real Relief from Stress without Drugs

The only way to find lasting relief from stress is to get free of addiction and then address the underlying causes. The first step of getting clean won’t be easy, but with the right help it is possible. The most effective and successful modern recovery programs treat the whole person and all aspects of their disease through a customized plan crafted that is likely to include several of the following therapies:

• Extensive personal counseling
• Diagnosis and treatment of any co-occurring or underlying disorders
• Fully integrated treatment of physical and emotional aspects of addiction
• Support group meetings
• Yoga, meditation, prayer and other relaxation and coping techniques
• Education to empower recovery and awareness of the disease
• Fun, healthful activities
• Preparation for reentry to a sober life
• Learning new ways to avoid or to more effectively cope with stress

Find the Help You Need Today

If stress has you experimenting with drugs, or if your experimentation has already led to dependency we can help. Call our toll-free helpline any time of day or night. We can help answer any questions you have about stress, drugs, addiction and recovery. Call today.