Work Stress: Warning Signs You May Be Self-Medicating With Drugs or Alcohol

We’ve all been there. It’s been a stressful day (or week) at work and all we want to do is come home to a nice glass of wine or a Xanax pill.

A way for us to unwind, we think. But what happens when we become dependent on that one indulgence?

All we can think of is getting our next fix. And that’s when dependancy turns into self-medicating.

We treat the pain so we live our lives without it. And it’s more common than once thought. About three-quarters of Americans are now drowning their pain either with drugs or alcohol.

But how do you know if you or someone you know is experiencing the process of self-medicating?

Here are the warning signs.

Your Anxiety or Depression Leads You to Drink or Use Drugs

We all feel a little anxious or depressed time to time. But how we deal with it is important.

Some go to places where they can think clearly or have a good cry. Others get lost in their favorite playlist.

But when your solution to your problems is alcohol or drugs, that’s self-medicating. And we aren’t talking about every once in a while.

When the thought of leaving the house to go to work leads you to drink, it becomes unhealthy. Using drugs to handle daily stresses becomes a problem.

There are right ways to handle stress. Medicating with drugs or alcohol is not one of them.

All You Think About is Drinking or Getting High

Getting distracted at work is one thing. But when your thoughts are all about alcohol or drugs, it’s time to think about getting help.

Fixating on your next drink or drug of choice will lead to even more depression and anxiety. Once you start that cycle, it’s hard to get out of.

That’s why finding drug rehab centers in Idaho is a good idea. They understand that your race or age does not determine addiction. All they care about is getting help for those who struggle with it.

It’s Affecting Your Well-Being

When someone starts the destructive path of self-medicating, it’ll make them feel good at first. They’re able to get that fix that makes them feel better.

But after a while, it begins to take a toll the longer they’re on that path. You or someone else may notice significant weight loss, lack of sleep and even getting sick repeatedly.

Those feelings you once tried to quiet become louder and stronger. Then that leads to you lashing out or shutting out loved ones.

Your Loved Ones are Concerned

Family and those close to you know when you’re off. You may be acting different or you stopped talking to them altogether.

When that happens, they know something is up. If they sit down and try to have a discussion on what’s changed, don’t take it as an offense.

Take it as them trying to help you. Your loved ones want to see you get better and to know that they support you.

Wrapping Up on the Signs of Self-Medicating

There’s a lot of signs that you or others may not be aware of. Sometimes a drink or two a week can lead to an ongoing problem. The same is said for drugs.

When you start using what’s supposed to be in moderation more often, you lead yourself on a dangerous path.

Need some tips on how to de-stress after a hard day? Check out our Life Outside of Work category today!