Stress and Addiction | Links, Symptoms & Treatment

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.

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.

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.

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.

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:

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.