Stress and Addiction | Links, Symptoms and Treatment

We all experience stress, no matter our personality type. Stress is your body’s way of responding to any demand or threat. When you feel threatened, your nervous system releases a flood of stress hormones, including adrenaline and cortisol, which rouse the body for emergency action. This response is your body’s way of protecting you. Stress can help you stay focused, energetic and alert in small doses. However, when stress becomes chronic, it can start to affect many areas of your life.

What are the different types of stress?

When we think about stress, many will instantly envision a tough day at work or being stuck in traffic when you’re late for an important meeting. However, there are many different types of stress, and some can even be positive:

Acute stress

This is the most common type of stress. It’s the body’s immediate response to a new challenge, event or demand, like slamming on your brakes to avoid a car accident or feeling nervous before giving a speech. The symptoms are usually short-lived and include rapid heartbeat, sweaty palms and a heightened state of alertness. While it can be thrilling and even exhilarating in small doses, too much acute stress can be exhausting.

Episodic acute stress

Some people experience acute stress frequently. This is called episodic acute stress. These individuals are often described as “type A” personalities, constantly rushing and habitually taking on too much. They might often feel like they’re juggling many balls at once, leading to persistent tension headaches, migraines and hypertension. It can also strain relationships and lead to frustration and irritability.

Chronic stress

This form of stress grinds away over a long period. It results from ongoing, unrelenting demands and pressures for seemingly interminable periods. Without relief or relaxation, chronic stress can contribute to serious health problems like heart disease, diabetes, depression and anxiety. It might stem from unendurable work conditions, unhappy marriages or troublesome poverty. People might not even recognise chronic stress because it has become a familiar part of life.

Eustress

Not all stress is bad. Eustress is a positive form of stress that can feel exciting and improve performance. It’s the stress you experience when riding a rollercoaster, playing a fun game or about to win a race. This stress leads to focus and energy, often seen in individuals who manage to channel stress for productive purposes.

Understanding when stress is becoming too much to handle

Although stress is a normal and natural part of life, it’s important to know when it may be getting the better of you. Here are six questions to ask yourself.

Do you often feel overwhelmed and unable to cope with daily tasks?
Are you experiencing frequent headaches, muscle tension or other physical discomforts?
Do you find it difficult to concentrate or make decisions?
Have your sleep patterns changed significantly, either sleeping too much or too little?
Are you more irritable, anxious or prone to mood swings than usual?
Have you noticed changes in your appetite or weight without intentional diet changes?

If you’re finding that these questions resonate with you, stress is taking a toll on your well-being more than you might realise. Chronic stress can have a profound effect on both your physical and mental health and it can influence your behaviour in unexpected ways.

It’s also important to understand that stress can sometimes lead to the development of new addictions or make existing ones worse, meaning that taking control of stress is important.

Can stress cause an addiction?

When people face prolonged or intense stress, they may seek ways to ease their discomfort, sometimes turning to substances like alcohol, prescription medications or illicit drugs. Initially, they might be looking for temporary relief or an escape but as the body and mind begin to rely on these substances to cope, the risk of addiction increases significantly.

Imagine someone with a high-pressure job in a demanding corporate environment with tight deadlines and high expectations. Constant stress can lead to burnout, prompting them to unwind with a nightly drink. Over time, that single drink can turn into multiple, becoming a habitual coping mechanism. As the stress persists, the dependency on alcohol grows, potentially leading to addiction.

Personal relationships can also be a significant source of stress. For instance, someone going through a tough breakup or dealing with family conflicts may feel overwhelmed by emotional pain. To numb these feelings, they might turn to prescription painkillers or anti-anxiety medications. These drugs can offer temporary relief, making it easier to cope with daily life, but relying on these substances to manage stress can quickly evolve into an addiction.

Life’s unexpected challenges, such as the sudden loss of a loved one or a major health scare, could also lead to stress-induced addiction. The emotional turmoil and uncertainty of such events can drive individuals to seek comfort in drugs or alcohol.

Can stress worsen symptoms in addiction recovery?

According to research, addiction involves three main phases: preoccupation and craving, binge and intoxication and withdrawal and negative affect. The withdrawal phase, often called the “dark side of addiction,” is characterised by negative emotional states and stress, leading back to craving and continuing the cycle.

Stress significantly influences all stages of addiction, especially during withdrawal. It can become a major obstacle when someone is trying to overcome addiction. Stress can have the following effects on recovery:

Increased cravings: Stress often intensifies cravings for drugs as the brain seeks relief from emotional and physical discomfort, potentially leading to relapse.
Emotional instability: The withdrawal phase already brings negative emotional states. Stress exacerbates these feelings, making it harder to cope without the drug.
Physical symptoms: Stress can manifest physically through headaches, muscle tension and fatigue, adding another layer of difficulty to the detox process.
Cognitive impairment: High-stress levels impair cognitive functions like decision-making, focus and memory, making it challenging to adhere to recovery plans and resist urges.
Sleep disturbances: Stress often disrupts sleep patterns, leading to insomnia or poor-quality sleep, which are crucial for recovery and overall well-being.
Impaired immune system: Chronic stress weakens the immune system, making the body more susceptible to illness and slowing down the recovery process.

Understanding these impacts highlights the importance of stress management strategies in addiction recovery programmes to help individuals achieve and maintain sobriety.

How are stress and addiction treated at Linwood House?

At Linwood House, we’re dedicated to helping people overcome drug addiction. While we don’t specifically focus on stress rehabilitation, our therapeutic services are designed to tackle both issues together. Here’s what we offer in our programme:

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT): DBT is a key part of our programme. It helps with both addiction and stress by teaching mindfulness, emotional regulation and interpersonal skills.
Group and individual therapy: Our programme includes group sessions to create a sense of community and reduce feelings of isolation, alongside individual sessions that offer personalised support, addressing the underlying causes of addiction and stress.
Holistic therapies: We offer yoga, meditation and art therapy to promote overall well-being. These activities support both addiction recovery and stress relief.
Aftercare services: Our aftercare programme ensures long-term recovery by helping you transition back into daily life, reducing the risk of relapse and managing stress effectively.

What are the next steps?

If you’re struggling with stress and addiction, know that Linwood House understands and cares. Our comprehensive rehab services are designed to tackle both issues, offering personalised support and compassionate care. By reaching out today, take the first step towards a healthier, happier future. We’re here to help you on your journey to recovery.

Frequently asked questions

How can I tell if my stress is chronic?

Chronic stress often manifests as persistent feelings of anxiety, irritability, or overwhelm. Physical symptoms may include fatigue, headaches, digestive issues, and sleep disturbances. If you find that your stress lasts for several weeks or months and significantly impacts your daily life, it may be chronic.

How can I ease a stress related headache?

Try relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga to ease a stress-related headache. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can also help. Staying hydrated, applying a cold or warm compress to your forehead, and ensuring you get enough rest can further alleviate the headache.

Can excessive stress lead to anxiety?

Yes, excessive stress can lead to anxiety. When stress becomes overwhelming, it can trigger feelings of anxiety and panic, impacting your mental and emotional well-being. Prolonged stress may also contribute to the development of anxiety disorders.

(Click here to see works cited)

Torres-Berrio A, Cuesta S, Lopez-Guzman S, Nava-Mesa MO. Interaction Between Stress and Addiction: Contributions From Latin-American Neuroscience. Front Psychol. 2018 Dec 21;9:2639. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2018.02639. PMID: 30622500; PMCID: PMC6308142.