Grief can be an overwhelming feeling that can last anywhere from days to several years. It’s a response to the death of a loved one, end of a relationship, or any other situation in your life that you cherish. Because grief is such an intense emotion, it can trigger frustration, anger, depression, and anxiety. Everyone deals with their grief differently, and in ways that are not always healthy. Unfortunately, some people turn to drugs and alcohol as a means of coping, which can, in turn, lead to other destructive behaviors and consequences.
Replacing a relationship or person with a substance
When someone close to us passes away or we lose an important relationship, it’s possible that we’ll try to replace that person or relationship. It may be too painful to try to learn to live without them, so alcohol and drugs can easily become our replacement. No one plans for it to happen this way, but it can and often does. Feeling the emptiness of knowing that you’ll never speak to, see, or hear from a loved one ever again can be devastating. When the means to escape present themselves, you can easily become addicted to substances that allow you temporary relief. Finding comfort in that relief through toxic substances over and over again can create an unwanted relationship with drugs and alcohol; that is precisely how addiction begins.
The use of drugs and alcohol can spawn more negative feelings
While using drugs and alcohol can rob you of the pain of the current moment, it won’t completely take your pain away. We drink or use drugs to forget, to get out of our minds of the moment, and for a short while it seems to work. However, the payoff isn’t worth the cost. Drug and alcohol use has consequences. Alcohol is a depressant and may make us feel worse after we use it. It can create more negative feelings including anxiety, stress, depression, guilt, shame, and even physical health issues. Psychological and physical addictions can both develop, all from using drugs and alcohol to escape grief.
At Asana Recovery, we understand how difficult recovering from these addictions through our daily work to help those struggling most from this disease. While some may believe they can make it alone, rehabilitation programs are essential in the fight to break the dependency. The road ahead is not a smooth or easy one, but you can traverse it if done so with the support of the right team. Counseling and aftercare processes can assist you by addressing the psychological facets that led you to addiction and help you build a structure from which to better cope with life without succumbing to addiction.The supervised detoxification and residential treatment programs at Asana Recovery are offered in a supportive, relaxing, and inspiring environment. We’re deeply committed to ensuring your long-term recovery and guiding you on your path to a healthier and happier future. There is no better time than now, and we’re always available to speak with you. Call us at (949) 438-4504 to learn more about our comprehensive drug and alcohol addiction treatment program today.
