The Influence of Stress on Addiction

Stress is something we all deal with, but not everyone realizes how deeply it can affect behavior—especially when it comes to substance use. If you’re wondering how stress plays a role in addiction, you're in the right place. We’ve dug into expert research, and the connection is clearer than you might think.

How does stress contribute to drug or alcohol addiction?

Stress can trigger initial use, increase vulnerability, and lead to full-blown addiction by driving the need for relief, even when substances stop working effectively.

The way stress impacts addiction doesn’t happen all at once. There’s a progression—starting with reward, shifting into dependence, and finally settling into a harmful cycle. Let’s break down each stage and what it means for recovery.

Stress is something that affects everyone on a daily basis, albeit at varying levels from day-to-day, but for many it can be the trigger leading to substance abuse and addiction. Drug and alcohol addiction for instance may evolve as a coping device for stress.

Eustress is another stress factor in addiction, providing and finding that feeling of joy or happiness brought about by a substance. The effects of stress on addiction have been studied multiple times, one of which we found to particularly interesting was Dr. Gary Wand’s study titled “The Influence of Stress on the Transition From Drug Use to Addiction”.

In this study, Dr. Wand highlights 3 different stages of addiction and stress, the processes and the rewards and affects associated with each.

Influence of Stress on Addiction - Stage 1: Addiction Based on Positive Reward

In this stage, Dr. Wand highlights the different influencers found early on in a drug or alcohol addiction, most of which point to the “positive reward”. This positive reward is literally the process of affect the drug has on the brain, with the release of increased dopamines in the brain activating neurons that give one a sense of calm or happiness.

Some enter this stage of stress induced addiction through social drinking or occasional drug use to cope with preoccupation and anticipation caused by stress. Once these substances have been used the feeling of reward is prevalent, reducing the feeling of stress. This stage is a slippery slope when it comes to addiction, and can rapidly descend to the next stage of stress related addiction:  Vulnerability.

Stage 2: The End of the Positive Reward

Stage two is a transition stage wherein the user no longer feels the same reward from the substances and amounts from casual usage. This feeling of not achieving the same level of mental and physical reward in turn causes additional stress, increasing worry and vulnerability.

Now, the stress can compound, building worry and stress around the fact that the same result is not happening when trying to cope with other stresses. This loss of prominence in the result often leads to increased dosage and exploration of other substances. During this stage we see that:

1. Drug use escalates

2. Binge usage and withdrawals increase

3. The threshold of “reward” increases

4. Chronic stress increases

   
   

Going undiagnosed and more importantly untreated in the stage, rapidly evolves to the next stage: Negative Affect Use.

Stage 3: Substance Abuse Due to Negative Affect and Stress

This third and final stage of the process as studied by Dr. Want, highlights the most harmful phase of stress related substance abuse and the negative affects it has on the addiction cycle.

This stage is one full of stress, where the user focuses solely on the substance in a never ending cycle of trying to cope with the withdrawal and the negative affect they feel, increasing dosages in an effort to try and find that positive reward felt in stage 1.

This stage leads to the hardest phases of addiction and recovery from this phase takes a skilled team and dedication from the patient themselves. Signs of this stage include:

1. Psychological and physiological withdrawal symptoms

2. Maximum use of substances

3. Increased substance tolerance threshold, increasing substance use but decreasing substance affect

4. External and internally related stresses compound the total state of stress, increasing substance craving

   
   

While the severity of addiction found in stage 3 increases, there is still hope and possibility for recovery. As we’ve seen, the stress can lead to a path of addiction and vulnerability when not treated properly. From feeling the positive reward of casual use to the insatiable and crushing feeling of dependence, stress can lead to a life of substance abuse and addiction.

Frequently Ask Questions:

• Can stress alone cause addiction?

Not exactly. Stress is a major trigger, but other factors like genetics, environment, and personal history also play a role.

• Is eustress (positive stress) harmful?

Eustress can motivate people, but when tied to the “feel-good” effects of substances, it can lead to misuse over time.

• Can someone recover from stage 3 addiction?

Yes, supported. The content clearly states that even in the final stage, “there is still hope and possibility for recovery.

• What happens when the brain stops responding to casual substance use?

As tolerance builds, the original positive reward fades, leading to frustration, increased stress, and often heavier or more frequent substance use.

• Why is Stage 2 considered a critical turning point in addiction?

Because it marks the shift from using substances for relief to using them out of frustration, vulnerability, and desperation, which often leads to escalation and deeper dependence.

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We understand the profound influence stress can have on the path to addiction, as highlighted in this article. At Chateau Health and Wellness Treatment Center, we're dedicated to guiding individuals through each stage of addiction, from the initial positive reward to the challenging negative affect phase. If you or a loved one is struggling to cope with stress, substance abuse, or alcohol dependency, please know that we are here to help. Our experienced team offers comprehensive recovery and support. We encourage you to take that vital step towards healing and reach out to us today at (435) 222-5225. We're ready to partner with you on your journey to lasting wellness.

About The Author

Ben Pearson, LCSW, Clinical Director

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.

Danny Warner, CEO

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.

Austin Pederson, Executive Director

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.

Zachary Wise, Recovery Specialist

Zachary Wise is a Recovery Specialist at Chateau Health and Wellness

Where he helps individuals navigate the challenges of mental health and addiction recovery. With firsthand experience overcoming trauma, depression, anxiety, and PTSD, Zach combines over 8 years of professional expertise with personal insight to support lasting healing.

Since 2017, Zach has played a pivotal role at Chateau, working in case management, staff training, and program development.