Substance use is another example of a maladaptive behavior that can be used to cope with stress and unpleasant thoughts and feelings. Often, the goal for using substances can be an escape from reality which then allows a person to cope with their stressors without feeling their full impact. However, substance use can quickly evolve into substance abuse and addiction if the triggering stressors are not addressed or resolved. Using substances like drugs and alcohol to cope can lead to an array of consequences, such as financial strain, problems with finding and maintaining employment, health consequences, negative effects on relationships, and addiction. Addressing and processing other maladaptive behaviors, like avoidance, can be an excellent starting point for preventing the escalation into further, more detrimental maladaptive behaviors, such as substance use.
Maladaptive behaviors are extremely common in our everyday life, at times they are even our default coping tools. Awareness of these behaviors and acknowledgment of their consequences is the beginning of creating change and implementing more healthy and productive tools to cope. Avoidance, anger/aggression, and substance use are not the only maladaptive behaviors one can experience. In the event of a stressor, confusing thought, or difficult emotion, asking yourself “Is the way I typically approach this the healthiest option?” can be a great initiator of change.
Reference:
American Psychological Association. (n.d.). Apa Dictionary of Psychology. American Psychological Association. https://dictionary.apa.org/maladaptation