How Worrying and Addiction May be Linked, and How to Avoid Both (Guest Post)

Article by Sarah Lockwood
Edit and Post Design by Christy Zigweid
Picture via @WordSwagApp

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Worry, anxiety, and addiction are often interwoven. For some people, it’s constant pressure and increasing anxiety that serve as the catalyst to developing an addiction. For others it works in the opposite way: having an addiction creates stress and anxiety – be it fear of disappointing loved ones, legal consequences, or a tough path of recovery. The key to successful recovery is learning how to cope with underlying mental health problems and the addiction itself.
 
Worrying and Addiction
 
Worry and addiction are cyclical in their relationship to each other. Individuals who suffer from chronic worry often experience physical discomfort such as sweating and rapid heartbeat. There is also the emotional discomfort such as feelings of fear and panic.
 
Those suffering from anxiety may turn to addictive behaviors as a way to self-medicate and escape. On the flip side, the need to get a "fix" from an addiction creates anxiety, so it becomes a self-perpetuating cycle.
 
A person suffering from addiction may become so focused on the euphoria they experience that they may constantly worry about how, when, and where they’ll be able to obtain their drug of choice. This is not limited to just drug abuse. In addition to drugs and alcohol, other behaviors such as spending, eating, sexual activity, cleaning, or even exercise are potential addictions for some people when the behaviors become excessive and uncontrollable. 

Raising your awareness about worry and anxiety, as well as your personal triggers, can help you break the vicious cycle of worry, anxiety, and addiction. 

Image via Pixabay by AdinaVoicu

Raising Awareness about the Risks of Excessive Worry
 
Experiencing concern about various situations in your life is normal and healthy. Excessive worrying, however, leads to anxiety. Learning to identify your triggers and acknowledging situations in which cannot cope can help you make healthier choices.
 
Symptoms of excessive worry include:

• Inability to focus or concentrate
• Compulsive thoughts and/or behavior
• Irritability
• Perfectionism
• Physical symptoms like upset stomach, muscle tension and/or headaches
• Trouble sleeping

 
Recognizing these symptoms is the first step. When you learn to identify triggers, you can turn to alternative coping methods, which can help avoid giving in to your addiction.
 
Coping with Distressing Thoughts and Feelings
 
People who do not constantly experience severe anxiety and worry may think it’s simple to deal with. They may think it’s as simple as forgetting about what has been stressing you, but it is not. There are, however, some strategies you can rely on to help you learn to develop alternative coping mechanisms.
 
Worry is unavoidable, as it can stem from relationships and experiences. It’s a natural state of mind on some occasions, but it doesn’t have to be a destructive force in your life.  These tips can help regain control:



1. Set strong boundaries - The worry you experience may be associated with a specific activity, situation, or person. Limit your exposure to these stress-inducing circumstances. Doing so creates firm boundaries.
2. Find new, pleasurable activities – While it’s impossible to turn your mood on and off like a light switch, there are practical and proven ways to improve your state of mind. Exercise and movement release "feel-good endorphins" in your brain. You could also choose a healthy activity that gives you pleasure and peace such as reading, playing a game, or painting.
3. Phone a friend - Staying connected to others in times of high stress is vital. Nothing is worse than getting in your own head. Talking things out with a trusted friend can provide relief from your anxiety. This is particularly important if you’re struggling with an addiction. Staying connected to a support group or participating in local 12-step meetings can make the all the difference in successful recovery.
4. Rest well - Everything seems worse when you’re sleep-deprived and exhausted. Getting adequate is sleep is one of the simplest ways to deal with chronic worry. The average adult needs between 7 to 9 hours of sleep a night. Turn off the gadgets and make a habit of going to bed at a consistent (and reasonable) time each night.
5. Relax - Deep breathing is an immediate way to relax and calm yourself. There are many other calming actions and activities, such as yoga, progressive muscle relaxation, massage and meditation. Explore some options for a relaxation practice that bests fits your personality. 

​Worry will come, but it doesn’t have to perpetuate an addiction, nor is it necessary to be dominated by worry and anxiety while recovering from an addiction.  You can take control of your life and improve your sense of well-being. 

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About the Author

Sarah Lockwood is a concerned parent and former social worker. Having worked with the public for decades and after watching her own daughter struggle with addiction, Sarah knows all too well the devastation that can be caused by drug and alcohol abuse. Sarah’s daughter is now in recovery, but her experiences with substance abuse inspired Sarah to get involved with ThePreventionCoalition.org. She plans to spread awareness and support through her work for others dealing with addiction. While Sarah devotes a lot of time to the Coalition, she makes sure to relax and enjoy the small things in life, as every day is a gift.