Why Most Addicts And Alcoholics Identify With An ‘Escape Of Reality’

Many addicts and alcoholics turn to their substance of choice as a way to escape reality. They abuse a mood-altering substance as a way to find relief from problems in their daily life, whether related to work, relationships, self-image, or financial problems.

The more they turn to a substance for relief, the higher their risk of developing an addiction. Addicts often find themselves living a life of avoidance, escapism, and denial, which further perpetuates their problem rather than fixing it.

Why Addicts and Alcoholics Use Substances to Escape Reality

Addiction to substances often originates from a strong urge to flee from pain, stress, or discomfort. Those who battle addiction frequently feel trapped in situations that seem impossible to endure, whether due to personal trauma, emotional struggles, or overwhelming life obstacles. Understanding the motivations that lead addicts and alcoholics to seek relief through substances is vital for developing empathy and providing effective assistance.

• Self-Medication

  Many people struggling with intense emotional distress, trauma, or a mental health condition turn to drugs or alcohol as a way to self-medicate. The substance of choice provides a small amount of relief, until they are once again faced with reality. If they do not get the help they need to overcome their issues and healthily manage emotions, they will just continue drinking alcohol or using drugs to escape reality.

  In time, their body will build up a tolerance and they will become dependent upon the substance. In addition to their physical addiction to the substance, they will typically develop an emotional dependence on the substance. They will no longer know how to deal with reality without numbing their emotional response.

• Stress Relief

  The modern world is filled with stressors, and chronic stress is one of the biggest contributors to many of the most prevalent preventable diseases, such as diabetes, cancer, and heart disease. Stress is also one of the biggest risk factors for alcohol or drug addiction. Just as people turn to these substances to avoid emotional or psychological distress, they often turn to addictive substances to relax after a stressful day.

  Doing so on occasion may not cause a problem; however, when a person consistently does drugs or drinks heavily to deal with stress, especially chronic stress, it increases a person’s risk of developing an addiction. Instead of learning how to manage stress and face the realities of the situation, addicts choose to escape the reality and indulge in their substance of choice.

• Avoidance and Denial

  Not only do addicts escape reality by self-medicating with their substance of choice, but they often choose to remain in this state of mind. They choose to deny they have a problem and avoid the real underlying issues causing problems in their life. They prefer to be intoxicated with fabricated feelings of euphoria and happiness, rather than suffering and detailing with the mundane realities of life, as well as encountering negative emotions.

  As soon as the effects of the drugs or alcohol wear off, the reality kicks in, and the internal demons of the person once again resurface. As soon as this happens, the addict typically chooses to use drugs as an escape from reality rather than deal with the problems.

The Risk of Abusing a Substance

Abuse of a substance is defined as using it in order to alter one’s mood. Although occasional abuse may not lead to addiction in everyone, it does increase one’s risk of developing a problem. Someone with an untreated mental health disorder, psychological or emotional distress, or chronic stress that chooses to turn to drugs and alcohol rather than seeking healthier ways to cope are at an even higher risk of developing an addiction.

Addiction typically is about escapism, avoiding reality and denying there is a problem. When an addict enters treatment to overcome his or her addiction, he often has to face reality. This can be very difficult, especially in the early months of recovery. That is why many addicts find themselves relapsing. The draw of escapism can sometimes be stronger than dealing with the realities of life, especially the negative elements.

Mental Health and Addiction: A Complex Relationship

Mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and PTSD frequently occur alongside substance abuse. Many individuals resort to substances as a form of self-medication, hoping to ease their symptoms. For instance:

• Alcohol can offer a brief escape from social anxiety or feelings of loneliness.
• Opioids may be used to dull the emotional pain linked to depression.
• Stimulants might help combat the low energy or lack of focus that often accompanies undiagnosed ADHD.

Understanding the connection between addiction and mental health is essential for effective treatment. Programs that integrate care for both conditions tend to yield the best results.

Why Professional Support is Essential

Overcoming addiction involves more than just willpower; it requires a well-rounded approach that encompasses medical, emotional, and psychological assistance. Professional rehab centers like Serenity Malibu provide a secure environment for individuals to undergo detox treatment, identify the underlying causes of their addiction, and acquire the skills necessary for a healthier future.

How Serenity Malibu Can Help

At Serenity Malibu Rehab, we focus on creating personalized treatment plans tailored to each client’s specific needs. Our holistic approach includes:

• Medical Detoxification: Ensuring safety and comfort throughout the withdrawal process.
• Individual and Group Therapy: Delving into the root causes of addiction and fostering a strong support network.
• Aftercare Planning: Assisting clients in transitioning back to daily life with continued support and resources.

Breaking Free from the Cycle

Breaking free from addiction and alcohol dependency can be tough, but it is achievable with the right support. By tackling the underlying issues of addiction, developing healthier coping strategies, and cultivating a supportive community, individuals can take back control of their lives.

If you or someone you care about is facing addiction, Serenity Malibu is ready to help. Contact us today to begin the journey toward a brighter, substance-free future.