While many define addiction as chronic substance use, the actual battle often feels like our own emotions. Aside from the fight against substance use, the ability to explore and traverse our own mental and emotional identity is a challenging task. It can be even more daunting amid substance dependency. Emotion is present during addiction and treatment, all equally different and telling. Addiction rehabilitation can bring out the worst before it draws out the best. Yet, going through these different feelings is necessary. This article aims to break the stigma that addiction is just chemical and look further to see the emotional side of dependency.
The Cycle of Addiction
Drug addiction is recognized by its three-stage cycle. It begins with binging or intoxication, followed by the adverse effects of withdrawal. Then lastly, the preoccupation and anticipation of the subsequent use. This cycle is turned on by both positive and negative reinforcement. There is a positive aspect form use and negative support of withdrawal. The positive side communicates, “do this again,” while the opposing side says, “don’t let this happen again.” While this process has been assumed to be strictly chemical, its operations adversely affect our emotions.
Those close to users have reported witnessing their sudden mood change, isolation, and depression. They state the user is nothing like themselves. Addiction is not just affecting your body, it’s affecting your whole brain and heart. Addiction takes your entire being and shakes it in lasting ways. It more readily takes control of your emotions through this positive and negative cycle. This causes the user to experience intense symptoms of depression and anger, all while being ridden with anxiety. Those chemical and emotional responses cement the process and keep it continuing in the same direction.
Addiction and Depression
According to the National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA), addiction and depression often co-occur. While the cause for this is unclear, its effect on one another plays an influential role. One study by NIDA showed that people who struggle with major depression were twice as likely to have a substance use disorder (SUD). Additionally, those diagnosed with bipolar disorder are seven times more likely to become addicted to a substance. A few symptoms that occur when dealing with depression start with appetite changes, chronic fatigue, and constant anxiety. These can increase feelings of hopelessness, guilt, and shame, which may lead to thoughts of suicide.
When drugs are entered into the system, they can alleviate and even heighten emotions of euphoria. Still, once the substances slowly work out of your system, the symptoms of depression worsen. If clinically depressed, introducing anti-depressants and anxiety medication can sometimes be the primer for more powerful drug addiction. Unfortunately, while medication can help depression, the wrong substances can exacerbate anxiety and feelings of hopelessness. Without treatment, your brain will become stuck in a loop of depression. It then uses substances to medicate the emotions of fear. Yet this will only strengthen the cycle of ups and downs, which eventually spirals out of control.
Addiction and Anger
While depression may be present before addiction, anger can be an indication addiction is present. Some users naturally inclined towards anger often exhibit this emotion more readily during addiction. As the euphoria of drug or alcohol use comes down, users become violent. This is to the returning anxiety and depression.
There are reported to be three levels of aggression. Passive aggression, a sign of irritability from current situations, is a lower form of anger. This can be exhibited through silence or being flippant in responses. Passive aggressiveness may also be caused by the user’s inability to confront. Finally, open aggression, a physical or verbal burst of rage, is a sign that the user may feel out of control. This is attributed to the “coming down” from a drug high or when the user is experiencing intense cravings.
These two types of anger are considered unhealthy forms or expressions. Healthy anger may look more like solid assertiveness. This confrontation does not result in any lashing out but with the resolution’s intent. Anger may be more of an indicator of where a user is in their cycle of use.
Counseling and Treatment
While addiction may hold your emotions, pulling you in different directions, you can be free from its grip. Emotions of depression and anger are side effects of the perpetual habits of addiction. The emotions do not make you; you make the emotions. At First Steps Recovery, we offer counseling and therapy sessions built to rewire these emotional habits. You have the power to break the cycle of addiction. We are dedicated to helping you regain control of your actions and thoughts. Once we can own the emotions that once ruled us, we can excel in our progress toward long-term sobriety. Finally, we can find those feelings of happiness.
Addiction treatment is a journey of the mind, body, and heart. It takes total dedication and perseverance toward a life of freedom, but we can serve you along the way. You have the capabilities to lead a healthy life, no matter where you are in the process of rehabilitation. Our clinics and specialists are available to help you achieve long-term sobriety. Your addiction is not a life sentence. If you, or your loved one, is struggling with addiction, please consider our facility. We offer holistic therapy approaches that consider all aspects of your journey. We want you to find your happiness again. For more information about our services, please call First Steps Recovery at (844) 489-0836.
Addiction treatment is a journey of the mind, body, and heart. It takes total dedication and perseverance toward a life of freedom, but we can serve you along the way. You have the capabilities to lead a healthy life, no matter where you are in the process of rehabilitation. Our clinics and specialists are available to help you achieve long-term sobriety. Your addiction is not a life sentence. If you, or your loved one, is struggling with addiction, please consider our facility. We offer holistic therapy approaches that consider all aspects of your journey. We want you to find your happiness again. For more information about our services, please call First Steps Recovery at (844) 489-0836.
