The Role of Sleep Disorders in Addiction & Mental Health

Sleep is essential for maintaining emotional stability, enhancing memory, and promoting brain recovery. But if you're in addiction recovery, you might find it challenging to catch a good night sleep because of withdrawal symptoms, nutrient deficiencies, and the effects of past substance use on the body's natural sleep-wake cycle. Sleep disorders are another common concern in addiction recovery.

In fact, the impacts of addiction on the natural sleep regulation process have been thought to cause or exacerbate sleep disorders. And the relationship is bidirectional. Sleep disorders, too, can lead to addiction and mental and physical health issues. The three are closely intertwined, with studies showing that one increases the risk of the other.

The Bidirectional Relationship Between Sleep Disorders and Addiction

Sleep disorders and substance use disorders are closely linked through complex neurobiological mechanisms. Each condition can both contribute to and exacerbate the other, creating a cycle that is difficult to break without integrated care.

How Sleep Disorders Can Contribute to Addiction

Sleep disorders such as restless leg syndrome, circadian rhythm disruptions, and obstructive sleep apnea can increase the risk of substance use. The underlying science points to several key mechanisms:

1. Altered Reward Processing

Chronic sleep deprivation affects the brain’s reward circuitry, particularly the dopaminergic system. Lack of sleep causes the brain to become more sensitive to rewards, which can heighten cravings and impulsivity. This heightened sensitivity can increase the likelihood of using substances—such as alcohol, cannabis, or sedatives—as a means of achieving short-term relief or pleasure.

2. Impaired Emotional Regulation

Sleep is essential for regulating mood and managing stress. Inadequate sleep diminishes the function of the prefrontal cortex (responsible for decision-making and self-control) while increasing amygdala reactivity (associated with stress and emotional responses). This imbalance contributes to mood swings, anxiety, and poor judgment—factors commonly associated with increased substance use and relapse risk.

3. Activation of the Stress Response System

Persistent insomnia and other sleep disorders activate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, the body’s central stress response system. Chronic activation leads to elevated cortisol levels, which are associated with higher rates of depression, anxiety, and subsequent self-medication with substances.

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How Substance Use Contributes to Sleep Disorders

Substance use can directly impair sleep quality and disrupt the brain’s natural sleep architecture. These effects may continue well into recovery, particularly during post-acute withdrawal.

1. Circadian Rhythm Disruption

Many substances—including alcohol, stimulants, and opioids—interfere with the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), which governs circadian rhythms. Disruption of this internal clock leads to irregular sleep-wake cycles, delayed sleep onset, and daytime fatigue.

2. Neurotransmitter Imbalances

Substances affect key neurotransmitters that regulate sleep:

Alcohol and fragmented sleep. Alcohol initially increases GABA activity, making it easier to fall asleep. However, it significantly disrupts REM sleep and contributes to early-morning awakenings.
Stimulants and trouble falling asleep. Stimulants such as cocaine and methamphetamine increase dopamine and norepinephrine, prolonging wakefulness and impairing sleep onset.
Cannabis and sleep disruption: particularly with long-term use, may reduce deep sleep and impair overall sleep quality despite initial sedative effects.

3. Long-Term Impact on Sleep Architecture

Substance use can cause lasting alterations in sleep structure. Reduced slow-wave (deep) sleep and REM sleep lead to non-restorative sleep, memory impairment, and emotional instability. These disruptions often persist during early recovery, contributing to post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS)—a set of lingering symptoms including insomnia, irritability, and poor concentration.

The Cycle of Sleep Disruption and Substance Use

Together, these factors create a bidirectional and self-reinforcing cycle:

Sleep disorders increase vulnerability to substance use.
Substance use worsens sleep quality and disrupts recovery.
Poor sleep exacerbates mental health symptoms and relapse risk.

This cycle not only impairs quality of life but also undermines recovery efforts if not properly addressed.

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Why Sleep Matters in Recovery

Quality sleep is essential for rebuilding emotional and cognitive balance during recovery. Sleep supports key functions like emotional regulation, impulse control, and decision-making—skills that are often challenged in early sobriety.

When sleep is disrupted, the brain’s ability to manage stress and resist cravings declines, increasing the risk of relapse. Sleep disturbances can also worsen symptoms of post-acute withdrawal, such as anxiety, mood swings, and low energy.

Structured routines are critical in recovery, but disorders like insomnia or circadian rhythm disruptions can make consistency difficult. Poor sleep undermines progress, making it harder to stay engaged in therapy, maintain relationships, and follow recovery plans.

Healing Your Sleep

Left unaddressed, chronic sleep disturbances can push you to self-medicate in an effort to feel “normal” again. But using substances to cope with sleep loss only restarts the cycle, making both sleep and recovery harder to maintain.

Given the strong interplay between sleep and substance use disorders, treating sleep disturbances should be a core component of addiction recovery. These evidence-based interventions can help restore sleep health and support long-term recovery outcomes:

1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I)

CBT-I is a non-medication therapy widely recommended for sleep issues in addiction recovery. It targets the root causes of insomnia through:

Sleep restriction: Re-aligning time in bed with actual sleep time to build sleep drive
Stimulus control: Associating the bed only with sleep to strengthen mental connections
Relaxation techniques: Including guided breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or meditation
Cognitive reframing: Addressing negative and unhelpful thoughts like "I'll never fall asleep" or "I can’t function tomorrow."

CBT-I helps you sleep better without the risk of developing a dependency on a new substance. This is huge if you’re in recovery.

2. Sleep Hygiene Habits

Practicing good sleep hygiene helps reinforce your body’s natural rhythms and reduce sleep latency (the time it takes to fall asleep). Some useful habits include:

Sleep and wake up at the same time throughout the week
Avoid caffeine and large meals in the evening
Have your evening meals early to give your body time to digest
Limit screen time, especially close to bedtime
Create a sleep-conducive environment that feels safe, cool, quiet, and dark
Engage in calming activities like light yoga, journaling, reading a book, or even practicing mindfulness meditation before you go to sleep

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These changes may seem small, but they can greatly improve your sleep quality and mental clarity.

3. Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) and Sleep

If you're receiving addiction treatment programs involving MAT (e.g., methadone or buprenorphine), your medication could be affecting your sleep. It's worth discussing any sleep issues with your provider. They may adjust your dosage or suggest timing changes to minimize impact.

Non-habit-forming medications, such as trazodone, gabapentin, or melatonin, may be used temporarily under supervision. These options can offer relief from insomnia symptoms without the risks of traditional sleeping pills.

Always avoid over-the-counter sleep aids unless approved by your healthcare provider, especially during recovery. Many OTC sleep aids contain antihistamines, which can lead to next-day drowsiness and long-term tolerance. It is also essential to follow the instructions provided when using the sleep aids.

Sleep As a Recovery Tool

Sleep is not a luxury but rather a necessary part of the work, especially as you progress through your recovery journey.

If you’re struggling with sleep, don’t ignore it. Addressing it can make everything else a little easier. Consult with your provider, explore available support options, and take it seriously. It will help you get the rest you need at night and stay on track during the day. Set one small sleep goal tonight. That’s a real step forward.

Need help navigating recovery and sleep? Reach out to More Than Rehab today. We are here to support your healing every step of the way.

888-249-2191

Overcoming Cocaine Addiction: Effective Treatment Strategies

Cocaine addiction is a chronic and relapsing condition that can affect anyone. Today, millions of Americans have a cocaine use disorder, and millions of others have lost their lives due to cocaine-related complications. If you or a loved one is struggling with cocaine addiction, you should know that treatment is available and recovery is possible. Cocaine addiction treatment can help return you to productive functioning in your home, workplace and community.

What Does Cocaine Addiction Look Like?

Cocaine has a reputation for being extremely addictive. In fact, in cases of crack cocaine, users can become addicted after first use. Cocaine use produces intense yet short-lived effects, which can lead you to take more to re-experience the high.

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Repeated use causes the mind and body to become so used to the drug that you build tolerance to it. At this point, subsequent episodes of drug use will produce decreased levels of pleasure. So, you'll need to take more cocaine often to achieve the desired effects. You may also:

Get withdrawal symptoms like exhaustion, cravings, restlessness or depression when you reduce your dosage or stop using
Notice that you're always thinking about or trying to get the drug
Find it hard to reduce or control the amount you take even if you try to
Disregard friends, family, and work to use cocaine
Be aware of the damage the drug is causing you, but you cannot stop taking it
Become impulsive, dishonest, or reckless
Experience physical symptoms like dilated pupils, chest pains, etc.

Side Effects of Cocaine Use

While cocaine use produces pleasure, feelings of intense wellbeing and even heightened sexual arousal, increasing the doses raises the risk of experiencing adverse effects. Some common side effects of cocaine include:

Heart attacks
Rapid heart rate
Mood swings
Sexual dysfunction
Significant weight loss
Constricted blood vessels
High blood pressure
Cardiac arrest
Overdose

If you notice any of these signs of cocaine addiction in yourself or someone you care about, it is best to seek help. Cocaine addiction is a severe medical condition that needs professional intervention and support.

Quitting cold turkey is not a good idea. You may experience extreme anxiety, depression, seizures, feelings of hopelessness or even suicidal thoughts during withdrawal. There's also the issue with cravings that make you prone to relapse.

That's why it is always a good idea to seek professional help for detox. Professional addiction treatment can make all the difference in reducing these risks.

Effective Treatment Strategies

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Treatment for cocaine addiction can be effective, and many individuals achieve successful recovery with the proper support and interventions. It's essential to recognize that addiction is a complex and chronic condition, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to treatment. However, the following evidence-based treatments and comprehensive strategies are successful in helping individuals overcome cocaine addiction.

Supervised Detox

This is the initial phase of treatment that focuses on safely managing the withdrawal symptoms associated with discontinuing cocaine use. The goal of supervised detox is to help individuals transition through the acute withdrawal phase safely and prepare for the next stages of addiction treatment.

During detox, trained medical professionals closely monitor the patient's physical and mental health. They may give medications to ease withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings. They will also offer emotional support to help one cope with anxiety, depression, and other emotional aspects of withdrawal.

Behavioral Therapies

Behavioral therapies help address the psychological aspects of addiction. They empower patients to understand the root causes of their addiction, develop coping mechanisms, and build a foundation for long-term recovery. Examples of behavioral health therapies include:

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps identify and change negative behaviors and thought patterns related to drug use. CBT helps those in recovery develop coping skills and strategies to prevent relapse.
Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET): Explores and resolves ambivalence toward quitting use. It aims to promote intrinsic motivation for change.
Contingency Management: Utilizes a reward system to reinforce positive behaviors and discourage drug use. Individuals earn incentives for meeting treatment goals.

Counseling

Counseling is an integral component of cocaine addiction treatment. It provides a supportive and therapeutic space for one to explore their behaviors, emotions and thoughts related to substance use. There are different counseling settings:

Individual Counseling: Involves sitting one-on-one with the therapist for a personalized exploration of issues contributing to addiction and the development of coping strategies.
Group Counseling: Is where one sits in a group with others, so they can learn, share experiences, and get professional support.
Family Counseling: Involves family members in the therapeutic process to address family dynamics, enhance communication, and build a supportive home environment.

Support Systems

The support system is instrumental for sustained recovery. It can come from family, friends, or even peers. A robust support system helps individuals navigate the challenges of recovery, encourages them during difficult times, and reinforces the commitment to a drug-free life.

12-Step Programs (e.g., Narcotics Anonymous): These programs provide a structured approach to recovery, incorporating support, accountability, and a spiritual component. They are crucial for peer support and guidance, critical for staying sober.
Sober Living Homes: Transitional housing where individuals in recovery live together, providing a supportive and drug-free environment.
Aftercare Planning: This helps people in recovery maintain their sobriety. It may include ongoing therapy, regular check-ins, and participation in support groups.

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Treatment for Comorbid Cocaine Use and Mental Health Conditions

Dual diagnosis treatment helps address co-occuring cocaine use and mental health disorders simultaneously. Many individuals with cocaine addiction may experience underlying mental health issues that contribute to or result from their substance abuse. So, treating one condition without addressing the other may lead to incomplete recovery or an increased risk of relapse.

Holistic Approach

Some treatment centers like More Than Rehab also use holistic approaches to treat cocaine use disorders. These approaches involve a combination of medical interventions, behavioral therapies, support groups, stress management techniques, nutritional counseling, exercise, and other complementary therapies to address the individual's physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing.

Cocaine Addiction Treatment at More Than Rehab

At More Than Rehab, our goal is not just to help individuals overcome cocaine addiction but to empower them with the tools and support needed for sustained recovery and an improved quality of life. If you or someone you know is seeking help for cocaine addiction, we are here to provide compassionate and comprehensive care.

888-249-2191

Digestive Health Issues From Drug Use

Drug use can have both short-term and long-term effects on your digestive health. And while some of these effects can resolve on their own or through treatment, some linger on for years. In some cases, drug-induced complications on the digestive system could cause severe health complications and even death.

You probably know that drugs affect judgment, decision-making, moods, feelings, memory, and even learning. However, drugs use can also cause or worsen digestive problems. Some of these effects happen after prolonged drug use, while others happen just after a single use.

The effects of drug abuse on the digestive system

Many common drugs, including prescription drugs that treat digestive problems, diabetes, and depression, can affect gut health. The gut system is home to about 100 trillion bacteria and other organisms like fungi and viruses. All these make up the microbiome or microbiota. A healthy gut contains good bacteria and healthy immune cells that ward off infections.

It also communicates with the brain through hormones and nerves, maintaining intestinal health. A proper balance of good bacteria can result in many health benefits. Drug use affects the balance of bacteria in the gut microbiota, predisposing people to gastrointestinal tract infections and other health issues.

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Additionally, drugs damage the mucous membrane lining that runs through the mouth, stomach, small intestines, large intestines, and esophagus. The mucous membrane helps with peristalsis, which is the process of breaking down food. Damage to the lining exposes the GI tract to damage and more severe health issues. Here are some common digestive health concerns from drug use.

Intestine constipation

Opiates like heroin, Vicodin, morphine, and OxyContin cause constipation. Under normal circumstances, adults have bowel movements ranging from three times a day to three times a week. But after opiate intake, they may have infrequent bowel movements or find it hard to pass bowel movements.

It’s important to note that the severity of constipation depends on factors like dosage and duration of use. Long-term use may cause bowel damage and produce a narcotic bowel syndrome where bowel functions slow down. And unlike other opiates, side effects like nausea, constipation doesn’t resolve over time with continued use. The reason is that the GI system doesn’t seem to adapt to the presence of opioids like other body parts.

But the main reason opiates cause constipation is that opiates heavily impact the GI neurons. Muscles around the intestine push stool through the body. Opioid intake slows or stops the squeezing movements of these muscles because of how it affects the messages sent to the nerves in the spine and intestines. Besides, opioids can also cause gastroparesis, a condition where food stays in the GI tract for much longer. So, the intestine ends up absorbing more water causing the formation of hard and dry stools.

Opiate-related constipation affects opioid receptions across the body and brain functionality. So, taking supplements or fiber-rich foods won’t solve the problem.

Cancers

Tobacco use can cause many cancers, including throat, esophagus, mouth, stomach, bladder, rectum, liver, kidney, and cervix. That’s because tobacco products have many chemicals that destroy DNA. There isn’t a safe level of tobacco use.

Ulcers and perforations in the stomach

Drugs like cocaine reduce appetite and cause bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. Continual use may cause these uncomfortable symptoms to develop into more severe GI issues like stomach ulcers, abdominal bleeding, perforation of the intestines, bowel tissue decay or rupture, perforation of the small blood vessels in the abdomen, and reduced blood flow to the gastrointestinal system.

Cocaine misuse can cause gangrene and mesenteric ischemia, which leads to small and large bowel perforation and intraperitoneal hemorrhage. Clinical presentation of mesenteric ischemia includes abdominal pain and possibly vomiting, nausea, and cocaine diarrhea. High concentrations of cocaine may cause blood clots which block the blood supply, predisposing one to ulceration due to prolonged exposure to acid.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

People who drink often tend to experience irritable bowel syndrome, an intestinal condition that doesn’t appear to cause actual physical damage to the intestines. It is characterized by persistent pain, discomfort, and regular episodes of constipation and diarrhea. IBS patients also experience a range of issues regarding the types of activities they can indulge in or food they can eat.

However, drug-induced GI disorders can mimic conditions like irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Knowing this can prevent unnecessary investigations and treatment.

Esophagus and stomach irritation

Some people have a hard time swallowing prescription and OTC drugs in capsule or tablet form. When capsules or tablets stick in the esophagus, they may release chemicals that irritate the esophagus lining. The irritation may result in bleeding, ulcers, strictures, and perforation. The risk goes higher in people with conditions like achalasia, scleroderma, strictures, and stroke.

Other drugs may also cause stomach lining irritation. These drugs weaken the ability of the lining to resist acid produced in the stomach. In some cases, the irritation may cause inflammation of the stomach lining, bloody vomits, ulcers, severe indigestion and heartburn, perforation, severe stomach cramps, and burning in the back or stomach.

Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS)

CHS is a condition characterized by repeated and severe bouts of vomiting and nausea. THC, which is the psychoactive part of cannabis, binds digestive track molecules, impacting the things like the time it takes the stomach to empty. Other CHS symptoms include belly pain, dehydration, and decreased food intake.

Drugs that can affect the gastrointestinal system

These drugs include:

Cocaine
Heroin
GHB
Khat
MDMA
Tobacco
Hallucinogens
Alcohol
Opioids
Prescription medicines

Drug abuse can affect many different organs in your body, including the gastrointestinal tract. If you are experiencing any of these digestive health issues, it’s best to seek medical help. Your doctor will run some tests and provide the best possible care. But be sure to inform them about your drug use problem, as that will help with the diagnosis and treatment. In some cases, your doctor may recommend detox and rehabilitation to help address the root cause of the GI problems.

If you or someone close to you has digestive health issues from drug use, we can help. We provide holistic drug use treatment to help you get off of drugs. This, in turn, will prevent the GI issues from escalating, allowing your immune system to bounce back. Contact us today for additional information.