Feeling stressed out? You're not alone! Stress is a natural part of life, but it can become overwhelming and even addictive if left unchecked. In this article, we'll explore the purpose of stress, when it becomes too much, and what stress addiction is all about.

What is the Purpose of Stress?

Stress is a bodily function that serves to protect us from harm. We can think of our stress response like the cavalry coming in with extra resources and energy to assist against perceived threats. The human brain and body work together to prepare you to best survive that danger through the fight, flight, or freeze response.

When is Stress Too Much?

Stress is a part of life, and we are generally equipped to deal with it. If someone cuts you off in traffic, for example, you are likely to have a physical and emotional response preceded by a surge of adrenaline and cortisol. In everyday situations, stress will rise and fall like a wave. You may feel flushed, notice your heart rate increase, tense your shoulders, and feel anger or fear. However, once the threat is removed or resolved, the body regulates back to its baseline, and stress is released. Normal physiological functioning returns. In chronic or extreme stress, there is inadequate opportunity for the body to return to baseline functioning because the threat or danger is still present.

Signs of chronic or extreme stress include anxiety and panic disorders, neglecting self-care or relationships, as well as fatigue, body aches, brain fog, poor sleep, and inability to relax.

Round and Round on the Stress Cycle

What is Stress Addiction?

Stress addiction refers to a pattern of behavior where one consciously or unconsciously seeks out stress-inducing situations to experience the physical or emotional impact of stress. Benefits of stress may include a feeling of excitement, overcoming challenges, facing fears, and reaching a goal.

There are everyday examples of when one may choose to enter a stressful situation, such as riding a scary roller coaster or taking an exam to reach a goal. Stress can also serve as a distraction or avoidance of unwanted emotions or situations. While not an official diagnosis, stress addiction is a helpful framework to consider when helping clients understand patterns of behavior they are having difficulty changing.

Why Does Stress Addiction Occur?

All behaviors have payoffs as well as costs. Addiction occurs when the behavior is habitually sought out despite significant costs or consequences. The reward of ongoing stress can serve as a "hit" of dopamine or a dose of acceptance and approval, leading to ignoring other warning signs, such as poor health or concerned friends.

A number of factors contribute to the development of stress addiction, including personality, culture, emotional regulation skills, and history of stressful experiences. Common traits in those dealing with stress addiction include perfectionism, lack of social support, low self-esteem, and unresolved trauma or grief. High demand jobs, a lack of coping skills, poor self-care, and a belief that ties self-worth to the feeling of stress can pave the way to stress addiction if left unchecked.

Signs of Stress Addiction

Stress, in and of itself, is not a bad thing. It can be an incredible motivator and works as part of our body's overall system of checks and balances. However, when someone continues to seek out more work, more projects, more accomplishment in light of negative personal consequences, these are signs of possible stress addiction. This is particularly true when that person wants and tries to change the pattern of behavior but is unable to do so.

Am I Addicted to Stress?

Are you always seeking out stressful situations, even when they come at a cost to your personal life or health? Do you find yourself constantly overwhelmed with deadlines and commitments, yet unable to say no to taking on more work? If so, you may be addicted to stress.

Other signs to look out for include feeling restless or bored without stress, struggling to relax or unwind, and using stress as a way to avoid dealing with other emotions or issues. Remember, it's important to seek help if you suspect you may be addicted to stress. A therapist or support group can help you break the cycle and restore balance to your life.

How to Treat Stress Addiction

A psychotherapist specializing in stress can help break the cycle of stress addiction. Therapies such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) are two approaches that I recommend. The usual techniques for reducing stress also apply for stress addiction as well, e.g., mindfulness, meditation, exercise, and social support.

Our psychotherapists take a holistic approach to helping break the cycle of stress addiction and restore balance. Schedule a free 15-minute consultation to see how we can help.

By Stacey Wright