Stress and addiction

Chronic stress is when that feeling of being under pressure doesn’t go away. Instead of facing short bursts of stress, you find yourself dealing with it day in and day out.

Over time, chronic stress can wear you down, making it harder to function and enjoy life. It can affect your immune system, increase your risk of heart disease and lead to mental health issues like depression or anxiety.

In one survey, 74% of adults in the UK were so stressed at least once a year that they couldn’t cope or felt overwhelmed. The same survey found that stress had caused suicidal thoughts in 32% of adults, with 16% self-harming because of stress.

These figures show just how dangerous stress can be, particularly when it rises to chronic stress that goes untreated.

Chronic stress can seriously start to wear you down, leading to both short-term and long-term health problems. Some of the most troublesome include:

Short-term stress symptoms

• Rapid heartbeat
• Sweating
• Tense muscles
• Upset stomach
• Anxiety
• Irritability

These short-term stress symptoms usually go away once the stressful situation is over. However, if the causes of stress go unresolved, it can lead to more serious problems.

Chronic stress symptoms

When stress becomes a constant part of your life, your body stays on high alert, which can lead to more serious health issues over time. Long-term stress might cause:

• Constant fatigue
• Sleep Problems
• Constant headaches or migraines
• Weakened immune system
• Anxiety, depression and other mental health problems
• High blood pressure and increased risk of heart problems

At Oasis Runcorn, we understand how tightly stress and addiction are connected. That’s why our rehab treatment focuses on helping you develop healthier ways to manage stress so you don’t have to rely on substances to get through the day.

Here is how we can help:

Group therapy

Think of group therapy as your stress relief squad. You’ll connect with others who know what it’s like to carry the weight of the world on their shoulders. In these sessions, you’ll share your journey, learn stress-busting techniques and build a support system that makes those tough days a little bit easier.

One-on-one counselling

When it feels like stress and addiction are calling the shots, one-on-one counselling is your chance to take back control. You will work closely with a therapist who understands how these two challenges feed into each other, develop healthier coping strategies and start feeling like yourself again.

Behavioural therapy

Stress can twist your thoughts and fuel your addiction, making a recovery feel out of reach. CBT and DBT are here to help you straighten things out. These therapies teach you how to tackle those stress-induced thoughts head-on and give you the tools to handle life’s challenges without needing drugs or alcohol.

Family therapy

Stress and addiction can strain your relationships to the breaking point. Family therapy is a space where you can start mending those bonds. It will help you all open up, understand each other’s struggles and find a path forward as a family. When everyone is on the same page, it is easier to support each other through tough times.

Holistic therapies

Stress doesn’t just mess with your mind – it hits your body and spirit hard, too. Our holistic therapies are all about helping you find balance. Meditation, yoga, sound and art therapy help you unwind, recharge and build the resilience you need for recovery.

Further support after rehab

Leaving rehab doesn’t mean that you are now on your own. We stay connected with you, offering an exclusive Alumni Network, plans for relapse prevention and weekly group therapy to keep you grounded. Whether you are dealing with a rough day or just need to talk, we’re here to help you navigate life beyond rehab with the tools and confidence you have gained.

Tired of feeling like stress and addiction are running the show? It’s time to take back control. We offer the tools and support you need to build a balanced, fulfilling life. Connect with us today to embark on the path to peace and start your transformation.