In the aftermath of a profound loss, grief can stir up addiction triggers — emotions and memories that lead to an impulse to use a substance again. Triggers do not necessarily result in relapse, yet they make it more difficult to resist the urge to use drugs or alcohol. A study examining the relationship between alcohol use and bereavement found that men bereaved for two years are two times more likely to have an alcohol use disorder than men who are not experiencing grief.
People suffering from complicated grief — a form of grief that does not improve even with time, affecting at least 7% of bereaved people — are especially vulnerable to developing an addiction or relapsing as they attempt to cope. Because triggers more intensely affect people experiencing a loved one’s death, it is vital to maintain your recovery plan and utilize coping skills learned through therapy at this time.