Understanding 1:
Stress is the body protecting you When the nervous system detects threat, it mobilizes energy (heart rate, vigilance, cortisol). What you can do: Name it: “My system thinks I’m in danger.” That alone reduces shame and panic.
Understanding 2:
Stress narrows attention toward immediate relief Under threat, the brain prioritizes short-term survival over long-term goals—making cravings louder and self-control harder. What you can do: Reduce choices to one next step: drink water / step outside / text someone / delay 10 minutes.
Understanding 3:
Stress can “borrow” addiction as a coping tool Addiction often shifts from pleasure-seeking to relief-seeking when stress systems overactivate. What you can do: Build a “relief ladder”: small relief before dangerous relief (cold water, paced breathing, walking, music, reaching out).
