Substance Use: The Beliefs That Keep Us Stuck

When we think about substance use, we often focus on the substance itself. But in my work as a counsellor, I find that a big part of what keeps people stuck is something less visible: the beliefs we develop about what a substance does for us. In this post and the short video below, I use drinking as an example, but the same ideas can apply to many kinds of substance use.

How beliefs about drinking develop

Many people come to rely on drinking as they form beliefs about how it supports them. Over time, those beliefs can make certain situations feel harder to face without it. Two of the most common are:

• "It helps with my anxiety." For example, feeling more relaxed in social settings.
• "It helps me cope with stress." For example, getting through a hard day when things become difficult.

These beliefs often feel true in the moment, and that is exactly what makes them so powerful. When something seems to work right away, it is easy to keep reaching for it.

The short term versus the bigger picture

The relief a substance seems to offer usually shows up in the first few minutes or hours. What tends to get left out of the story is what follows afterwards:

• Anxiety and overthinking: drinking may seem to quiet worry in the moment, yet it can also bring worry, regret and overthinking later on.
• Stress: it may seem to make a difficult day easier to get through, while creating guilt, regret or new problems down the line.

When only the short-term relief is counted, the belief "it helps me" can stay firmly in place, even as the longer-term costs add up. This gap between how something feels in the moment and what it creates over time is one of the reasons habits can be so hard to change.

Why this isn't about willpower or judgment

Beliefs like these usually develop for understandable reasons. They often start as a way of managing something real, such as anxiety, stress or difficult emotions. Looking at them honestly isn't about judging ourselves. It is about seeing the full picture, so the whole story is part of the conversation rather than just the moment of relief.

How counselling can help

Exploring these beliefs is often an important part of addictions counselling. In session, we can look more closely at the beliefs that keep a habit going, what may be underneath them, and healthier ways of coping with anxiety and stress. Approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and EMDR are some of the ways this work can be approached.

If this topic resonates with you, I've also shared a short video below that walks through these ideas. If you or someone you care about could use support, I offer a free 15-minute consultation, in person in Surrey or virtually across BC and Canada.

This post is for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional care. If you are in crisis, please call or text 9-8-8 or call 911.