How Nightmares Can Affect Addiction
We’ve all had nightmares before. Sometimes,
the nightmare is nonsensical, such as being chased by a monster or falling
forever. Other times, it’s more grounded in reality. We have a nightmare we
lost a relative, or we have a nightmare about losing our jobs. For kids,
nightmares are terrifying. For adults, most of us wake up, realize it was just
a dream, and move on with our days.
However, if you have an addiction,
nightmares can affect it greatly. First, let’s look at what causes nightmares
in the first place.
The Causes of Nightmares
Nightmares can happen anytime, but there
are circumstances that can make them more likely. If you’re stressed, you may
have a nightmare. Grieving over a loved one can lead to nightmares. If you have
a fever, this can cause some strange dreams. Eating before bed can increase
your likelihood of having a nightmare as well.
Then there is withdrawal. If you’ve been
addicted to something, and you try to get off it, nightmares can happen. This
can happen regardless of the drug. Sleeping pills, cigarettes, alcohol, and
hard drugs can all lead to nightmares.
Drug Dreams
Drug dreams, also known as narcotic
nightmares, are when you have nightmares about relapsing, or anything else
related to the drug itself. If you’re recovering from alcohol addiction, you
may have a dream about drinking alcohol. Perhaps the dream will be positive, or
be about you going into a drunken rage. Whatever the case, drug dreams can be
dangerous.
Sure, it’s just a nightmare. You didn’t
actually consume anything. However, a drug dream can make you want to have the
experience again. This can lead to relapse, and you don’t want that.
Analyzing the Dreams
With that said, a drug dream can be an
interesting look into your mind. Your dream may contain secrets that need to be
looked at critically, such as triggers. In the dream, what caused you to want
to take that sip or use that drug? Where was the setting? By looking at these
circumstances, you can try to avoid possible triggers into relapse and keep
yourself clean.
Write down your dreams and look at them
later. Sometimes, the dream will fade fast, so as you wake up, write it down
and look at it later. Also, if you’re stumped about the meaning of these dreams
you can talk about your dreams to a therapist who can figure out why it is you’re
having these dreams, and what you can learn from them.
Since the dawn of humankind, we’ve tried
analyzing our dreams to find meaning in them. Sometimes, there is no meaning.
But for drug dreams, there usually is a secret your mind is trying to tell you.
Preventing Drug Dreams
They will go away on their own as the drugs
leave your body. In the meantime, you can reduce your chances of drug dreams
by:
- Working out. Exercise can help calm the body and prevent you from having nightmares.
- Try relieving any sources of stress you may have. Too much stress can lead to nightmares.
- Relax before you rest. Dedicate an hour to unwinding. Take a hot bath, read a book, or do whatever it is that calms you down.
- Don’t eat too close to bedtime. This can stimulate your mind and lead to nightmares.
By conquering your nightmares, you’ll take
one step closer to achieving sobriety. Don’t give into your nightmares.
By Marie Miguel
Marie Miguel Biography
Marie Miguel has been a writing and research expert for nearly a decade, covering a variety of health-related topics. Currently, she is contributing to the expansion and growth of a free online mental health resource with Better Help. With an interest and dedication to addressing stigmas associated with mental health, she continues to specifically target subjects related to anxiety and depression.
