The following is adapted from an article written by Deb Kozisek, MA, former bereavement coordinator for Beacon Hospice. The article originally appeared in the Harbors of Hope newsletter, Winter, 2009
Grief as a Trigger of Substance Abuse
The effect alcohol or drugs have on our bodies may seem to assist individuals in avoiding or fading the feelings of emotional pain and responses to grief. Bereaved individual are at an increased risk of overusing, abusing or becoming addicted to any substance. In fact, research suggests that a higher proportion of individuals seeking treatment for substance abuse are bereaved.
The effects and consequences of alcohol or drug overuse, abuse or addiction jeopardizes physical health, psychological health and stability, safety, relationships, finances, employment, freedom and spirituality. Sadly, the perceived benefits of alcohol or drugs are only temporary, and the consequences of overuse, abuse, or addiction make an already painful situation more painful and damaging and normal, healthy, and healing grief is inhibited. Thus, the frequency and intensity of unwanted feelings or experiences increases, grief is not resolved, the need for alcohol or drugs increases and it becomes clear how the cycle of overuse, abuse and addiction begins.
Substance Abuse as a Trigger of Grief
Loss is the breaking of a bond with a person, place, thing or idea, and alcohol and drug overuse, abuse and addiction are widely known to cause the loss of physical health, safety, relationships, fiances, employment, freedom and spirituality. Resultantly, grief is a predictable result of the losses that accompany substance use and abuse. Again, the development of a cycle of grief and substance abuse becomes apparent: substance abuse causes the losses that cause grief and the desire to use substances.
First Things First
Sobriety comes first. While it is understandable that the feelings of grief and sadness are overwhelming to the individual, and it may cause them to seek the effect of alcohol and drugs, it is not realist to expect that real emotional pain can be managed effectively if there is not a sober mind to direct it.
Resources for Help
AA -Alcoholics Anonymous, 24 hour Hotline, 1-800-737-6237, www.aaa.org
Al-Anon, www.al-anon.org or www.al-anon-alateen.org
Narcotics Anonymous, 818-773-9999, www.na.org
www.recoveryhelper.org
www.addictionresourcesguide.com
Q and A
I recently lost my wife; I have always enjoyed a glass or two of wine with dinner. What is my risk for abuse and addiction?
There is no single test to define whether addition can or will affect any person. If you continue with the same pattern, and you work through your grief, your risk may not be elevated. However, if there is a change in your pattern or volume of drinking, or if you find yourself drinking to "forget" or avoid pain or loneliness, you are likely at an increased risk. Talk to people who you can have a mutually honest relationship with about your concern. Ask them to gently tell you if they perceive any changes that concern them, and seriously consider any concerns they mention.
