Substance Abuse and Grief

It’s difficult to describe the pain of losing a loved one. It may be one of the hardest experiences of your life, and the grief can linger for weeks. In the days and months following the loss, you might experience concentration difficulties, irritation, sleep problems, loneliness and bouts of extreme sadness.

Studies show that stressful life events like the death of a loved one can increase alcohol consumption. However, using drugs and alcohol is one of the most dangerous ways to deal with grief. While these substances can temporarily alleviate pain or sorrow, they can cause long-term physical, emotional and social problems up to and including addiction.

Substance Use Changes Your Brain

Turning to drugs or alcohol to numb psychological distress can lead to more frequent use. Regularly engaging in drug use can change the way your brain perceives pleasure, increasing your tolerance to and triggering cravings for the substance. Over time, drug addiction or an alcohol use disorder can develop. These disorders can cause behavioral changes, overdose and other health complications.

Substance Use Can Cause Mental Illness

Drug use can exacerbate the psychological pain caused by the loss of a loved one and lead to mental health problems. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, individuals with anxiety disorders, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, are 2 to 3 times more likely than others to develop a substance use disorder. Additionally, about 20 percent of people with a mood disorder, such as depression, have some level of substance dependence.

Substance Use Is Linked to Infectious Diseases

Not all people who grieve will use drugs, but some who do may turn to heroin, an opioid that can be injected into veins. Many individuals who misuse heroin share unsterile needles with one another or engage in unsafe sex, which can increase the risk for infectious diseases like HIV and hepatitis.

Substance Use Damages Relationships

Drug misuse can also affect entire families. People engaging in substance misuse often act differently than they normally would. When their behavior changes, families may experience frustration or heartache that can lead to isolation or divorce. This emotional hurt can cause the families and friends of people with addiction to engage in substance use or develop a mental health disorder.

Substance Use Can Lead to Legal Trouble

Many drugs, such as cocaine and marijuana, are illegal in the United States. Possessing these substances can result in a hefty fine or incarceration. While legal, alcohol use can also lead to legal trouble. For example, individuals experiencing alcohol addiction are at an increased risk for drinking and driving. Excessive alcohol use can also cause violent behavior, which can result in arrest.

Find Healthy Ways to Cope with Grief

It is important to avoid substance use and find healthy ways to cope during bereavement. Effective coping strategies can help boost your mood and improve your physical health. These strategies can include everything from participating in physical activity to talking to a mental health professional.

Some effective ways to deal with the loss of a loved one include:

• Exercising regularly

• Writing down your thoughts in a journal

• Talking about your grief with someone you trust

• Reading books

• Taking baths

• Joining a support group

• Participating in yoga

• Talking to a counselor

If you are grappling with drug or alcohol misuse, consider calling a representative at The Recovery Village. With a safe and supportive environment, The Recovery Village provides a continuum of care for people experiencing a range of substance use disorders. During treatment, trained addiction professionals can help you understand the cause of your substance use, how to deal with stress and ways to improve your quality of life.