We are a society averse to feeling pain or sadness. A culture focused on numbing ourselves through it and circling the wagons.
A breakup? We head to the bar.
The problem with self-medication is that it stalls what would otherwise be a growth and healing experience. And reaching for a substance to solve problems robs you of the ability to develop healthy coping strategies.
Avoiding your pain has the same result.
Grief cannot be avoided. And if you try, it will kick you in the ass, drag you along at a snail’s pace, and stunt your healing.