LA Wildfires: Managing Anxiety and Preventing Addiction Relapse

January 16, 2025 PCI Centers

Managing Anxiety and Preventing Relapse During Wildfires

California’s wildfire season brings devastation beyond physical destruction—it profoundly impacts mental health. Anxiety, trauma, and even addiction relapse are common psychological responses to the unpredictability and intensity of these natural disasters. Besides self-medicating to cope with triggers, consuming alcohol and drugs in response to external crises can also be attributed to a strong desire for control and relief. The lack of control in one’s immediate environment can be stressful and uncomfortable. People seek control, safety, and familiarity from a substance and alcohol.

Addressing these challenges requires a deeper understanding of their roots and a proactive approach to fostering resilience and safety.

Anxiety Triggers During LA Wildfires:

• Uncertainty: The rapid pace of change and unpredictability inherent in wildfires heighten feelings of stress and fear, leaving individuals grappling with “what if” scenarios.
• Evacuation Stress: The urgency of leaving home creates a logistical and emotional upheaval, disrupting routines and destabilizing the sense of normalcy.
• Media Coverage: Constant exposure to graphic images, destruction, and alarming updates amplifies feelings of helplessness.
• Displacement: Losing the security of familiar environments intensifies emotional strain, compounded by the overwhelming task of rebuilding one’s life.

The combination of these factors can create a profound sense of powerlessness. Without preparation or a sense of control, these feelings can spiral into acute anxiety, making it difficult to cope or make rational decisions.

Why LA Wildfires Can Trigger Addiction Relapse:

For individuals in recovery from addiction disorders, wildfires introduce unique vulnerabilities. Stress, trauma, and disruption of routines—key elements of relapse risk—become unavoidable in the face of a natural disaster. The inability to access recovery support systems such as therapy groups or sponsors exacerbates these challenges.

Triggers during wildfires often fall into two categories:

1. External Triggers: Environmental chaos, evacuation orders, and media images serve as reminders of past trauma or loss. These stimuli can lead to hypervigilance, stress, and substance cravings.

2. Internal Triggers: Emotional states such as loneliness, pain, hunger, or exhaustion act as catalysts for relapse, particularly when compounded by feelings of instability and helplessness.

The psychology behind wildfires potentially triggering relapse:

1. Association with Past Trauma: Natural disasters often mirror previous traumatic events, triggering memories and emotional responses as if the trauma is being relived.

2. Unpredictability as a Stressor: The chaos of wildfires disrupts the stability and structure that individuals in recovery rely upon to maintain sobriety.

3. Self-Medication for Emotional Relief: Many turn to substances as a way to manage the intense emotions, fear, and vulnerability brought on by the crisis.

As the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs notes, trauma from disasters can disorient people in recovery, particularly those in early stages. Emotional chaos can erode progress, and substances like alcohol or drugs may be used as a temporary escape. However, this maladaptive coping strategy often leads to compounded mental health challenges.

These triggers, while warning signs of potential harm, often blur the line between real and perceived danger. This misalignment can lead to emotional overreaction and poor decision-making, such as turning to substances for relief.

Wildfire Emergency Preparedness Can Support Mental Health and Addiction Recovery:

While wildfires are inherently unpredictable, emergency preparedness offers a psychological anchor. Preparedness provides a sense of control, which reduces anxiety and mitigates relapse risks.

How to Establish an Emergency Plan to Support Anxiety and Addiction Recovery for Wildfires and other Disasters:

1. Assemble an Emergency Kit: Include essentials such as water, non-perishable food, medications, important documents, and comfort items.

2. Plan Evacuation Routes: Identify multiple routes and practice them with family members to instill confidence.

3. Establish Communication Strategies: Set up a system for staying in touch with loved ones, including meeting points and emergency contacts.

4. Create a Calm Environment: Familiarize yourself with relaxation techniques such as mindfulness or grounding exercises to use during moments of high stress.

Taking these steps not only ensures physical safety but also fosters emotional stability, reinforcing a sense of agency amid the chaos.

Tips to Support Mental Health and Addiction Recovery During Wildfires:

1. Develop or maintain healthy habits, including regular exercise and balanced nutrition.

2. Stay connected with friends and family to build a strong support network.

3. Regulate consumption of graphic images or burnt homes to avoid triggering feelings of distress, helplessness, and fear.

4. Prioritize sleep by establishing consistent routines and using tools like meditation or journaling to manage nighttime anxiety.

5. Avoid major life changes immediately following a disaster, focusing instead on stability and gradual recovery.

6. Be flexible and open to adapting to new realities while seeking support when needed.

7. Talk to somebody who can provide helpful information and practical guidance on finances and housing if you’re affected.

8. Join a group therapy or support group space to safely process internal experiences

(SAMHSA, 2024)

Anxiety Relief and Addiction Recovery During Wildfires at PCI

Recovering from a wildfire is both a physical and emotional journey. By prioritizing preparedness, fostering open communication, and seeking professional support, individuals and families can navigate the challenges of recovery with resilience. Tools like mindfulness, structured routines, and professional counseling help ensure that the path forward is one of strength and hope, even in the face of adversity. At PCI, we’re here to meet the psychological and emotional needs of our community. If you are in Malibu, Calabasas, Los Angeles and have been affected by the Palisades Fire, Eaton Fire, or any other fire during this time, reach out to PCI today to get the care and support you need.

Stay Updated on the LA Wildfires and Resources:

• LA County Emergency Alerts: alert.lacounty.gov
• Cal Fire Incident Reports: fire.ca.gov
• American Red Cross: redcross.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS