It’s no secret that people sometimes turn to alcohol and drugs to cope with overwhelming feelings of anxiety, fear or a traumatic event.
But if the use turns into abuse it might be time to seek help.
Here are the signs to look out for.
1. Do you use alcohol or drugs to numb yourself when you feel overwhelmed?
To cope with overwhelming emotions, you might disconnect from your feelings as a protective mechanism, leading to emotional numbness.
Drug and alcohol abuse can further numb emotions, making it easier to avoid dealing with painful feelings and memories. It can provide a sense of temporary relief from trauma.
2. Do You Feel The Need To Take Risks Others Would Call “self-destructive”
Do you use alcohol or drugs as fuel to participate in risky behaviours like excessive gambling, casual sex or non stop benders?
These risky behaviours can provide temporary relief from emotional pain, distraction from trauma, or a way to feel alive and in control.
3. Do You Have Vices That Help You Escape From Fear & Self Doubt?
Do you use alchohol and drugs to mentally escape situations, activities, people, or thoughts that give you feelings of fear and self doubt?
Excessive use may allow you to cope by distancing or distracting you from intense feelings that could otherwise be debilitating or disruptive to daily life. Are you hiding from a traumatic experience?
4. Do You Need Drugs Or Alcohol To Fall Asleep?
Do you overuse or abuse sleep medications, smoke weed, drink, or take large doses of over-the-counter antihistamines like diphenhydramine (Benadryl) to help you “take the edge off trying to fall asleep”?
Drugs and alcohol can help suppress intrusive thoughts and memories associated with past trauma which in turn provide temporary escape from hard to deal with thoughts or emotions.
Is Use Turning Into Abuse?
If you notice these signs persisting over time and impacting you or a loved ones well-being, it may be time to seek support. At Malvern, our detox programs have helped thousands of Australian’s get back on their feet. You are not alone on this road. Get in touch to have a confidential chat.