It’s hard to ignore how heavy the news feels these days: inflation, housing crisis, climate change, wars… Every day, the headlines can trigger feelings of discomfort, helplessness, or fear. In this context, it’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed. For many people, using alcohol or other drugs becomes a way to recentre themselves, to pause their thoughts, to disconnect for a moment. While this strategy is understandable, it can quickly turn into a trap — doing more harm than good.

A Highly Stressful Time

We are living through a period marked by uncertainty. In this reality, it’s normal to experience:

• anxiety or distress;
• anger or sadness;
• worry about the future;
• fatigue or a sense of exhaustion.

These emotions are human, healthy, and legitimate reactions to an unstable environment. However, for them to remain manageable, they should only be temporary. When these feelings persist over long periods, they can have a significant impact on quality of life and may lead to the search for quick relief — such as substance use.

Using Substances to Self-Soothe: A Human Reflex

When we are stressed, our brain looks for ways to protect us. It seeks to quickly restore a sense of safety or pleasure. Alcohol or other drugs may then appear to be effective ways to ease anxiety or distress. This reflex is common. It can feel like a way to “numb” emotions, disconnect, or find a sense of temporary well-being.

The close connection between certain mental health issues (such as anxiety and depression) and substance use has been demonstrated in many studies. This is known as co-occurring disorders or concurrent disorders.

However, this relief is often short-lived. Over time, substance use can:

• increase symptoms of anxiety or depression;
• disrupt sleep and energy levels;
• lead to loss of control or even dependence.

Taking Care of Yourself and Reaching Out for Help

When the outside world becomes hard to handle, there are other strategies available to soothe yourself. This could include simple things like going for a walk, exercising, expressing your feelings by writing or talking to someone you trust, engaging in creative activities, or practising breathing exercises.

It’s also important to manage your exposure to the news. Without completely disconnecting from what’s happening in the world, you can learn to stay informed without being overwhelmed by the constant stream of information.

Finally, it’s healthy to ask for help when the challenge feels too big and you feel like you’re running out of resources to cope. Our counsellors are here to listen, support you, and help you identify the reasons behind your substance use, manage your consumption, and build strategies to regain control. Contact us at 1-800-265-2626 or via the chat window at the bottom right of the screen. It’s free, confidential, and available 24/7.

If you’re looking for specialized mental health services, recreational activities, peer support groups, or any other resource to help you shift your focus, contact 211 Grand Montréal/Gatineau or 211 Québec Régions by dialling 211. Thousands of community-based services are available across Quebec, free or low-cost.

Ce contenu a été traduit grâce au soutien du Secrétariat aux relations avec les Québécois d’expression anglaise.