They may self-medicate for depression, using drugs to try to make them feel “better;” however, this may only work for a time, and when the drugs stop working they are left with the emotional state of the lack of the capacity to feel human. Emotions are part of what makes us feel alive, but using drugs and alcohol to alleviate those emotions is detrimental to any emotion existing. Genuine feelings of happiness become more and more difficult to feel the more one abuses substances. As the drugs conquer an addict’s life, it is nearly impossible to respond emotionally appropriate to situations.
Many addicts report handling the death of a loved one while they are in addiction to be an feelingless experience. When that experience happens, they cannot feel their grief about the death. In burying the emotions needed to process death, they never really deal with their feelings about the passing. Then, when the addict abstains from drugs, the emotions they have about losing that loved one come crashing down on them with the intensity of a collapsing building.
An addict may for so long, been incapable of feeling because of their constant emotional numbing. Their conscious may be affected by the substance abuse, making them unable to care about the consequences of their actions, including how they affect the emotional health of others in their life. Their ability to honestly love, and show love to others may have been hindered causing pain to their loved ones.
The way drugs influence the emotional state of addicts reaches from active addiction and into early recovery. While in addiction, emotions may be numbed, or completely haywire. Irritation may rise from not having their substances, causing them to lash out at those around them. They may feel profound sadness as a result of struggling with trying to become abstinent or keeping their addiction alive. Then, once they decide to make the step into recovery, their emotions come back rapidly and without warning. One moment they may feel extraordinarily happy and joyful, then they may feel incredibly depressed. They may feel waves of guilt for the damage they have realized they have caused in addiction. They may feel shame in their actions. They may feel a series of emotions in the course of a few hours; however, this is not permanent. This happens as a result of the addict’s brain chemicals adjusting to the lack of substances in the body. Honestly, over time, the brain readjusts, and through counseling and 12-step meetings, an addict can learn to live with and conquer their emotions, resulting in them controlling their emotions, rather than their emotions controlling them.
Distributed by Client Initiatives
Media Contact
Company Name: Wilderness Treatment Center
Contact Person: Nancy
Email: wtc@wildernesstreatmentcenter.com
Phone: 406-854-2832
Address:200 Hubbart Dam Rd
City: Marion
State: Montana
Country: United States
Website: www.wildernesstreatmentcenter.com