Self-Medicating to Deal With Stress
- Danny Warner
- Apr 26, 2022
- 6 min read
Updated: Aug 12
If you've been feeling overwhelmed and stressed, you're not alone. The constant pressure of daily life can lead to burnout, and it's common to look for a quick way to cope. We're here to help you understand the dangers of using substances to manage stress and guide you toward healthier, more effective solutions.
What are the signs of a substance use disorder?
Signs of a substance use disorder include using more of a substance than you intended, having strong cravings, continuing to use despite negative consequences, and developing a tolerance or experiencing withdrawal symptoms.
We have a lot more to share on this topic. By understanding the risks of self-medication and exploring healthier coping mechanisms, you can build a more sustainable path to managing stress and maintaining your well-being.
Burnout and Stress
If you have been out of treatment for some time, it is common to feel burned out, or tired of doing the same thing. You might even believe that you can handle having one drink to manage your stress. When thoughts to self-medicate with substances arise, it is time to take action and turn to support.
An Easy “Solution”
Stress is a normal reaction to difficult situations, however, you may not know how to cope with and manage your stress in a healthy way. You might choose to “self-medicate” as a way to calm down through the means of using substances.
While this might temporarily make you feel better, it does not help in the long run. Self-medication can become the start of a very dangerous cycle of substance misuse.
Self-Medicating With Substances Is Dangerous
It is easy to slip into the cycle of addiction, especially when your initial usage feels reasonable. You might not be aware that you have developed a problem because, from your perspective, substance use relieves the stress temporarily. After a while, you begin to rely on the substances as a way to deal with the stress. Due to the nature of the substances, it is harder to function without them than with them.
Recognizing a Problem
If you self-medicate, you might not realize that you have developed an addiction. It is a lot easier to justify use if it is for something that seems innocent enough. Using once or twice to calm down might seem fine, but when it becomes a problem, it is easier to stay in denial.
If you or your loved one has these symptoms, they may have developed a substance use disorder:
The substance is taken in larger amounts or longer than intended
There have been unsuccessful attempts to cut down or quit usage of the substance
A large amount of time is spent trying to acquire, use, and recover from the substance
There is a strong desire to use the substance when you are not using it
Usage of the substance has gotten in the way of work, school, and home responsibilities
You have continued to use the substances, despite negative effects on mental and physical health
You have used the substance during dangerous situations, such as while driving or operating machinery
Using substances has had a negative impact on your social life
You have developed a tolerance for the substance, causing you to need to use the substance in higher amounts to get the desired effect
You experience symptoms of withdrawal when you are not using the substances
How you scored can determine how serious your substance use disorder could be. The presence of two to three symptoms is a sign of a mild substance use disorder. The presence of four to five symptoms is a sign of a moderate substance use disorder. The presence of six or more symptoms is a sign of a severe substance use disorder. In the cases of moderate and severe substance use disorders, medically-assisted detox is recommended and may be medically necessary.
When quitting certain substances, such as alcohol, it is dangerous to quit cold turkey. Abstaining from alcohol without medically surprised detox could result in life-threatening symptoms of withdrawal. Additionally, quitting without the assistance of treatment can be unsuccessful because of post-acute withdrawal syndrome, also known as PAWS.
Self-Medicating to Deal With Stress: The Healthier Alternatives for Stress Management
While it is common to self-medicate, there are many ways to deal with stress that do not have a long-term effect. Here are a few coping strategies that you can try:
#1: Body Check-Ins
Regular body check-ins can allow you to look for signs of stress in your body. Body scans can let you know if you are holding tension in your body, allowing you to slow down and take a breath. Look for tenseness in your neck and shoulders, as well as in your jaw.
#2: Mindfulness Exercises
Meditation, yoga, and tai chi are just a few mindfulness exercises that can help alleviate stress. Tai Chi in the morning can be a fantastic start to your day, letting you carry a sense of peace. Meditation can be an excellent way to take time for yourself and is easy to practice if you only have a few minutes. Yoga can be practiced at the end of the day as a way to wind down during an after-work routine.
Sometimes when things become stressful, you might put aside self-care. Taking time to go the extra mile can be a way to alleviate stress. Taking a bath at the end of the day can give you a moment of much-needed peace.
#4: Lean On Your Support System
Reaching out to others can be a healthy way to alleviate stress. Friends can offer support and advice, or be an open ear if you need to vent out frustrations. If you have a sponsor, they can be someone to call upon if things feel like too much.
#5: Talk to a Therapist
During your weekly or bi-weekly sessions, you can discuss things during the past week that have been stressful. Talking to a professional about your frustrations and stress can be beneficial because they can offer an outside perspective, as well as coping strategies that might fit your specific situation. A therapist can also provide additional advice on ways to limit the stressors in your life and point out toxic situations.
Frequently Asked Questions
• What are some healthy alternatives for stress management?
Healthy alternatives include body check-ins to find tension, mindfulness exercises like meditation or yoga, self-care routines such as taking a bath, leaning on your support system, and talking to a therapist.
• Why is self-medicating with substances dangerous?
Self-medicating with substances is dangerous because it can easily lead to a cycle of addiction. While it might provide temporary relief, it doesn't solve the underlying problem and can become harder to function without the substance over time.
• What is post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS)?
PAWS stands for post-acute withdrawal syndrome. It is a condition that can make it difficult to quit a substance without professional help, and it can occur after the initial withdrawal symptoms have subsided.
• What should I do if I think I have a moderate or severe substance use disorder?
If you have four or more symptoms of a substance use disorder, it is considered moderate to severe, and medically-assisted detox is recommended. This is especially important for substances like alcohol, where quitting "cold turkey" can be dangerous.
• How can a therapist help with stress management?
A therapist can provide an outside perspective and offer coping strategies tailored to your specific situation. They can also help you identify and limit stressors in your life.
If you or a loved one are struggling with burnout, stress, or the dangerous cycle of self-medication, we want you to know that we are here to help. At Chateau Health and Wellness Treatment Center, we understand the challenges you're facing and are committed to guiding you toward a healthier path. Our compassionate and experienced team is dedicated to providing the support and tools you need to manage stress and build a life free from substance use. Don't wait to get the help you deserve. Call us today at (435) 222-5225 to take the first step toward recovery and well-being.
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About The Author
Austin Pederson, Executive Director of Chateau Health and Wellness
Brings over eight years of experience revolutionizing mental health and substance abuse treatment through compassionate care and innovative business strategies. Inspired by his own recovery journey, Austin has developed impactful programs tailored to individuals facing trauma and stress while fostering comprehensive support systems that prioritize holistic wellness. His empathetic leadership extends to educating and assisting families, ensuring lasting recovery for clients and their loved ones.
Danny Warner, CEO of Chateau Health and Wellness
Brings a wealth of experience in business operations, strategic alliances, and turnaround management, with prior leadership roles at Mediconnect Global, Klever Marketing, and WO Investing, Inc. A graduate of Brigham Young University in Economics and History, Danny has a proven track record of delivering results across diverse industries. His most transformative role, however, was as a trail walker and counselor for troubled teens at the Anasazi Foundation, where he directly impacted young lives, a personal commitment to transformation that now drives his leadership at Chateau.
Ben Pearson, LCSW - Clinical Director
With 19 years of experience, Ben Pearson specializes in adolescent and family therapy, de-escalation, and high-risk interventions. As a former Clinical Director of an intensive outpatient program, he played a key role in clinical interventions and group therapy. With 15+ years in wilderness treatment and over a decade as a clinician, Ben has helped countless individuals and families navigate mental health and recovery challenges.
