If you have lost someone close to you, you know the power of grief. You may experience feelings of deep sadness, anger, anxiety, or even physical symptoms. While grief typically follows a natural progression, becoming more manageable over time, this is not always the case. For some, grief becomes all-consuming, never easing, never allowing space to heal. This is known as complicated grief, a condition that can make daily life feel impossible. In many cases, individuals struggling with complicated grief turn to substances to numb the pain. Unfortunately, this only deepens the struggle, creating a cycle that is difficult to break without professional help.
Understanding Complicated Grief and Its Symptoms
Grief is an expected response to loss, and it takes time to work through. However, complicated grief is different—it lingers, intensifies, and prevents you from moving forward. Unlike typical grief, which eventually allows for healing, complicated grief remains stuck in an overwhelming state of mourning, making it difficult to function.
Some common symptoms of complicated grief include:
- Persistent, intense sadness that does not ease with time.
- Preoccupation with the deceased, making it difficult to focus on anything else.
- Difficulty accepting the loss, feeling as though it isn’t real.
- Intense loneliness and social withdrawal.
- Avoidance of reminders, such as certain places or anniversaries.
- Anger or bitterness toward oneself, others, or even the deceased.
- Emotional numbness or feeling detached from the world.
- Physical symptoms, such as headaches, fatigue, or stomach issues.
Certain risk factors increase the likelihood of developing complicated grief and can all contribute to this prolonged form of mourning. Factors may include:
- Sudden or violent deaths
- Lack of a support system
- Past mental health struggles
- Unresolved conflicts with the deceased
The Connection Between Complicated Grief and Substance Use
When the pain of loss feels unbearable, many people seek relief by using drugs or alcohol. Substance use provides a temporary escape, numbing emotions and creating a false sense of relief. However, this coping mechanism comes at a cost.
Substance use does not erase grief—it only suppresses it. Over time, reliance on drugs or alcohol can lead to addiction, creating a dangerous cycle. What starts as an attempt to manage sorrow can quickly spiral into dependency, worsening mental health and making it even harder to process grief in a healthy way. This is why a dual-diagnosis approach—one that treats both substance use and complicated grief—is crucial for lasting recovery.
How Stone River Recovery Center Can Help
At Stone River Recovery Center in San Antonio, Texas, we understand that healing from complicated grief requires more than just time—it requires support, understanding, and professional intervention. Our dual-diagnosis treatment program is designed to address both substance use disorder and the underlying grief that may have contributed to it.
Comprehensive Therapy Approaches
- Complicated grief therapy (CGT). A specialized form of therapy designed to help individuals process their loss, gradually accept the reality of the loss and rebuild their lives.
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). Helps identify negative thought patterns and develop healthier coping mechanisms.
- Grief counseling. Provides a safe space to express emotions, share memories, and find meaning after loss.
- Group therapy. Connects you with others who understand your pain, offering mutual support and encouragement.
- Family therapy. Strengthens relationships and helps your family and loved ones understand how to support you during your healing journey.
Medical Support and Holistic Healing
- Medication management. For individuals struggling with severe depression or anxiety, medications such as antidepressants can be beneficial.
- Medical detox for substance use. If addiction has developed, a medically supervised detox ensures a safe and comfortable withdrawal process.
- Mindfulness and relaxation techniques. Practices like meditation, yoga, and breathing exercises can help manage emotional distress.
- Nutritional support and wellness activities. A healthy body supports a healthy mind, aiding in emotional regulation and physical recovery.
Taking the First Step Toward Healing
Complicated grief and substance use can create a devastating cycle that feels impossible to escape. But you do not have to go through this alone. At Stone River Recovery Center, our skilled team is here to provide the compassionate care and professional guidance you need to heal. If you or someone you love is struggling with complicated grief and substance use, please contact us today.
