Stress can raise your risk of developing a substance use disorder. Here's how to get help when you need it.
In recent months, Americans' collective stress level has risen in response to the pandemic and economic fallout. Many people are looking for ways to help themselves feel better. Unfortunately, stress can trigger a number of unhealthy coping strategies — drinking alcohol to excess, bingeing on junk food, engaging in drug use, or other harmful behaviors. If you've ever had a substance use disorder, a bout of significant stress may even put your recovery at risk.
This is likely due to the shift the human brain makes in times of trauma. Instead of focusing on long-term goals, your brain zeroes in on short-term objectives.
"It becomes about finding relief," says Kathryn McHugh, an assistant professor in the Department of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. Many behaviors that are harmful over the long term seem to make sense during uncertain times because they provide that instant relief you're craving, she says. For some people, this unhealthy behavior sets up a troubling pattern — one that may haunt them for years to come.
If you feel like you're engaging in risky behaviors, it's better to get help sooner rather than later, McHugh says.
"I think there is a misperception that you have to hit rock bottom in order to seek treatment," she says.
Stress and health
In the past, people thought of substance use disorders as predominantly a male problem. However, in recent years, women have closed the gap, according to data from the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), in 2018,
- an estimated 21% of women engaged in binge drinking (defined as having four or more drinks in a two-hour window) within the previous month
- more than three million women had a drug use disorder
- more than five million women had an alcohol use disorder.
Women may be particularly hard hit by recent stressors. "Exposure to stress — and to traumatic stress in particular — is one of the biggest risk factors for developing a substance use disorder," says McHugh. "And when it comes to substance use, there are a number of factors that affect women more than men."
Women often bear the brunt of family pressures, such as caring for children or aging parents. Sometimes it's the loss of those responsibilities that put women at risk; this may occur if an aging parent has died, or if children have left the house. The pandemic has made the problem worse, by cutting many people off from support systems and social interactions that have given them joy.
In addition, women have higher rates of depression and anxiety, and they tend to use substances for relief more often than men do, says McHugh.
"Women are also more likely to have physical symptoms or manifestations of depression and anxiety," she says. This could include changes in appetite, difficulty sleeping, gastrointestinal symptoms, and fatigue. "Certainly, any existing mental health problem is going to be made worse by stress," says McHugh.
Strategies to get yourself on trackIf you notice that you are falling into unhealthy behavior patterns, know that you're not alone. Substance use and mental health problems are exceedingly common, but unfortunately undertreated. Only 10% of people who could benefit from treatment for mental health problems receive help, says Kathryn McHugh, an assistant professor in the Department of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. Some of these people simply don't have access to resources, but for others, it's embarrassment and shame that keep them from seeking help. "The topic of stigma is an important one. What people need to understand is that substance use disorders are tremendously common and are not a reflection of a lack of willpower or bad choices," says McHugh. "They are illnesses, like anything else. People struggling with these things deserve compassion and support the same as people would receive if they had diabetes." If you are struggling, there are steps you can take to get yourself back on track. Have self-compassion. Don't be too hard on yourself if you don't feel as productive as you think you should be or if you are falling short on being the perfect daughter, mom, or grandma. "Cut yourself some slack," says McHugh. Take action. In trying times, you can help combat a feeling of helplessness by contributing to the improvement of the world around you. This may help ease some of the burden you are trying to relieve through less healthy options. Seek social support. Seeking out friends or family or joining a support group can help your recovery. Today, many groups are available online. While this option isn't for everyone, online support groups can be a good choice for people who are hesitant or unable to attend group sessions in person. Know when to seek professional help. "A big sign to look out for is a shift in mood — not being interested in things or enjoying things in the same way that you used to," says McHugh. These changes may signal the transition from simply feeling down to a mood disorder, such as depression. When it comes to substance use, it's important to look for not only an increase in use, but also a feeling of "needing" instead of "wanting." Practice due diligence. While you can seek help by asking your primary care provider for a referral, new options may also be available. Telehealth, for instance, has become increasingly popular during the pandemic. "It's stunning to see how quickly telehealth services came into use, literally in a matter of weeks," says McHugh. More insurance plans now pay for telehealth services, and the approach is particularly helpful for people who can't leave their home or who don't have access to providers in their area. Keep in mind that not all specialists are equal. Ideally, you should find someone who uses time-tested therapies that are backed by research, particularly when it comes to treatment for substance-use disorders. Ask your doctor for advice on what to look for. "There are numerous treatments that are not effective and could actually be harmful, so always seek care from reputable sources," says McHugh. "Be leery of anyone who promises outcomes that seem too good to be true, such as treatment response rates of more than 90%." Also, look for accreditation by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), and make sure that your provider is licensed. In addition to accrediting providers, SAMHSA (www.samhsa.gov) also has a number of resources that can help you find treatment. |
Image: © ljubaphoto/Getty Images
Subscribe to Harvard Health Online for immediate access to health news and information from Harvard Medical School.
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
"control" - Google News
June 18, 2020 at 10:35PM
https://ift.tt/2zO80QM
Is your habit getting out of control? - Harvard Health
"control" - Google News
https://ift.tt/3bY2j0m
https://ift.tt/2KQD83I
Bagikan Berita Ini
0 Response to "Is your habit getting out of control? - Harvard Health"
Post a Comment