Grief and loss can add to substance abuse problems, just like these feelings often come from addiction. Before substance abuse becomes uncontrolled, many people use alcohol or drugs to lessen their depression or loss-related pain. Then in addiction, they continue the cycle. But the addiction actually increases their feelings of grief and adds to their losses.

Losses experienced in addiction include damaged relationships, lost jobs, money problems, and health problems. You can see how, if you suffer grief and turn to drugs or alcohol for relief, these new problems from addiction only make your situation worse. But by the time you realize this, you feel lost to the cycle of addiction, using drugs or alcohol to numb your grief and experiencing loss from the substances at the same time.