Last Updated:
December 2nd, 2024
Grief and Addiction | Links, Symptoms & Treatment
Grief is a natural reaction to loss, bringing up a mix of emotions like sadness, anger and confusion. It’s a personal journey where feelings can come in waves, sometimes feeling overwhelming. Grief affects every part of us—our thoughts, emotions, physical health and social interactions. It’s about adapting to a big change, and it’s completely okay to feel what you feel and take the time you need to heal.
Why do we experience grief?
Grief is a natural response to loss, deeply rooted in our biology and psychology. When we lose someone or something important to us, our brains and bodies react in ways that can be quite intense and overwhelming.
At its core, grief is about the attachment we have to what we’ve lost. Our brains form strong connections with people, places and things that bring us joy and comfort. When these connections are broken, our brains struggle to adjust to the new reality, leading to feelings of sadness, confusion and even physical pain.
For example, think about a time when you lost something precious, like a cherished pet or a close friend moved away. The sadness you felt wasn’t just in your mind, it was a whole-body experience. This is because grief activates the same areas of the brain that process physical pain. It’s why heartbreak can feel like a real, physical ache in your chest.
Our bodies also react to grief by releasing stress hormones like cortisol. This can lead to symptoms like fatigue, trouble sleeping and changes in appetite. It’s our body’s way of telling us that something significant has happened, and we need time to heal.
Grief also serves a purpose in helping us process and come to terms with our loss. It gives us the space to reflect on what we’ve lost and find ways to move forward. Over time, the intense feelings usually lessen, and we find new ways to carry the memory of what we’ve lost while continuing with our lives.
Are there different types of grief?
When thinking about grief, most people assume it’s a period of mourning after a loss or other event. However, there are different types of grief, each with its own set of symptoms. Understanding these different types is imperative, as it can help you spot the signs if a loved one’s grief is becoming problematic or if you notice signs in yourself.
- Anticipatory grief: This type of grief occurs before an impending loss, often seen when a loved one is terminally ill. It involves mourning the loss even before it happens and can include feelings of sorrow, anxiety and emotional preparation.
- Normal grief: This is the common response to loss, encompassing a wide range of emotions such as sadness, anger and confusion. It typically follows a pattern of progression through stages of grief, such as denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance.
- Complicated grief: Also known as prolonged grief disorder, this type occurs when the intensity and duration of grief are unusually long and interfere with daily functioning. People with complicated grief may feel stuck in their sorrow and have difficulty moving forward.
- Disenfranchised grief: This type of grief occurs when the loss is not socially acknowledged or supported, such as the death of an ex-partner, a pet or a miscarriage. The griever may feel isolated and unsupported.
- Chronic grief: This is similar to complicated grief, where the grieving process is prolonged and intense. It can last for years and significantly impact the person’s ability to live a normal life.
- Delayed grief: In this type, the emotional response to loss is postponed, sometimes surfacing long after the event. The delay can be due to initial shock, a focus on supporting others or the immediate need to manage practical aspects of the loss.
The link between grief and addiction
Grief and addiction often intertwine in a complicated dance that can deeply affect an individual’s life. Grief, with its overwhelming sorrow and sense of loss, can sometimes push people towards addictive behaviours as a coping mechanism. On the other hand, those already battling addiction may find that grief intensifies their struggle, making recovery feel even more challenging. Understanding this complex interplay is crucial for offering the right support and compassion.
Grief leading to addiction
When someone experiences a significant loss, whether it’s the death of a loved one, the end of a relationship or another life-altering event, the pain can be immense. In these vulnerable moments, some may turn to substances or behaviours that provide temporary relief from their emotional turmoil. This can be the start of a dangerous path toward addiction. The numbing effect of drugs or alcohol might seem like an escape, but it often leads to a cycle of dependency that compounds the original pain with new layers of suffering.
Addiction worsened by grief
For those already struggling with addiction, experiencing grief can be a tipping point. The emotional weight of loss can exacerbate feelings of hopelessness and despair, driving individuals deeper into their addictive behaviours. Research suggests that in these scenarios, those with pre-existing addictions are at risk of developing complicated grief, which can be extremely problematic and possibly hinder recovery chances.
Not only does complicated grief add another layer of pain, but those with an existing addiction are more likely to face negative outcomes while dealing with grief. For example, research indicates that the experience of grief and the loss of social support networks can destabilise people with Opioid Use Disorder (OUD), leading to severe consequences such as overdose, suicide and other harmful outcomes.
How are grief and addiction treated?
Recovering from addiction is a tough journey, but having a variety of tools and strategies can make all the difference. Addressing both grief and addiction at the same time can significantly improve overall recovery success.
At Linwood House, while we don’t offer specific rehab programmes for grief, many of our addiction treatment approaches can also help you work through your grief.
Our individual and group counselling sessions are designed to delve into the root causes of addiction, giving you a safe space to express and process your emotions, including grief. We utilise Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) to equip you with essential emotional regulation skills, which are vital for managing both addiction and grief.
We also integrate holistic therapies like yoga and meditation into our treatment plans. These practices promote overall well-being, enhance self-awareness, reduce stress and build emotional resilience, creating a supportive environment for addressing grief alongside addiction.
Aftercare is a key part of our programme, providing ongoing support after treatment. Group therapy sessions offer a chance to share experiences and reinforce coping strategies, helping you navigate grief while maintaining your recovery.
The combination of these therapeutic approaches not only addresses addiction but also lays a solid foundation for you to confront and cope with grief effectively.
What’s next?
Dealing with grief and addiction can feel overwhelming but you don’t have to face it alone. At Linwood House, we understand the unique challenges you’re experiencing and our compassionate team is here to support you every step of the way.
Reach out to us today and take the first step towards a brighter, healthier future. Contact Linwood House now, and let us be your partner in healing.
Frequently asked questions
(Click here to see works cited)
- “Emotional and Physical Pain Activate Similar Brain Regions.” Psychology Today, Sussex Publishers, www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/body-sense/201204/emotional-and-physical-pain-activate-similar-brain-regions#. Accessed 26 June 2024.
- Parisi A, Sharma A, Howard MO, Blank Wilson A. The relationship between substance misuse and complicated grief: A systematic review. J Subst Abuse Treat. 2019 Aug;103:43-57. doi: 10.1016/j.jsat.2019.05.012. Epub 2019 May 23. PMID: 31229191.
- Morford KL, Batchelor HM, Tetrault JM. Grief at the Heart of the Opioid Overdose Crisis: Past Lessons and Present Implications. J Addict Med. 2022 Nov-Dec 01;16(6):613-615. doi: 10.1097/ADM.0000000000000976. PMID: 35165230.