Anxiety, burnout and substance abuse or addiction are often connected. A person can become physically and emotionally exhausted if they are under stress for a long time. This is known as burnout. This stressful state can result in anxiety – where a person feels worried, overwhelmed, fearful and unable to cope with life on life’s terms.
It is not uncommon for a person to look for something to make them feel better if they are experiencing burnout and anxiety. Alcohol and drugs may seem like an easy way out or a coping mechanism to feel better, especially if a person is vulnerable to addiction. A substance may temporarily help a person feel relaxed or numb. It may feel as though the problems have disappeared for a short while.
However, this relief does not last. The stress and anxiety will inevitably return when the substance wear off. The person may then again use the substance in order to feel better. This can lead to substance dependency and the inability to cope without the substance.
The harmful cycle may look like this:
Stress – Burnout – Anxiety – Substance use – Temporary relief – More Problems – More stress & anxiety.
This cycle, and the abuse of substances may lead to more problems. Other areas of a person’s life, like relationships, work, finances, health, emotional wellbeing and responsibilities may begin to deteriorate. A person may then begin to avoid family and friends as a result of guilt and shame over their behaviors. This in turn can lead to isolation which can worsen anxiety, depression and ultimately substance abuse.
Breaking this cycle involves more than simply stopping the substance, whether that may be alcohol, drugs or a process addiction like gambling. Recovery involves learning healthier ways to manage stress and anxiety, developing mindfulness and establishing healthy routines. Counselling, peer support, like 12 step programs and psychological treatment can also help individuals to develop better coping strategies.
An important part of recovery is learning that discomfort does not always need to be escaped. Difficult emotions, anxiety and stress can be managed without relying on substances. With appropriate support, individuals can be equipped to rebuild their confidence and restore healthy relationships.
Understanding the connection between burnout, anxiety and substance dependency is therefore important because it shifts the focus from simply treating the substance use to addressing the underlying emotional and lifestyle factors that help maintain the addictive cycle.
