In today's world, many people turn to substances such as alcohol, drugs, or cigarettes to cope with their unmet desires and emotions. This is because substances provide temporary relief from pain and anxiety caused by unfulfillment, which can be extremely distressing. Substances are often used to numb one's feelings and forget about their problems for a short time.
This solution comes at a price - addiction and dependency. Addiction develops when someone becomes physically or psychologically dependent on substances, leading them to seek out more of it even if they know that it harms their health and wellbeing.
The link between unmet desire and substance use is strong because unfulfilled longings trigger powerful emotional reactions in the brain that drive individuals towards seeking out ways to feel better, and sometimes these methods include drugs or alcohol abuse. When there is an imbalance in our lives, wherein something important is missing but cannot be obtained easily or immediately, we may try to make up for it through various means, including substance use. It has been observed that those who lack social connection or intimacy tend to turn to substances for comfort, while those who struggle financially may look for solace in excessive drinking or gambling. In addition, some people may resort to drug use due to depression brought upon by job loss or relationship difficulties.
The effects of unmet desires manifest differently depending on individual circumstances. But regardless of how people choose to deal with unfulfillment, research shows that substance use as a coping strategy leads to worse outcomes than other alternatives such as therapy or healthier lifestyle choices like exercise or mindfulness meditation practices. Withdrawal symptoms from substance addiction can also exacerbate underlying issues which led one down this path in the first place, further complicating matters. As a result, finding effective ways to address underlying emotions without turning to substances is essential for improving overall mental and physical health.
How does unfulfilled desire contribute to substance use as a coping strategy?
The American Psychological Association defines unmet needs as "the psychological state that arises when an individual experiences a difference between what they need or want (a 'need') and what they have". When people experience this condition, they may be driven to turn to substances as a way of self-medicating their emotions.