Coping With Stress Through Alcohol or Drugs
Right now, with everything happening, it’s no wonder people are looking for ways to escape, even just for a moment. For many, that escape has become a drink, a pill, or something to calm the mind and get a break from reality. But what happens when that quick relief starts becoming a habit?
In Lebanon, we’re seeing people turn more to alcohol, anti-anxiety medications, or other substances as a way to cope with the stress around us. Purchases of anxiety medications have even gone up by 30% recently. So if you’ve been reaching for something to feel a little calmer, you’re not alone.
While these substances can feel like a way to turn down the noise, they only give us temporary relief. And in the long run, they can make it harder to really face what’s happening inside. Let’s talk about why we’re drawn to these escapes and explore a few stress relief methods that can help us find calm without relying on substances.
Why We Turn to Substances When Life Feels Overwhelming
When stress is nonstop, our brains just want a break. Substances like alcohol or meds can feel like the easiest way to “turn off” those feelings of fear, worry, or sadness, even for a little while. It’s a natural response, especially when life feels out of control and we just want to feel okay.
The problem is that this kind of escape only works for a moment. We might not feel the weight of everything for a bit, but those feelings are still there, just under the surface. And as we talked about in overcoming helplessness, that sense of powerlessness can lead us to look for quick fixes when what we really need is a way to reconnect with ourselves.
How to Cope Without Turning to an Escape
If you’re feeling stuck in this cycle, here are a few simple stress relief methods to ground yourself without needing to numb out. These are gentle suggestions, little things that might bring some relief, especially when it feels like the world is too heavy to handle.
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Let Yourself Feel the Hard Stuff
The urge to avoid difficult feelings is natural, but sometimes the healthiest thing we can do is let ourselves feel them. Name your feelings—even if it’s something as simple as saying, I feel scared or I feel tired. This type of emotional awareness helps feelings lose some of their power when we let them come to the surface. -
Find Comfort in Simple Moments
Sometimes, we just need a small comfort to feel better. Think of things that calm you—maybe a warm drink, music you love, or a quick walk outside. These moments might not take away all the stress, but they’re little reminders that peace is still within reach, even in chaos. -
Reach Out Instead of Retreating
Feeling alone in what you’re going through can make the urge to escape even stronger. Reaching out to someone who cares, even just to talk for a few minutes, can remind you that you’re not facing this alone. Often, knowing someone else understands is a relief that lasts longer than any temporary escape. -
Try Deep Breathing for a Few Minutes
When things feel overwhelming, simple breathing exercises can help ease the mind. Just a few minutes of slow, deep breaths can bring your body out of “panic mode” and back into the present. These deep breathing exercises can serve as a quick reset, a way to ground yourself when everything feels like too much.
When Escape Starts to Become a Cycle
It’s okay if you’ve turned to something outside yourself to cope. We all need ways to get through, and sometimes it feels like these are the only options. But if that urge to escape keeps coming back, it might help to start looking for gentle ways to break the cycle—small steps that remind you of your own strength.
Moving Forward
Right now, just getting through the day can feel like enough of a challenge. If you’re struggling with relying on substances, remember that it doesn’t define who you are. You’re human, trying to manage things that feel impossible, and that’s okay. But there’s a deeper way to heal and find peace—one that helps you rediscover your inner strength and clarity.
At The Inner Space, we in different fields and in spiritual psychology, offering tools and guidance to help you reconnect with yourself and overcome life’s challenges. Whether it’s through mindfulness practices, emotional awareness techniques, or personalized support, we’re here to walk with you on this journey. Take the first step toward lasting calm and healing today—contact us to learn more.