When it comes to stress and addiction, many research studies have successfully established a link between these concepts. No person is immune to stress, hence, we try to cope with it in our unique ways.

Some people rely on substances or some activities to help bring down their stress levels. While doing this proves to be effective, it is only short-lived, as they need more of these substances or activities to keep their stress levels low.

With time, a dependency develops which leads to addiction. Someone experiencing chronic stress has their physical and mental health at risk, especially if it goes on for a long time.

Stress can impair the normal functioning of every system and organ in the body.

It is more likely for someone suffering from chronic stress to rely on substances so that they can keep managing it.

With reference to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, using substances like alcohol or drugs will only affect your ability to manage stress.

Using these substances for a long time affects the part of the brain that is responsible for pleasure, motivation, impulse control, behavior, etc.

In the long run, the changes in the brain will make it difficult for the individual to stop using these substances.

So, even if there are negative consequences that come with these substances’ use, they do not mind.

These individuals will also experience unpleasant withdrawal symptoms when they try to cut off these substances without any medical intervention or professional help. They end up going back to alcohol or drug use.

It is important to learn how to manage stress in healthy ways to keep your body and mind in great shape.

Some of the health tips you can apply are practicing habits like exercising, eating a nutritious diet, seeking help from people, etc.

If you are struggling with addiction, consider seeking assistance from a professional to become sober again.