Winter illnesses, such as the flu (influenza), common cold, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and pneumonia can be hidden triggers for substance abuse. Being sick affects both physical and mental health and well-being, and certain factors related to sickness can contribute to drug and alcohol use and addiction emergence.
What Are Triggers for Addiction?
Drug and alcohol addictions, also called substance use disorder (SUD), can be influenced by various psychological, biological, social, and environmental factors. Addiction triggers are specific situations, experiences, or emotions that provoke cravings and the urge to use drugs or alcohol.
Emotional triggers are one of the most common causes of drug and alcohol cravings, including:
- Stress—financial struggles, work pressure, or personal conflicts.
- Feelings of sadness, loneliness, or hopelessness
- Anxiety and depression
- Happiness and excitement
Stress, loneliness, anxiety, and even happiness can trigger individuals to use substances as a form of celebration or coping.
Certain places, situations, or objects can remind individuals of past drug and alcohol use or encourage them to use substances. Environmental triggers can include:
- Bars, clubs, and party atmospheres
- Any environment with substances
- Lighters and syringes
- Certain types of music
- Seasonal changes
Physical and psychological triggers for addiction are related to the body’s response to pain, withdrawal, or other physical illnesses, including:
- Chronic pain or illnesses
- Sicknesses
- Withdrawal symptoms
- Fatigue and sleep deprivation
Social triggers, including the people you surround yourself with, can strongly influence substance abuse and addiction behaviors, such as:
- Friends who use drugs or alcohol
- Family conflicts and unresolved trauma
- Parents with substance use disorder (SUD)
- Peer pressure
Understanding addiction triggers is the first step to preventing the development and exacerbation of substance abuse issues.
Understanding the Link Between Winter Illnesses and Addiction
When people fall ill, especially during the winter months, factors such as social isolation, pain management, seasonal depression, and prescription medications can influence addiction risk. While not as widely discussed as genetic predisposition, trauma, or mental health, winter illnesses can be an indirect trigger for substance use disorders (SUDs).
The combination of physical discomfort, mental health struggles, and disruption of routine creates an environment where addiction can emerge, especially for those who struggle with substance use.
Social Isolation and Increased Vulnerability
Being sick, whether from the flu, COVID-19, RSV, or the common cold, often results in physical isolation. Having to isolate yourself when experiencing a winter illness can lead to feelings of loneliness, sadness, and depression. Isolation and a lack of social support is also a significant risk factor for drug and alcohol abuse, as many turn to substances to fill the emotional void.
Prescription Medications and Pain Management
When people experience winter illness, particularly pneumonia, severe influenza, or other painful conditions, they may receive prescription medications. Managing these illnesses may require benzodiazepines, or opioids, which both have a high abuse potential.
When these medications are not taken as prescribed, there’s an increased risk of dependence and addiction. Some individuals struggling with a winter illness may use prescription opioids or benzos recreationally to manage their symptoms or numb the pain.
Seasonal Depression and Self-Medication
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a common type of depression that occurs during the fall and winter months. Winter illnesses often coincide with SAD, especially for those experiencing social isolation and a disruption of routine. Those struggling with seasonal depression or anxiety due to their illness may turn to substances like alcohol or marijuana to manage their symptoms.
When people turn to drugs and alcohol as a coping mechanism for depression, it can quickly lead to dependence development and addiction over time.
Weakened Willpower and Mental Fog
Sicknesses can impair judgment and decision-making, which can make individuals susceptible to risky behaviors like substance use. When ill, people may have weakened willpower and feel mentally unstable, increasing the likelihood of drug and alcohol abuse as a coping strategy.
Disruption of Routine and Healthy Habits
When someone comes down with the flu, COVID-19, or the common cold, this can significantly disrupt their daily routine. The day-to-day structure, such as work, family responsibilities, social interactions, and health and wellness, are at a halt.
Winter illnesses can cause individuals to neglect personal hygiene, eating healthy meals, and staying hydrated, further exacerbating their condition and mental state. A lack of routine can trigger feelings of stress, anxiety, and boredom, which may push some toward substance use for temporary relief.
Strengthening Addiction Prevention Strategies During Winter
While winter illnesses are temporary, they can have lasting effects on mental health and well-being, including addiction risk. Sickness can be a trigger for addiction for those in recovery or for those with existing substance abuse issues. Adopting healthy prevention strategies can help prevent harmful habits like substance abuse when dealing with a common cold or pneumonia.
Alternative Treatments and Healthy Lifestyle Habits
Instead of taking pain medications, opt for non-addictive remedies such as over-the-counter (OTC) medications, herbal teas, and humidifiers for symptom relief. Prioritize nutritional, well-balanced meals and hydration to help your body and mind stay healthy and recover quicker. Staying active can be challenging when dealing with a winter sickness, but a light walk and time spent in nature can significantly lift your mood.
Mental Health Support
Addressing seasonal affective disorder (SAD), anxiety, loneliness, and other mental health issues can help reduce addiction risk in the winter. Healthy lifestyle habits, getting enough sleep, regular physical activity, therapy, and rehab treatment strengthen mental health and prevent addiction emergence.xCommunity Support
Staying connected and maintaining social interactions combats loneliness and isolation during winter illnesses. A strong support network, even virtually, can uplift mental health and well-being, offering support and encouragement when struggling with sickness.
Drug and Alcohol Addiction Treatment
Proactive addiction prevention efforts like counseling and addiction treatment can help individuals navigate winter illnesses without turning to substances. If you or a loved one are struggling with drug or alcohol abuse, help is available. Remember, you don’t have to do this alone.
Seeking addiction treatment can get you the mental and physical support needed for addiction recovery. Coastal Detox offers holistic drug and alcohol detox programs in Stuart, FL. Reach out today.
References:
- Cleveland Clinic, 2023. 10 Colds Not To Catch This Winter.
- National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2020. Addiction and Health.
- PsychCentral, 2022. What Are Triggers, and How Do They Form?
- Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience, 2020. What Is the “Trigger” of Addiction?
- Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 2010. From inflammation to sickness and depression: when the immune system subjugates the brain.
- National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2023. COVID-19 and Substance Use.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2024. Healthy Habits to Prevent Flu.