Grief & Addiction

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.

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.

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:

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.