Hopelessness and Substance abuse
By Krystina Murray
The Threat of Hopelessness
Hopelessness accompanies feelings of listlessness, discouragement, isolation, depression, and helplessness.
Helplessness can create actions mirroring a loss of control and vulnerability.
Feelings of hopelessness can cause feelings of distress and low moods. If someone has poor coping strategies, he or she can attempt to find comfort in intoxicating substances.
Hopelessness can signal the onset of depression, as thoughts of inadequacy, uncertainty, and doubt enter one’s mind.
Individuals may notice changes in their overall behavior, ranging from appetite changes to anxiousness. It can damage relationships and endanger one’s life if unchecked.
It is not uncommon for individuals battling substance abuse disorders to have co-occurring disorders. Co-occurring disorders are conditions like anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia, which can fuel addiction.
In response to feeling anxious feelings, or suffering loss and enduring depression, people may decide to turn to alcohol or find other harmful methods to achieve a sense of control or comfort.
Practicing Self-Love To Fight Hopelessness
Hopelessness can merge into deeper, more concerning characteristics. Feeling isolated from friends and family can create deep feelings that can overwhelm. In this case, it is important to be kind to yourself.
This practice embodies self-compassion and self-love—all of which inspire feelings of healthy self-importance and provide the strength to put one’s self first.
Self-love practices can include eating healthy foods, getting rest, drinking water, and surrounding one’s self with positive people.
Most importantly, practicing present-moment awareness and empowered thoughts can help someone push away feelings of hopelessness.
Self-love can allow someone to take the best steps they need to fight substance abuse, such as attending 12-step groups, changing their lifestyle, and seeking treatment.
Lastly, self-love reduces the feelings of anxiety and depression, as people see themselves from the lens of imperfect beings with self-worth and value.
Treatment Options for Substance Abuse And Hopelessness
Finding treatment is best for those who are battling a substance abuse disorder or battle troubling mental conditions like depression or anxiety.
Individuals seeking to soothe anxious feelings or get help for substance abuse have options.
Treatment options vary based on someone’s decision to stay local, travel, and how much time they are willing to commit to their recovery journey.
The most common format of treatment is in-patient treatment. This is available both locally and across the country and allows patients to have the best hands-on experience.
Patients are on campus, under the supervision of medical professionals, and with access medication.
In such cases patients are fully immersed in achieving recovery and can focus solely in therapies and treatments. This option is widely considered the one that is most likely to lead to recovery.
Outpatient treatment is ideal for patients who seek drug treatment but need to balance treatment with everyday life.
Typically, treatment requires less time in the facility, so the patient is able to attend and go to work or school without feeling like they have to choose one or another.
Outpatient treatment also offers day programs and continuing care to ensure the patients gets effective treatment.
Taking Strides to Heal Hopelessness and Substance Abuse
Hopelessness is a cycle that affects both the mental and emotional body. Recognizing the shifts from peace and joy to isolation and helplessness can be a start in getting help.
If you are someone in need of help with hopelessness and substance abuse, contact a treatment expert.
If treatment for substance abuse proves to be a difficult task, getting therapy to uncover feelings of hopelessness may be an adequate form of healing.
Patients can discover an array of counseling strategies, find hope, and be surrounded with supportive, uplifting people.
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Author Bio
Krystina Murray is a Digital Content Writer with Recovery Worldwide in Orlando
The views and opinions expressed in this post are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect all or some of our beliefs and policy. Any links on this page does not necessarily mean they have been endorsed by Defying Mental Illness.
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