Space To Breathe Therapy

When Emotional Pain Feels Unmanageable

Understanding Substance Use an an Attempt to Cope With Overwhelming Feelings

This resource looks at why substances or repeated behaviours can become particularly appealing when emotions feel overwhelming, persistent or difficult to regulate. It explores the attraction of rapid relief and why temporary escape can become strongly reinforced when other ways of coping feel unavailable or ineffective.

Rather than judging the coping strategy, the resource encourages understanding what the person is trying to survive, reduce or change internally.

Useful for: exploring emotional triggers, understanding relief-seeking behaviour and identifying where additional emotional, psychological or practical support may be needed.

Space to Breathe Therapy