Guide to Preventing Stress Related Substance Abuse

Guide to Preventing Stress Related Substance Abuse

Many people resort to alcohol or drugs as a way to cope with stress. The martini after a hard day at work can lead to a dependence on that drink, and more drinks to follow. Taking a pill to solve the problem of stress-related insomnia can lead to dependence on that pill, and more pills to follow. A person may think turning to alcohol or drugs is a solution to stress. But that solution can thenb become the new problem—and a much greater one at that.


National Stress Awareness Month

April is designated as National Stress Awareness Month by the Federal Occupation Health (FOH) agency, a part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The FOH focuses on employee safety, health and productivity. Throughout its years of operation, the FOH agency has implemented a number of programs focusing on health and fitness, reduction of workplace injury and illness, and decreasing employee absenteeism.

The FOH sponsors National Stress Awareness month as a time to focus on minimizing stress for a more balanced and healthier life. The 2015 National Stress Awareness Month campaign is “Take Time to Unwind”, and highlights the need for individuals to implement stress-reduction activities; set aside personal time for self; and focus on relaxation as a source of stress relief.

Sources of stress in the society and culture of today are many. Most people experience some level of financial and work-related stress. Relationships and family are a common source of stress. Physical illness itself is a stress, and many must continue to work and take care of family despite not feeling well.

Each phase of life has its own stresses. Young parents often experience stress from trying to raise a family while both Mom and Dad work a fulltime job. Middle age presents the stresses of aging, an “empty nest”, and the realization that one’s dreams may not all come to fruition. Older age imposes the stress of a declining physical condition, the loss of loved ones, and increased isolation and loneliness.

Each person is an individual, and reacts to stress in his or her own way. But it has become all too common for a person in any phase of life to turn to drugs or alcohol as a solution to dealing with stress.


A Guide to Preventing Stress-Related Substance Abuse

Stress can trigger drug or alcohol use which escalates into substance abuse and dependency. Managing stress without drug or alcohol use or abuse is the far better long-term choice.

Oklahoma-based Narconon Arrowhead is a long-term drug rehabilitation center that specializes in a drug-free approach to treatment. The center has a long history of drug prevention education, helping to prevent drug abuse and addiction before it starts.

In support of National Stress Awareness Month, Narconon Arrowhead provides the following guide to preventing stress-related substance abuse.

Identify Your Sources of Stress

Stress can trigger drug or alcohol use. Identify the situations, issues and individuals which are a source of stress. Make the choice to avoid putting yourself in a position you know will cause you undue stress, and trigger your desire to drink or use drugs.

Focus on Simple Changes

Focus on making simple changes in your lifestyle to minimize the stresses which trigger the desire to turn to alcohol or drugs. If being at a place makes you feel that way, don’t go there. If a person makes you feel that way, cool-off the connection. A change of environment may be an option to consider.

Take Care of Yourself

  • A Healthy Diet

Nutritious food is essential for energy and maintaining health. Stress depletes the body of needed nutrients, and so do drugs and alcohol—causing a person to feel even worse. Eating a healthy and nutritious diet can go far in preventing stress-related substance abuse.

  • Daily Exercise

Exercise is an excellent stress reliever. An increased sense of physical and mental wellbeing is just one benefit. If you feel like you need a chemical substance—go take a walk, go for a run, swim, or ride a bike. Get out and about in the world, and participate. Life is to be lived.

  • Adequate Sleep

Lack of sleep itself acts as a stressor, leaving a person more vulnerable to stresses which can trigger the desire for drugs or alcohol. Many natural non-drug remedies are available to help with stress-related insomnia without turning to alcohol or drugs in an attempt to solve the problem.

Relax and Unwind

Learn to relax and unwind without using drugs or alcohol. A spiritual pursuit of interest gives lasting benefits far transcending the brief chemical-induced relief of drugs or alcohol.

It is your life. Safeguard it with self-awareness. Take effective measure to deal with stress so that it does not lead to substance abuse.

AUTHOR
KH

Karen Hadley

For more than a decade, Karen has been researching and writing about drug trafficking, drug abuse, addiction and recovery. She has also studied and written about policy issues related to drug treatment.

NARCONON ARROWHEAD

DRUG EDUCATION AND REHABILITATION