Addictions may arise when someone tries to escape from the stresses of their life. Addictions may also cause their own stress - to the addict and to those who are close to and care about the addict.
Codependence occurs when someone - a spouse, a family member, a friend - becomes preoccupied with the well-being of the addict. By trying to take care of the addict, a loved one can enable the addict's habits, by shielding them from the consequences of their actions and reinforcing their denial that there is indeed a problem with their behavior. The stress caused by codependence can cause symptoms such as worry, anxiety, and self-neglect. For those going through codependence, learn the C.A.R.E.S.S.
method for recovery.
If your addiction is to cigarette smoking, there are different approaches to quitting smoking. It's important to understand the consequences of the habit and to prepare yourself for the quitting process.
Some addictions require long-term programs for recovery that may involve detoxification, medication, and counseling. If you would like to find assistance with addiction recovery, check out some of the resources that are available in the community.
Whatever the relationship between stress and addiction, there are ways to recover and find balance.