Since the pandemic in the early 2020s, people have been dealing with collective stressors. This has included social isolation, disrupted personal and work routines, economic instability, and unsettling global events that created uncertainty. Though most tried to manage the additional stress, eventually their coping skills began to weaken due to the continuous onslaught.
Though stress can adversely affect anyone, it can become especially difficult to deal with when in recovery. The risk of relapse increases the longer they endure the emotional overload. Continuous stress can cause nervous system dysregulation. Isolation can make the situation worse.
Addiction treatment professionals have adapted to help those in distress deal with the anxiety in their lives and overcome the challenges that can make it difficult to remain in recovery. Mehrnaz Ravanbakhsh, LMFT, clinical director at New Beginnings Detox, emphasizes that the first step of healing is the hardest, which is why compassionate support is necessary throughout the entire process.
“Isolation doesn’t just increase the risk of substance use; it reinforces the belief that someone has to cope alone. When people feel disconnected, substances often become a substitute for safety or belonging,” explains Caitlin Moore, clinical director of Stone River Behavioral Health.
The Biology of Stress and Cravings
Stress isn’t just in a person’s head; the body responds to it as well and activates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Stress hormones, such as cortisol, are released to help a person respond to perceived threats. This is supposed to be a short-term response, but chronic stress can keep the HPA axis active, which affects emotional regulation and impulse control. If this happens, it increases the chances of a relapse.
“Social isolation impacts both mental and physical health, increasing stress hormones and weakening emotional resilience,” says Dr. Clint Salo, the medical director of The Grove Recovery Community.
Patterns Emerging During High-Stress Periods
During times of prolonged stress, clinicians have noted there is an increase in relapse patterns. Those struggling often withdraw from their support systems, hiding the fact that they are struggling and feeling shame for being tempted to return to old, destructive habits. Clinicians note that these are precursors to relapse.
“Respect, safety, and clear communication are non-negotiable now. People are coming in at incredibly vulnerable moments, and they expect a treatment team that meets them where they are,” says Dr. Aleksandr Kaipov, board-certified psychiatrist at Flagler Health and Wellness.
Early Warning Signs
Patients and their families can watch for warning signs that indicate stress is starting to affect their recovery. If someone starts isolating themselves from important relationships in their lives and avoiding their therapy or recovery meetings, this is a reason for concern. If they start to exhibit behaviors like heightened anxiety, irritability, or appearing emotionally numb, this can be an indicator of being overloaded by stress.
“Humans are wired for connection, and when that need isn’t met, substances can become a coping mechanism,” says Bethsaida Rivera, clinical director of Garden Springs Wellness.
Protective Strategies
“Detox addresses the physical side of addiction, but isolation often remains one of the biggest relapse triggers,” says Dr. Sanjai Thankachen, medical director of New Leaf Detox.
Clinicians can help patients with evidence-based therapies that can help those in recovery manage stress, regulate their emotions, strengthen their coping skills, and reduce the risk of relapse. They may do this through skill-building, structured activities, and community support.
Mindfulness and medication can help regulate stress, while physical activity is a natural stress reliever. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help patients identify their stressors, and a structured routine can help alleviate feelings of being overwhelmed. Connecting with others through community engagement and group therapy can help provide a support system.
“Community creates a protective buffer against relapse. When individuals feel seen and supported, they’re more likely to reach out before returning to substance use,” says Samantha Marxen, clinical director of Cliffside Recovery.
