An increase in stress is a normal reaction to life’s events and changes. It can stem from a variety of factors, such as school pressures, familial problems, or social issues. When people are feeling stressed, they usually try to escape the way they feel. But for others, drugs become a method of coping.
When we are stressed, hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol flood our bloodstream. These hormones can leave a person feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or even depressed. To help them feel better again, some people use drugs, which they assume will dull the pain. A student experiencing academic apprehension may consume drugs as a way to forget about their anxieties or perhaps just to relax. The advent of social media has compounded this pressure in recent years, with younger people often feeling pressured to project a perfect image. When life does not live up to this image, the stress can be overwhelming, causing some people to abuse drugs.
Drug abuse is the use of any illicit substance or the misuse of a prescription medication. People use it to escape problems, feel better, or take away emotional pain. Regrettably, drug use can create a downward spiral, making the individual become increasingly dependent on the drugs and have an even harder life with more problems.
One central link between stress and drug use is how drugs can alter the brain. When under a lot of stress, our brains release chemicals such as dopamine and serotonin that can make us feel better to able to cope with the situation. But when we take drugs, these chemicals are unleashed in overwhelmingly greater amounts, which can evoke a sense of euphoria or “high. The person can get hugely addicted to this, then they start “using” drugs to feel good, versus actually addressing what’s causing them stress.
Yet this relief is usually short-lived, as the issues resurface, and in some cases become even worse the second time around. Long-term drug use eventually leads to addiction, a state of dependence upon the drug. Consider the opioid epidemic, which has taught us how good intentions to provide relief can lead people into a vicious cycle between managing pain and overcoming addiction — perhaps originating from stress or pain in the first place.
Another way that stress and drug use are interconnected is through the impact drugs can have on our physical and mental health. Our immune system may become weaker, and we are more prone to illness due to chronic stress, as well as drug abuse can also be very destructive for our overall physical health, including damage to the liver or kidneys. In addition, drug abuse can cause mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety, and in some cases, lead to psychosis.
In addition, drug abuse can result in stress-related issues at home, work, or with family and friends. Addiction can strain families. Moreover, problems with the law and finances may be associated with drug use, which can simply add to the level of stress. This creates a vicious cycle where stress leads to drug use, which in turn leads to more stress.
The role of stress in drug use is multidimensional and complex. By grasping the mechanisms that connect stress and drug reward, we can direct our focus to develop better therapies for preventing or alleviating such disorders. This is an important problem and we need to continue to focus on this, not only through research, but also through effective management to improve the health of all in our community.
If you are feeling overwhelmed by stress and need help and support, don’t hesitate to seek professional assistance from Arbor Wellness. Addressing the issue promptly can prevent it from worsening.
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