Substance abuse can sometimes be an attempt to self-medicate an issue such as anxiety or depression. Often, they occur so closely together it is hard to distinguish which came first. Like the chicken or the egg, did the substance abuse cause anxiety or depression or did the depression and anxiety lead to substance abuse?
The impacts of trauma during childhood often linger on into adulthood and can lead to the development of psychological problems and/or addictions. Indeed, research has established such a firm link between childhood trauma and substance abuse that some treatment facilities now offer concurrent treatment of addiction and any underlying trauma.
Regardless of their age, social status, race or education level, females are statistically more prone to experiencing traumatic events precisely because of their gender. To cope, females may tend to develop substance dependence.
As the Covid-19 pandemic swept the entire world and invaded towns, cities and rural regions of the United States, alcohol sales and consumption also skyrocketed throughout the nation. With stay-at-home orders, job loss, and social distancing, stress is common. Alcohol has long been a socially acceptable way to relax and wind down, and now more than ever people are searching for stress relief.
The rate of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) may be up to 15 times higher in the military population than it is in the general population, which likely explains in part the prevalence of substance use disorder in the military. Consequently, when people see or hear the term PTSD, they likely think of veterans.
Numerous studies over the past 30 years have established that there is a definite link between trauma and alcoholism and/or drug addiction. In fact, many substance abuse treatment facilities treat trauma and addiction as co-occurring disorders.
Around the world, governments are ordering people to stay home and to practice social distancing if a trip outside is necessary. The unprecedented spread of COVID-19 has us all rightfully cautious. From malls to medical centers, virtually any place where people gather has temporarily closed their doors as we weather this storm. However, many people depend heavily on urgent medical services and cannot afford to miss critical appointments. Luckily, most centers have existing telehealth protocols in place so they can continue essential treatment from a distance.
Has your use of substances gotten out of control? Are you struggling with addiction? Do you feel like a slave to your addiction? Do you know that it is time to get your life on track? Are you going to start looking at treatment options after the Covid-19 pandemic is over? Don’t wait. Now could be a perfect time to start treatment and reclaim your physical and mental health.
It is no mystery that many people turn to substances and alcohol as coping mechanisms. Symptoms of stress and anxiety are often treated by “self-medication” instead of counseling or therapy. Past or present traumatic experiences are well-known to create long-term stress, anxiety, and other related wellness disorders.
Remember what you know. Now is the most important time ever to not allow negative or fearful thinking to pull you back toward the rabbit-hole of addiction. Thoughts are not a reality unless you allow them the power to become a reality. Thoughts, in and of themselves, are harmless. It’s the action that can create harm and consequences.