Loss & Grief Issues in Addiction & Recovery

Grief and loss are significant causes of stress that may trigger or worsen addictive behaviors in addicts. Learning to effectively cope with feelings of loss can be vital to recovery for those struggling with addiction.

Significance

• According to Wrong Diagnosis, an estimated 4 million Americans struggle with drug addiction every year, while approximately 15.1 million suffer from alcoholism.

The Role of Stress

• Frequently, severe stress marks the starting point of addiction. According to Mind Tools, the Holmes and Rahe Stress Scale ranks death of a spouse or family member, divorce and marital separation---all events involving personal loss---among the most significant stressful developments that can occur in a person's life.

Self-Medication

• Self-medication refers to a patient's attempt to escape negative emotions and situations through the use of addictive behaviors or substances. According to Bryon Adinoff, M.D., self-medication can play a significant role in addiction, especially in those with underlying mental disorders.

Psychotherapy

• Individual or group therapy involving open discussion of difficult feelings and experiences can be an integral part of dealing with issues of grief and loss.

Coping Skills

• Instruction in healthy coping skills provides addicts with the tools needed to handle difficult situations without resorting to maladaptive behaviors, such as drug or alcohol abuse.