Page 15 - Garda Journal Summer 2019

FEATURE | Smarmore Castle
Stress and Addiction:
Understanding the Link
and the Risks
Research shows that stress is a key risk factor in the initiation and maintenance of addiction and to relapsing into addiction after a period of recovery (Sinha & Jastreboff, 2013).
We all experience some degree of stress in our daily lives. On one hand, stress can be positive and can provide a degree of motivation or strength to get through a difficult situation. However; long-term stress, or stress arising from a traumatic experience, is negative stress. This type of stress has the potential to manifest into physical and/or psychological problems. Addiction can be one such problem. Many individuals turn to drugs, alcohol, and other addictive behaviours (e.g. gambling), to self-medicate. This is their attempt to cope with difficult environments and situations, or to manage the flood of emotions and traumatic reminders associated with stress or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
The nature of the job of the Gardai is unique. There may be consistent high pressure, gruelling schedules and intense workloads. For many it involves repeated exposure to high stress, and traumatic and life-threatening situations. A finding in the Garda Representative Association Wellbeing Survey 2018, found that more than one in six Gardai may have significant symptoms of PTSD arising from traumatic experiences.
WHY DO SOME MEMBERS OF THE FORCE DEVELOP PTSD, WHILE OTHERS DO NOT?
It is important to note that people experience stress differently and have varying levels of stress thresholds. The degree to which a person will be impacted by a stressful event depends upon several factors including: • their interpretation of an event,
• the number and scale of negative stressors in their life,
• their history of traumatic experiences, • and their personal coping skills.
There is solid evidence for the link between chronic stress and the motivation to abuse addictive substances (Al'Absi, 2007). The greater the number of traumas and negative stressors a person encounters, the greater the risk of turning to addiction. Negative stressors include: exposure to violence, life-threatening situations, the death of a loved one, financial difficulties, legal problems, etc.
ARE YOU AT RISK? HOW ARE YOU MANAGING YOUR STRESS?
Stress is an unavoidable part of life; however, you can do a lot to minimise its negative effects. Throughout my 15+ years of experience in the addiction field, I
have taken individuals through my ACT tool, outlined below, to help them develop emotional resilience.
Awareness: Self-awareness is key to successful stress management. Engage in self-reflection to become aware of how you experience and cope with stress. Explore questions such as: What are your stress triggers? How are you coping? Have you turned to alcohol, drugs, or gambling? Are you engaging in these behaviours more frequently? Are you obsessing about or finding it difficult to control these behaviours? Are you unable to stop once you start? Are you lying about your behaviours?
Commitment: Make a commitment to your wellbeing. Communicate with others and ask for help. It is natural for your commitment to fluctuate; being honest with, and engaging the support of others, will help you to stay on track.
Taking Action: Creating and implementing a personal action plan is crucial to your success. You can develop the skills to manage your world from the inside out. How you manage your internal world (thoughts and emotions) influences how you experience and interact in your external world. It is vital that you develop and practically apply healthy coping skills daily. Actions to consider include:
• Learn and practise mindfulness meditation
• Learn breathing and relaxation techniques
• Eat healthy meals, hydrate, get adequate sleep
• Engage the body in exercise; walking, yoga, dance
or some type of movement
• Take part in a fun activity with friends / loved ones • Avail of 12-step and other support groups
• Participate in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy,
Counselling or Psychotherapy
• Seek professional treatment for addiction
Professional Treatment Options If you have turned to addiction as a means of coping and have decided to seek help, there are many treatment options available. It is very important you disclose any traumatic events you have been subject to so that your multi-disciplinary team can treat you effectively. At Smarmore Castle Private Clinic we treat the whole-person; emotionally, physically and mentally. Feel free to call us at 041-986-5080 or go to our website at www.smarmorecastle.ie for more information.
Mary T. Curtis. International Addictions Counsellor and Clinic Manager at Smarmore Castle Private Clinic.
GARDA JOURNAL 15