Stress and addiction often occur simultaneously in both adults and adolescents. These conditions are commonplace because they tend to be cyclic. In other words, they both tend to feed off one another. When someone feels overwhelming stress, they will sometimes turn to addictive substances and begin abusing them. On the other hand, when someone had a substance use disorder, they may be more prone to feeling stressed. Another problem between stress and addiction is when someone is trying to quit using a substance, they can become stressed out. For information about our adolescent addiction and mental health treatment program in North Carolina, contact Foothills at Red Oak today at 866.300.5275.
Stress And Addiction
Stress is a common occurrence in the United States, with most people experiencing it regularly or at least occasionally. When someone feels constant stress, they try to relieve it through various methods. If they don’t get the proper help to alleviate their stress or remove themselves from stress, then they may self-medicate using drugs or alcohol. In addition, this can lead to another problem, namely substance use disorder.
Dealing with stress in a healthy manner is essential so you can avoid stress and addiction problems.
According to the American Psychological Association, stress can cause many symptoms. Some of these may include the following:
- Increased heart rate
- Headaches
- High blood sugar
- Stomach aches
- Indigestion
- High blood pressure
- Weakened immune system
- Trouble sleeping
- Rapid breathing and heartbeat
These symptoms make it difficult to concentrate. These symptoms can also lead to depression. Furthermore, some of these symptoms can make some people feel tempted to do drugs. For example, if you experience insomnia or have chronic headaches, then you may be tempted to do drugs to relieve the pain. Instead, if you get help for the root cause of the stress, then you won’t have the problem.
Healthy Stress Management
Healthy stress management is vital for your peace of mind and to aid in staying off drugs. Some steps you can take include:
Connect With Positivity
Surrounding yourself with positive people is crucial to your well-being. These people can uplift you and support you during stressful times. Also, if you are struggling with addiction, you can find help through their kindness.
Attend A Treatment Center
According the American government, nearly one in six adolescents use substances each year. At a drug addiction treatment center, you can find the encouragement you need to get on top of any substance abuse you’re facing. Also, many treatment facilities have dual diagnosis treatment, which will help you with both stress and addiction.
Participate in Therapy
During your time at a treatment center, you will be able to participate in therapy programs designed to help you through this difficult time. These programs are designed to target the mental health issues you are dealing with so that you won’t turn to drugs in times of crisis. You will also learn strategies to combat temptations and cravings, so you will be successful in your journey to a healthy life. Some of these therapies are:
- Family therapy
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Dialectical behavioral therapy
- Trauma treatment program
- Art therapy
Find Hope at Foothills at Red Oak
At Foothills at Red Oak, our professional therapists will help you or a loved one overcome the issues of stress and addiction. We are standing by ready to provide a compassionate hand of care. No problem is too big to overcome if you have someone there to serve as a guide. Our therapists are dedicated to seeing you through this crisis and beyond. We only use evidence-based treatments, so you are sure of a favorable outcome.
Don’t let stress and addiction interfere with your peace of mind. You can overcome the addiction in your life by reaching out to a qualified treatment center for assistance. Contact us at 866.300.5275, and we’ll walk beside you through it all.
