Election years often bring heightened emotions, stress, anxiety, and uncertainty about the future. The climate can feel overwhelming, whether it’s the constant stream of political news, heated online and offline debates, or the uncertainty of future outcomes due to policy changes.
While election years affect everyone, those struggling with addiction or in recovery are more vulnerable to increased substance use due to stress, anxiety, and poor sleep. Let’s explore the relationship between divisive elections, mental health, and substance use.
The Psychological Impact of Election Years
Election years can have a significant effect on mental health and substance use. More broadly, any divisive political event has the potential to influence our mood, sleep, and even our propensity for substance use.
The US has gone through various highly divisive elections over the past years, and their mental toll on people can be measured. For example, researchers found a link between the 2020 election and worsening emotional well-being.
These are some of the ways any divisive political election cycle can affect people’s mental health.
Increased Stress and Anxiety
Election years are notorious for generating stress. The 24-hour media coverage, polarizing social media debates, and constant focus on political battles can wear down people. A 2020 Pew Research Center study determined that 55% of people feel “worn out” by political posts and discussions.
This increase in stress and anxiety may be caused by feeling overwhelmed by the unpredictability of future policies and their potential impact on everyday life.
Polarization and Social Tension
Election periods often intensify political polarization, creating social divisions and strained relationships. The environment can feel tense at family gatherings, workspaces, or online.
People may experience emotional distress from these heightened tensions, leading them to seek temporary relief through substances like alcohol or drugs.
Fear of the Future
Worrying about the potential outcome of an election and what it means for our financial, social, or personal lives can fuel fear and anxiety.
For some, this uncertainty over policy changes, economic instability, or healthcare becomes too much to handle, which may result in self-medicating behaviors with alcohol or other substances.
The Link Between Election Years and Substance Use
Mental illness and substance use have a well-known relationship. Mental illness has the potential to lead to or worsen substance use and vice versa. This combination may lead to some people feeling psychologically worse due to the election cycle and turning to substances as a coping mechanism.
These are some of the ways election years can influence substance use.
Stress-Induced Substance Use
When stress levels increase, people may turn to substances to manage their emotions. For example, alcohol, illegal drugs, or prescription medications can become a coping mechanism for some. Unfortunately, these substances only provide temporary relief and often lead to more significant substance use issues, including dependence or addiction.
Social Drinking and Peer Pressure
Election campaigns often involve social events, rallies, and gatherings, which can lead to increased alcohol consumption. Whether it’s a watch party with friends or any other political event, these social settings can encourage more drinking. For vulnerable individuals or those in recovery, this social pressure can be a trigger for relapse or increased substance use.
Sleep Disruptions
As mentioned above, election days can lead to worse public moods and worse sleep quality for some people. Having trouble sleeping may motivate some to misuse substances like alcohol and sleep medications to fall asleep.
Combining these two is particularly risky, as they may enhance each other’s effects and could lead to negative effects and increase the risk of overdose.
Impact on Recovery and Vulnerable Populations
The serious mental health effects of the election cycle can take an especially heavy toll on people who are already in recovery for substance use or have a higher propensity for addiction. These are some ways vulnerable people may be impacted by election years.
Higher Risk of Relapse Due to Stress and Anxiety
For people in recovery, election years pose unique challenges. The increased stress, anxiety, and social pressures can elevate the risk of relapse. Maintaining sobriety requires focus and stability, both of which are harder to achieve when emotions are running high. The fear of relapsing adds an extra layer of stress for those already in recovery from addiction.
Uncertainty in Vulnerable Populations
Marginalized communities, already dealing with discrimination, economic instability, or systemic issues, may feel the effects of election years more acutely. The fear of policy changes that could impact their rights, access to resources, or personal safety can push individuals in these groups toward substance use as a coping mechanism.
Policy Changes and Access to Care
Elections often bring about changes in healthcare policy, which can significantly affect access to addiction treatment and mental health services. For people struggling with substance use, the uncertainty surrounding healthcare policies can create additional stress, further complicating their recovery process.
Managing Stress and Avoiding Substance Use During Election Years
While election cycles can be mentally overwhelming and lead to increased substance use, there are ways to limit their effects on our mental health. Consider using the following strategies if you feel like political discussions are worsening your emotional well-being.
Limit Media Consumption
One of the most effective ways to reduce election-related stress is to limit exposure to political news and social media. Taking breaks from the constant flow of information allows for mental space and reduces anxiety.
Additionally, consume news only from reputable sources and avoid sources that provide highly sensationalized content.
Learn Healthy Coping Mechanisms
Instead of turning to substances, engaging in healthy coping strategies can make a significant difference. Exercise, meditation, hobbies, and spending time with supportive friends and family are all ways to combat stress without jeopardizing recovery.
Stay Connected with Support Networks
Staying in touch with support systems, whether a recovery group, therapist, or close friends, is crucial. Open communication and regular check-ins can help individuals in recovery remain grounded during the emotionally charged election period.
Be Mindful of Triggers
Understanding personal triggers, such as stressful events or specific people, can help those in recovery plan ahead. Having strategies to avoid or manage these triggers can be the key to staying sober during a challenging time.
Election Years Can Be Overwhelming, But You Can Do Something About It
Election years are mentally intense. Being constantly surrounded by political debates off and online can be mentally draining, and research shows that it can lead to worse mental health, disrupted sleep, and increased substance use. However, election years don’t have to derail sobriety or mental well-being.
By managing stress, practicing healthy coping mechanisms, staying connected with support networks, and consuming media responsibly from reputable sources, it’s possible to navigate this period without falling into substance use.
For those feeling overwhelmed, we encourage you to seek help from your primary healthcare and specialized addiction professionals.
