The holiday season can be very stressful for some people, especially those in recovery. Due to the impact of several different holiday triggers, this time of year can pose a risk for relapse, especially when people in recovery lack support.
For some people, occasional drug and alcohol abuse can escalate into full dependence, and then suddenly, nothing is more important than getting high or drunk. Although addicted individuals often make excuses for why they don’t need treatment, hitting rock bottom is often the end of the line and forces them to take action.
It’s not uncommon for people to use drugs to deal with stress, fear, or other complex emotions. But over time, this behavior can grow into addiction and cause serious physical and mental health problems.
Addiction, depression, and suicide are all very closely related. People who suffer from severe depression and other mental health issues often engage in risky behaviors or turn to drugs and alcohol to numb their negative feelings. However, chronic alcohol or drug abuse also produces toxic side effects, including mental health issues like anxiety and depression. As a person continues to use alcohol or drugs to cope with depression, they’re likely to experience depressive episodes more often, increasing feelings of hopelessness and despair.
Alcoholism is a complex disease that is difficult to understand fully. When you hear the word “alcoholic,” it may conjure a specific image in your brain based on stereotypes commonly associated with alcohol abuse and addiction. However, things aren’t so cut and dry.
As the side effects of the unresolved grief and substance abuse worsen, the issues are compounded, creating significant psychological, spiritual, and physical turmoil. Without treatment and support, it is challenging to work through these complex issues and find hope. If you or a loved one feels stuck in a cycle of grief and substance abuse, there is a way out. Learning more about how substance abuse and grief relate to each other may help you understand why professional treatment is often necessary to heal.