When we feel stress our mind is telling us we cannot handle things. Some stress can actually be beneficial. Stress can occur during times in which we are taking on something new and unfamiliar. It fuels us to move forward. When we conquer that new experience the stress subsides because we no longer need to have that adrenaline boost.

But, too much stress, on the other hand, can affect your health, leaving you feeling tired and defeated. Avoiding substance use during times of high stress can be the difference between life and death.

This negative frame of mind can lead to substance use as a way to escape the body and minds state of negative arousal. Using mind-altering substances such as cocaine, opioids, alcohol and marijuana can provide an escape many people seek.

According to AmericanAddictionCenters.org, about 5.1 million young adults age 18 to 25 battled a substance use disorder in 2017 and approximately 13.6 million adults age 26 or older struggled with a substance use disorder in 2017.

Once the effects of using the substance is gone, the stress rears its ugly head again until you can find effective ways of coping. Therefore, it is essential that you learn to cope with stress without drugs or alcohol.

Seeking alternative behaviors is well worthwhile. It can be the difference between a life trapped in the pattern of substance abuse and a life in which you take control.

When stress occurs, sometimes our mind is tricking us into believing we cannot handle things right now.

Some stress can actually be beneficial. Stress can occur during times in which we are taking on something new and unfamiliar. It fuels us to move forward. When we conquer that new experience, the stress subsides because we no longer need to have that adrenaline boost.

But, too much stress, on the other hand, can affect your health, leaving you feeling tired and defeated. This negative frame of mind can lead to substance use as a way to escape the body and mind state of negative arousal. Using mind-altering substances such as cocaine, opioids, alcohol and marijuana can provide an escape many people seek.

According to AmericanAddictionCenters.org, about 5.1 million young adults aged 18 to 25 battled a substance use disorder in 2017. In addition, approximately 13.6 million adults age 26 or older struggled with a substance use disorder in 2017.

Stress often reappears once the effects of the substance are gone because you do not have the skills to cope with stress in a healthy way. Therefore, it is essential that you learn to cope with stress without drugs or alcohol.

Here are some tips on how to avoid substance use during times of high stress.

How To Avoid Substance Use

1. Commit to a consistent sleep schedule

Making sure that you are well-rested is essential for an individual’s day-to-day positive attitude and perspective. It can be the difference between a day viewed as wasted and a day viewed as highly productive. Be sure to read this article on finding your sleep routine.

2. Reach Out To People You Trust

Talking to people when times are tough and having friends and family members who can provide assistance or relief are very valuable strategies.

3. Identify The Source Of Your Stress

Sometimes you feel stressed and focus on those symptoms without considering the root cause. If you take a moment to pause and really think about what the stressor is, this is the starting point to facing your stress. This is not to push it away only for it to come back. Even more so, if you work towards a solution, rather than succumbing to the stress, you will feel in control.

4. Do What You Enjoy

Make it a priority to walk your dog, go to the gym, read a book. Make self-care a priority, even if it means you have to say no to doing things for other people. Putting others first before yourself only increases the likelihood that your stress will stick around because you aren’t attending to your needs.

5. Establish A Routine

Know what to expect for your day. Engage in activities such as meting with friends, exercising, having a stable job, and making set time to relax.

6. Relax and try to enjoy yourself more

Though substance use is no laughing matter. Finding humor in things can be a healing experience. Smile and laugh stress off as often as you can to minimize its paralyzing effects. Surround yourself with those that make it easy to laugh and have a good time.

7. Choose Yourself

Feel yourself trying to pull away from toxic people involved in substance abuse, but you fear loneliness or you do not want to disappoint them? Life is too short and too beautiful to hang around for those that do not serve you better. Run! Maybe in time you can be in each others lives again when you get help and maybe not. Focus on yourself and what makes you happy.

The Takeaway

Stress can contribute to substance use or abuse, creating a vicious and dangerous cycle that could lead to death. The CDC reported that in 2016, thirty-five Americans between the ages of twenty-six and thirty-four died from drug overdoses for every one-hundred-thousand individuals in this age group.

At this time, the United States is struggling with its worst drug abuse problem that it has ever faced in recorded history. In 2017 President Trump  labeled the addiction issue a “National Public Health Emergency.” Don’t include yourself in these statistics. You can manage stress and put substance abuse behind you.

If your resources for coping are not enough, or if someone you love struggles with substance use or abuse, please get help immediately. The cycle of addiction does not have to be dealt with alone or with people who mean well but cannot help you. Call 888-553-8965 to reach American Addiction Centers.

If you have health insurance, every health insurance provider has resources for substance abuse. Call your insurance provider to learn about the wealth of resources available to you in your area or even online.

Also see how millennials can relieve stress naturally.