While it may seem surprising, weather can significantly impact your mental health and, consequently, your battle with addiction. In fact, weather conditions can even serve as a trigger for substance use.

Although we can’t control changes in the weather, we can manage the feelings they might provoke. Here’s what you should know about the link between weather and addiction, and how to cope with its effects.

HOW WEATHER IMPACTS YOUR MENTAL HEALTH

While weather changes may not directly cause negative behavior, they can greatly influence our mood and overall health—sometimes without us even realizing it. When someone is feeling low, gloomy or severe weather can make it harder to maintain sobriety. Dark and stormy weather can adversely affect your mental health, lead to isolation and inactivity, and even contribute to physical health problems.

Depression

Exposure to sunlight naturally boosts mood by encouraging the production of serotonin and melatonin, chemicals in the brain that regulate and enhance mood. However, during colder, darker days, our brains produce less of these chemicals, potentially leading to depression, oversleeping, negative thinking, anxiety, and mood swings—all of which can be particularly challenging for someone in recovery.

Seasonal Affective Disorder

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that occurs when the days become shorter and colder. The lack of sunlight, warmth, and outdoor activity can leave individuals feeling down, lethargic, and more prone to overeating and excessive sleeping. For those with SAD, certain seasons or weather conditions can pose a greater risk of relapse, necessitating extra caution when the weather worsens.

Social Isolation

For individuals struggling with addiction, social isolation is a common issue as they may withdraw to use substances privately, avoiding interactions that could challenge their behavior. Bad weather often discourages people from going out and socializing, which can lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation—emotions that may have contributed to the onset of addiction in the first place.

Physical Inactivity

Beyond reducing social interaction, inclement weather often leads to decreased physical activity as people tend to stay indoors. While one can still visit a gym or recreation center, bad weather often limits spontaneous or passive forms of exercise. Additionally, poor weather can make it difficult to change one’s surroundings, potentially leaving a person trapped in an environment that could trigger substance use.

Effects of Barometric Pressure

Barometric pressure, which is the weight of the atmosphere around us, typically drops before bad weather and has been linked to joint pain and other physical discomforts. These pressure changes can also influence mood, although the precise mechanisms aren’t fully understood. It’s important to recognize that sudden shifts in barometric pressure can negatively affect both your mental and physical well-being, potentially weakening your resolve to stay sober.

WEATHER AS A TRIGGER

In addition to these factors, the weather itself can be a direct trigger for substance use. It might evoke memories of environments or situations where substances were previously used. Cold or stormy weather that keeps you indoors can mirror situations where you once turned to drugs or alcohol for comfort.

While weather can present an unexpected challenge in addiction recovery, it’s not a battle you have to face alone. There are strategies and support systems available to help manage your triggers and maintain your commitment to sobriety.