Everyone experiences stress and anxiety from time to time, but when they become overwhelming or constant, it can take a serious toll on mental and physical health. For many people, alcohol or drugs may seem like a quick way to calm nerves or escape daily pressure—but that relief is only temporary. Over time, stress and substance use can form a cycle that’s hard to break without help. The Link Between Stress and Substance Use Stress triggers the body’s “fight or flight” response, releasing hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. When this response happens too often—because of work pressure, financial strain, or relationship problems—the brain looks for ways to cope. Some people turn to substances to manage these intense feelings, but the short-term calm can quickly give way to dependence and greater anxiety. How Anxiety Fuels the Cycle Anxiety can heighten the urge to use substances as a form of self-medication. Alcohol and drugs may dull anxious thoughts for a moment, but they dis...
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