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Is it normal to constantly feel an urge to be under the influence of something?

10 Answers
Last Updated: 10/13/2020 at 2:07pm
1 Tip to Feel Better
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Moderated by

Paola Giordani, Psychoanalyst

Licensed Psychoanalyst

I have helped and am helping people cope with loss, divorce, anguish and parenting. Depression is also a major issue that comes up.

Top Rated Answers
1975caroline
April 18th, 2015 6:47pm
I used to feel this urge all of the time. Because of my anxiety, I couldn't be around people without being high or drunk. Being under the influence isn't fun, and neither is feeling constant anxiety. I just had to realize that this was only going to get worse if I kept doing it, and I had to gradually stop. This isn't a normal feeling though. You shouldn't need to feel like this all of the time. I recommend seeking professional help if this is interfering with your everyday life.
optimisticHope81
August 8th, 2016 10:42am
Sometimes when your thoughts and feelings feel too much to handle at the same time, you need to relax. Sometimes being under the influence of something like drugs or alcohol can feel comforting.
Dailydaydreama
January 16th, 2015 8:47am
It could feel normal although I don't think it's safe or healthy ! It's not a self love practice so I wouldn't encourage it !
Randy1
March 12th, 2015 8:13pm
It is normal if you meet the diagnostic criteria for X dependency, where X is the something you mention. Normal is a curious word in this context. If someone has grown dependent on a substance, then yes it is "normal" to feel that way. It is also perhaps a good idea to consider professional assistance, as there is a very fine line between dependence and addiction.
HaveFaith0808
October 13th, 2020 2:07pm
To constantly feel an urge to be under the influence of something may point to a deeper issue you may be struggling with, as substance abuse is a way for many to escape from what they are dealing with. If you feel like you cannot go a day without being under the influence, it sounds like you may be dealing with addiction. Try to understand what makes you want to be under the influence. For example, is it being around certain friends or family members or is it a way of escaping loneliness or anxiety? When you can pinpoint the cause of your urge, it can help you to understand why you feel this way.
Anonymous
December 1st, 2015 3:44pm
It is not. But it doesn't mean we should not acknowledge what we feel and try to understand it. Perhaps it might lead to more self-discovery
beautifulPoetry54
November 10th, 2015 10:02am
At one time, I felt it was normal to need to be under the influence of something. It controlled, and still some what controls my life. It seems normal in this day and time. Now, I let my passion of teaching children to dance take over my life. Some days I struggle, but keeping busy helps.
musicalSea09
December 8th, 2015 4:21am
That is an atypical urge, and our drug abuse self help guide can prove to be very helpful with that.
eternalHero77
May 3rd, 2015 6:46pm
It's normal if connected to the wrong choices & friends who we allow to persuade us in doing it. For some of us its normal if we had a bad upbringing or we love a certain food or item but it's not normal if that thing or person enables you to cause harm to yourself or others.
MidnightRaven999
August 7th, 2018 6:37pm
It can be if you're very unhappy with your life, especially if whatever the urge is for makes you feel better. Be careful tho because this can also lead to becoming addicted to that substance, and that can be a very bad path to go down.