Grief & Addiction

Grief is a universal experience that touches nearly everyone at some point in their lives. With over 580,000 deaths in England and Wales in 2023, most of these losses leave behind one to five people deeply affected. In the wake of such loss, the overwhelming feelings of grief can become unbearable for some, leading them to seek comfort or escape through unhealthy coping mechanisms like substance use.

What is grief?

Grief is a natural emotional response to loss, and it’s something all humans experience at some point in their lives. It can feel overwhelming, like a heavy weight on your chest, but it’s also deeply personal, varying from one person to the next. Whether it’s the loss of a loved one, the end of a relationship or even a significant life change, grief helps us process the emotional impact of what we’ve lost.

But why do we feel grief? At its core, grief is the mind’s way of coping with change. It forces us to confront the loss, helping us gradually adjust to a new reality. In many ways, grief protects us. It does this by slowing down our emotional processing, and it gives us the time needed to heal. It’s our way of honouring what was important to us and finding a path forward.

Grief also connects us to others. When we share our feelings, we often find comfort in knowing we’re not alone. So, while it’s painful, grief serves a purpose: it helps us adapt, find meaning and, eventually, move forward. But it must be remembered that the pace is different for everyone.

What are the recognised types of grief?

Grief comes in many forms, and it’s important to understand the different types so that we can better support ourselves or our loved ones during difficult times. Sometimes, grief is obvious, like after the loss of someone close. Other times, it can be harder to recognise, making it all the more important to be aware of how it can show up in unexpected ways.

Understanding these types of grief allows us to keep an eye on our emotional well-being and offer the right kind of support to those around us.

Here are some common types of grief:

Anticipatory grief: This occurs when we know a loss is coming, such as when someone is terminally ill. It’s the process of grieving before the loss happens.
Complicated grief: This type of grief doesn’t follow the typical healing process and can linger or worsen over time. It may leave someone feeling stuck or unable to move forward.
Disenfranchised grief: This happens when the loss isn’t openly acknowledged or publicly mourned. Examples can include the death of an ex-partner or a miscarriage. It can be isolating because the grief may not feel validated.
Cumulative grief: When multiple losses happen close together, this type of grief can build up, making it even harder to cope.

By understanding these different forms of grief, we can offer compassion to ourselves and others, recognising that everyone processes loss in their own way. This awareness makes it easier to seek or provide the support needed.

Are grief and addiction linked?

Grief and addiction can be closely linked. When someone experiences deep grief, the overwhelming emotions can sometimes lead to unhealthy coping mechanisms, including substance use. For many, substances like alcohol or drugs may seem like a temporary escape from the pain, helping to numb the emotional intensity of loss. Over time, this can lead to dependence or addiction, as the person repeatedly turns to substances to manage their feelings of grief.

Addiction can also complicate the grieving process. Instead of working through the stages of grief (denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance), substance use might block or delay these natural emotional responses. This avoidance can lead to unresolved grief, prolonging the emotional suffering.

On the flip side, addiction itself can cause grief. If someone loses control over their life due to addiction, they may grieve the person they once were or the relationships and opportunities lost as a result of their substance use. Families and loved ones may also experience their own form of grief, mourning the person they knew before addiction took hold.

Can grief and addiction be treated together?

Grief and addiction can be treated together, and here at Liberty House, we are well-equipped to help with both. While we don’t offer specific rehab programmes for grief, many of the therapies we use in our addiction rehab programmes are also incredibly effective in addressing grief. Here’s how some of these therapies can help with both grief and addiction recovery:

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

CBT focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns that fuel both grief and addiction. When dealing with grief, we use CBT to help individuals reframe thoughts that may lead to feelings of guilt, anger or helplessness, allowing them to process their loss in a healthier way. For addiction, CBT is instrumental in challenging destructive thoughts that lead to substance use, providing tools to manage cravings and avoid relapse.

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)

DBT is one of the therapies we offer that emphasises emotional regulation and mindfulness, which can be especially helpful when someone is overwhelmed by grief or addiction. Grief can cause intense emotional reactions and DBT teaches techniques to manage those emotions without resorting to harmful behaviours like substance use. We also encourage the acceptance of painful emotions through DBT, helping individuals move through grief rather than avoiding it.

One-to-one counselling

In our one-to-one counselling sessions, we provide a safe space for individuals to express their grief and explore its impact on their lives. In addiction treatment, our counsellors work closely with individuals to uncover the root causes of their addiction, which may include unresolved grief. By addressing both grief and addiction together, we help individuals heal and offer strategies to cope with both losses and the challenges of recovery.

Holistic therapies

We believe that holistic approaches like art therapy and yoga offer powerful outlets for processing emotions. For those experiencing grief, art therapy helps individuals express feelings that are difficult to verbalise, while yoga promotes mindfulness and physical healing. In addiction recovery, both therapies help individuals reconnect with their bodies and emotions, reducing stress and encouraging healthier coping mechanisms.

What’s next?

If you or a loved one are struggling with both grief and addiction, Liberty House is here to help. Our compassionate team provides tailored support through therapies designed to address both issues, creating a safe space for healing. Don’t let grief and addiction control your life, reach out to us today and take the first step toward recovery and emotional well-being. We’re with you every step of the way.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to help someone dealing with grief?

To help someone dealing with grief, offer emotional support by being present and listening without judgement. Encourage them to express their feelings and avoid rushing their healing process. Professional support like grief counselling or therapy may also be beneficial for deeper guidance.

What causes grief?

Grief can be caused by various types of loss, such as the death of a loved one, relationship breakdown, job loss or even changes in health. It may also occur after less obvious losses, like moving away from home or the end of a significant phase in life.

What addictions are commonly associated with grief?

Grief is often linked to substance use as a way to cope with overwhelming emotions. Common addictions associated with grief include alcohol, prescription medications like sedatives and illicit drugs. Some may also develop behavioural addictions, such as gambling or overeating, to numb their pain.

(Click here to see works cited)

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Anna Parisi, et al. “The Relationship between Substance Misuse and Complicated Grief: A Systematic Review.” Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, Pergamon, 23 May 2019, www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0740547218305749.
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