“It makes me feel”

Substances like alcohol or drugs can act as a temporary escape from the emotional barriers and defenses that individuals often construct to protect themselves from pain, trauma, or difficult emotions. These substances have the ability to alter brain chemistry, inducing feelings of relaxation, euphoria, or numbness, which can serve as a respite from the inner turmoil or distress that individuals may be experiencing. In this altered state, people may feel more uninhibited or less guarded, allowing suppressed emotions to surface more easily.

For many, the decision to turn to substances as a means of breaking down emotional defenses is often driven by a desire to alleviate emotional pain or to seek relief from overwhelming stressors in their lives. By numbing themselves through substance use, individuals may feel a temporary sense of relief from the intensity of their emotions or the weight of unresolved issues. However, this relief is often short-lived and comes at the cost of potential long-term consequences, including addiction, physical health problems, and exacerbation of underlying mental health issues.

While substances may provide a temporary reprieve from emotional distress, they do not address the root causes of these feelings and can ultimately perpetuate a cycle of avoidance and dependency. Over time, reliance on substances to cope with emotions can lead to increased emotional dysregulation and difficulty in developing healthier coping mechanisms. Instead of relying on substances, seeking support from trusted friends, family, or mental health professionals can offer more sustainable strategies for processing and managing difficult emotions, fostering genuine healing and growth.