Is Chronic Stress Driving Your Addiction? How Rehab Centers for Drug Addiction Help You Overcome Stress and Addiction

Chronic stress is stress that lasts for an extended period of time with no relief. Many who suffer from chronic stress frequently turn to drugs and alcohol to escape feelings of despair and hopelessness, and to cope with their emotions. On behalf of the link between chronic stress and depression, many rehab centers for drug addiction treat both disorders at the same time so you can become healthier, happier, and drug-free.

If you or someone you love is abusing substances due to facing chronic stress, understand that drug rehab centers can help. Call our 24/7 confidential helpline at 800-430-1407Who Answers? to speak with a caring drug abuse counselor about your rehab options.

Signs of Chronic Stress

Stress is a normal part of life and happens to everyone. But chronic stress that lasts a long time is not normal, and can indicate problems with handling stress in a healthy, effective manner. Chronic stress may also indicate that you need to make positive lifestyle changes in an effort to reduce and eliminate certain stressors.

Common signs of chronic stress:

Low self-esteem and pessimism are common symptoms of chronic stress.

• Low energy levels
• Fatigue
• Headaches
• Rapid heartbeat
• Grinding teeth
• Inability to relax
• Insomnia
• Feeling overwhelmed or loss of control
• Avoiding others
• Having low self-esteem
• Constant worrying
• Poor focus
• Poor judgment
• Pessimism
• Changes in appetite
• Increased use of drugs or alcohol

Chronic stress can often be avoided by practicing daily healthy lifestyle habits that naturally reduce stress — such as yoga, deep breathing, and exercise. Nutrition also plays a role in stress management, since certain foods can naturally boost your mood and lower blood pressure. Many times, chronic stress is worsened when you avoid the problem completely, or turn to drugs and alcohol to mask the negative emotions associated with stress.

Job pressure, money, and health are among the top causes of chronic stress. For instance, you may be working too many hours, or face high medical expenses due to personal or family illness. Other factors that may drive chronic stress are relationships, poor nutrition, and sleep deprivation.

Signs of Addiction

Addiction can take over your life, and cause major problems at work, school, and with your relationships. Addiction can even worsen chronic stress due to the way certain drugs and substances alter brain chemistry, and increase the risk for other mental health conditions.

Common signs of addiction:

• Neglecting important life responsibilities
• Secretive behavior
• Missing school or work
• Financial problems
• Legal problems
• Insomnia
• Dilated or constricted pupils
• Change in appetite
• Irritability
• Agitation
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Cravings for drugs or alcohol

If you’ve been using drugs or alcohol regularly and are also experiencing one or more of the above symptoms, you may need help in the form of addiction treatment. Addiction treatment can help you overcome physical and psychological addiction, and teach you new healthy ways to manage and overcome chronic stress.

Is Holiday Drinking Related to Stress or Celebration–or BOTH?

Treatments for Chronic Stress and Addiction

The first stage of addiction treatment at drug rehab is detoxification. Detox helps you safely withdraw from drugs so you no longer experience cravings and withdrawal symptoms associated with drug use. Detox is often conducted in a safe, controlled medical environment with 24/7 access to caring medical staff, and may involve the use of medications and other therapies that reduce pain and discomfort caused by withdrawal.

After completing detox, you’ll receive counseling to overcome underlying mental root causes of addiction, such as chronic stress. Behavioral counseling helps you identify behaviors, emotions, and thought patterns that lead to drug use so you can work toward overcoming these triggers. When chronic stress is the top culprit driving your addiction, your counselors at drug rehab will work with you on finding healthier ways to cope with stress.

If you’re suffering from drug addiction and stress, understand you’re not alone, and that help is available and nearby. Call our 24/7 confidential helpline at 800-430-1407Who Answers? to speak with a caring drug abuse counselor about your options for rehab centers for drug addiction.