This week is National Grief Awareness Week – which aims to make people aware of the effect of grief and loss throughout the UK, and to make people who are experiencing bereavement aware of the support and organisations that exist to help them. The week is also designated for helping others to better understand grief and how to support those in need. Grief can trigger addiction.
Losing someone you love is a very personal and painful experience.
Even if the person who died has lived a full life and their death is expected and part of the ‘circle of life’. Their loss can leave a huge hole in your life. You miss them being there for you to talk to, visit, to hold. You miss the very essence of their being and what they meant to you. It can be just the everyday things you miss – not being able to share some news or going to visit. Or it can be their absence at a family event at which they are most missed.
For some people, the death was not at all expected if sudden or accidental, for example, and this can bring a whole new level of emotion and pain. Those left behind will struggle to accept that their loved one is no longer with them. They can be in shock. They may have to adjust to the fact that things were left undone that should have been done. Not having a chance to say how much loved they were or they may even have some guilt and shame if they were not on good terms at the time of death.
If you know someone who has recently been bereaved, do not ignore them because you do not know what to say. For most people in early bereavement they want to hear from you and any thoughts you may have on the person they have lost. It is a great comfort.
Many people find temporary relief in alcohol (or other mood altering substances) at a time of grief
In extreme circumstances, medication may be prescribed in order to help us through the early grieving period. There is nothing especially wrong with taking prescribed medication, or having a drink to provide some comfort so long as we do not become dependent on it.
It is likely that any prescribed medication for this purpose will be addictive so it is important to only take the prescribed dosage. Not to take the medication for too long a period. It is also very easy to over indulge in alcohol which only helps us to avoid our grief and pain – which still has to be faced at some time. If those grieving drink too much, it can add to the general pain and disturbance in the household as they are not in a fit state to be emotionally present for the rest of the family.
Sadly some families are left to grieve for loved ones who have their lives curtailed far too soon as the results of alcohol and drug abuse.
Some of these people have died from accidental overdose or organ failure or by other accidental means. (such as asphyxiation if they have vomited while comatose, or due to a fit in withdrawal for example). However, far too often people with addiction issues take their own lives. This is absolutely devastating for the loved ones left behind. Some may feel angry about it, too. It seems and is so unnecessary as anyone addicted can get well and back to being happy if they get the help they need.
Please call the Haynes Clinic for free advice on 01462 851414