Coping mechanisms that kill: 6 addictions that could destroy your well-being
Coping mechanisms that kill: 6 addictions that could destroy your well-being
We all need a way of coping to help us manage the challenges life throws our way. While some methods can be instrumental to work through issues and find resolutions, others may actually be destroying us.
Exploring different toxic coping mechanisms, as well as their addictive patterns, can help you to highlight areas of improvement and seek healthier alternatives.
Drug use: escaping reality by entering destruction
When a person thinks of an addiction, their first thought might be on drug usage. Whether you have gained a reliance on recreational or prescription drugs as a coping mechanism, these could do serious harm to both your mental and physical self.
Painkiller addiction can be quite common in those who have used prescription medication to initially alleviate physical symptoms. However, it is important to note that painkiller addiction refers to unnecessary use, as opposed to those who have genuine reasons for being on long-term medication.
Another drug you may not have considered can be caffeine addiction. Enjoying a cup of coffee in the morning can differ greatly to those who rely on caffeine to get through each day. If you find yourself needing to consume large quantities of coffee or, worse still, energy drinks to manage your schedule and subdue the signs of burnout, this may be a sign you are dealing with caffeine addiction.
Often, people use these substances as a way of temporarily escaping reality or emotions. However, the addictive qualities of these substances can soon cause self-destructive cycles. An individual may find themselves relying on those substances to function, affecting their financial stability and relationships with others.
In extreme cases, drug usage may lead to criminal charges, irreversible health issues, or even fatality.
Alcohol use: a coping mechanism to mask emotional pain
Having a drink here and there, or several on a night out, may not be a problem. Many of us consume alcohol in moderation. Usage only becomes an issue when you begin to use alcohol as a coping mechanism to escape from physical or emotional pain.
Alcohol can make you feel numb, reducing the effects of stress, depression, and anxiety. However, the aftereffects may make you feel worse than before. This is because alcohol is a depressant.
Those with pre-existing mental health disorders may find that it exacerbates their symptoms, so regular usage should be avoided. This may be especially important if alcohol might interact with any prescribed medication.
Long-term alcohol abuse can be a big problem. Excessive consumption can lead to weight gain and liver damage. In wider life, alcohol abuse can prevent you from having a job or meaningful relationships, and stop you from driving.
Some people who have an alcohol dependence may think they are still able to get on with their daily tasks. They may appear to be a functioning alcoholic, however, the damages on their mind and body may still be present. If you know someone who is classed as a functioning alcoholic, it may be a good idea to try and get them to face up to their alcohol dependence and seek help.
Internalising your struggles via self-harm
While most toxic coping mechanisms could be classed as self-harm, this is also the name given to deliberate types of self-injury.
This is often presented via cutting, burning, or otherwise hurting one’s body on purpose. Approximately 1 in 14 people in the UK self-harm in some manner.
Those who engage in self-harm often do so to gain some semblance of control over their emotional problems, turning them into physical pain. Others may also do so as a form of punishment for their perceived shortcomings.
This addiction can create a cycle of self-hatred and isolation from others, especially due to the stigma surrounding the actions as seeking attention.
Many who engage in self-harm as a coping mechanism do not actually wish to end their lives. Instead, they simply want to be able to cope with their daily struggles. However, some may find that any scars or complications cause further shame. An unlucky minority even end up taking their own lives when self-harm goes too far.
Seeking external comfort: the risks of sex as a coping mechanism
Others may seek comfort through engaging in sexual acts. While sex in itself isn’t a bad thing, doing so simply to feel loved or wanted can mean that it is being used in the wrong way. This may not only hurt the person themselves, but also the other party involved in the intercourse.
You may want to also think about the risks associated with promiscuity, especially if protection isn’t used. STIs and pregnancy have the potential to occur, which may ultimately leave you feeling worse than before.
If you have already engaged in sexual activity, you may want to book an appointment at your local sexual health clinic for testing. However, it is important to note that note all sexually transmitted conditions will present themselves on standard tests. Symptoms of diseases such as herpes can take months, if not years, to reveal themselves.
Gambling addiction: minimal highs, regular lows
Although gambling may not have consequences on you physically, it is still another destructive coping mechanism.
Those with a gambling addiction may find the thrill of winning to be rather alluring. This may see them putting more and more money into a machine or game, hoping for a bigger win. The reality is that this is incredibly risky as, more often than not, you will end up losing far more than you put in.
A gambling addiction may give you a temporary adrenaline rush, as well as distract you from your problems, but it can severely take its toll on those around you.
Individuals who use this as a coping mechanism may find that they struggle to pay the bills, or have little time for friends and family. Debt problems can quickly occur which may further jeopardise your well-being, especially if you borrow from unregistered lenders.
The toll of the financial burden associated with gambling can destroy families, as well as result in anxiety, depression, and diminished self-worth.
Addiction to food: eating your problems creates consequences, not comfort
Some people turn to food when life doesn’t go their way.
Many of us have seen movies where a character, often female, turns to ice cream
or junk food after a bad day.
Having a few moderated treats may not be cause for alarm.
However, should you find yourself reaching for food whenever faced with a
negative situation, you might want to consider the long-term damage.
Using food as a coping mechanism can lead to obesity, health
issues, and poor body image. You may feel guilty for your indulgence, which can
create a bad relationship with food as a whole. In particular, this could lead
to the development of eating
disorders, as well as other physical and mental health problems.
Seeking healthy coping mechanisms
By educating yourself on how harmful your existing coping mechanisms may be, you might be able to motivate yourself to change. This can take a significant length of time, and you may find you relapse along the way. However, the end result can be a happier, healthier version of yourself.
You can do so by:
- Attending therapies or support groups – These safe spaces can allow you to discuss your problems, current coping mechanisms, and gain support from both professionals and others on their recovery journey.
- Use mindfulness – Engaging in mindfulness can be a great way of boosting your mood and grounding yourself. This may be good to practise when in a good frame of mind, to allow you to build it into your routine for those lower days.
- Be creative – Painting, singing, drawing, and even gardening may allow you to refocus your mind onto something positive, or even get your emotions out in a healthy, safe way.
- Journalling – Keeping a journal can allow you to make note of your good and bad days. This could help you to figure out any triggers, such as people, places, or even your menstrual cycle, which may contribute towards those toxic coping mechanisms.
The importance of support
We all have moments in our life where we are unable to deal with situations. It is what we do next that is important.
Remember not to compare your struggles to others. We each walk different paths in life. Something that is manageable for one person may be too much for another.
Even if you have several relapses on the way, or take many years to break the hold that addiction has over you, it is still worth trying. Support from family, friends, and medical professionals can help to keep you on track and help you replace your toxic addictions with healthy coping mechanisms.
Have your say
Coping mechanisms can be a great way of managing stressful situations. However, some may be causing you harm.
These are just a few of the many toxic addictions that people face each and every day while trying to deal with their problems.
If you have some ideas regarding how to ditch addiction, create healthy coping mechanisms, or work on wellness in general, you might want to think about writing a guest post for Mindful Me.
Together, we can feel better both inside and outside ourselves, and break the stigma associated with struggles.
A talented writer and lover of all things to do with health and lifestyle.
I also love shopping, coffee, and lunches out with friends – all great for my well-being!