Stress has become a constant companion for many families in today’s fast-paced world. Parents are juggling work demands, financial pressures, and the challenges of modern parenting, while kids are navigating academic expectations, overscheduled lives, and the ever-present influence of technology and social media. Over time, this chronic stress can lead to a condition known as cortisol addiction, affecting both kids and parents alike.
Cortisol, often referred to as the “stress hormone,” plays a crucial role in our body’s response to stress. However, when the body is exposed to chronic stress, cortisol levels can become imbalanced, leading to a host of physical, emotional, and behavioral symptoms in both children and adults.
For kids, signs of cortisol addiction may include anxiety, fatigue, difficulty regulating emotions, and a constant need to seek out stressful situations. Parents struggling with cortisol addiction may experience similar symptoms, along with poor sleep, weight gain, strained relationships, and a persistent feeling of overwhelm.
As a parent, watching your family struggle with the effects of chronic stress can be heartbreaking. You may feel helpless, unsure of how to break free from the vicious cycle of cortisol addiction. Or, even worse, you may not even know that you’re leading your family into chronic stress, as our world today primes adults for cortisol addiction.
The good news is that by understanding the root causes of this condition and seeking the proper support, you can help your entire family reclaim a sense of calm, balance, and resilience.
Can You Be Addicted to Cortisol?
Cortisol addiction is a condition characterized by a chronic and persistent need for stress-induced cortisol release. Cortisol addiction can occur in both adults and children.
When a person is addicted to cortisol, they may unconsciously seek out stressful situations or engage in behaviors that trigger the body’s stress response, leading to an elevated release of cortisol. Often times these addictive behaviors can be classified as good things, such as needing to get high intensity workouts in or complete big work projects, but when even healthy things are put within the loop of cortisol addiction and chronic stress they can start to be detrimental to the body if there is no time to rest, recharge, and recover placed in between.
Over time, this long-term change in cortisol levels can have a profound impact on their physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Thankfully the good news is this chronic stress loop can be reset and the body can heal, which we’ll touch on more later.
What Does Cortisol Addiction Look Like For Parents?
Parents might find themselves constantly “running on adrenaline,” creating or seeking out stressful situations to feel energized. They may overschedule themselves and their children, always needing to be busy or managing a crisis.
Physical Signs
- Difficulty sleeping despite exhaustion
- Weight gain, particularly around the midsection
- Frequent headaches and muscle tension
- Digestive issues
- High blood pressure
Emotional Signs
- Feeling “wired but tired”
- Irritability when things slow down
- Anxiety about not being productive
- Guilt about resting
- Difficulty being present with children during calm moments
Behavioral Signs
- Inability to relax or sit still
- Constantly checking phones/emails
- Taking on too many responsibilities
- Difficulty delegating tasks
- Creating unnecessary deadlines or urgency
- Using caffeine excessively
How to Tell If Your Child Is Addicted to Stress
Children who are addicted to cortisol may exhibit a wide range of signs, including:
1. Physical Signs:
- Fatigue and exhaustion
- Weight gain, especially around the midsection
- Digestive issues, such as bloating, constipation, or diarrhea
- Headaches and muscle tension
- Weakened immune system and frequent illnesses
2. Emotional Signs:
- Anxiety and nervousness
- Irritability and mood swings
- Difficulty regulating emotions
- Low self-esteem and feelings of inadequacy
- Depression and apathy
3. Behavioral Signs:
- Overachieving and perfectionism
- Difficulty relaxing and unwinding
- Constantly seeking out new challenges and stressful situations
- People-pleasing and difficulty saying “no”
- Neglecting self-care and personal relationships
The Effects of Cortisol Addiction
Chronic stress and elevated cortisol levels in parents can create a challenging cycle that affects both their health and family dynamics. Parents may find themselves constantly “running on adrenaline,” displaying physical symptoms like disrupted sleep, weight gain around the midsection, and frequent headaches. Many struggle with an inability to relax, compulsively taking on too many responsibilities, and creating unnecessary urgency in their daily lives.
This state of heightened stress often manifests in behavioral patterns like excessive phone checking, difficulty delegating tasks, and overuse of caffeine. Emotionally, parents might feel simultaneously “wound up and worn out” at the same time, experiencing irritability during calm moments and guilt when trying to rest. They may find it challenging to be present with their children during quiet times, instead feeling compelled to maintain a constant state of activity or crisis management.
Children of parents with chronic stress may experience altered cortisol levels. Research shows that there is a link between parents’ stress levels and their children’s. Parents might justify their constant state of stress as necessary for managing family responsibilities, but this rationalization can perpetuate the cycle and make it harder to recognize when intervention is needed.
The Effects of Chronic Stress on Children
The long-term effects of cortisol addiction can be far-reaching, impacting nearly every aspect of a child’s health and development. Research shows that children who are chronically stressed struggle with learning and memory, as the hormone levels can impair cognitive function. They may also be at increased risk for developing chronic health conditions, such as high blood pressure and heart disease later in life.
Moreover, the emotional and behavioral consequences of cortisol addiction can take a toll on a child’s social and academic success. Children who are constantly stressed may have difficulty forming and maintaining healthy relationships, as they may struggle with emotional regulation and communication. They may also experience burnout and a lack of motivation, leading to poor academic performance and a diminished sense of self-worth.
Research from Cambridge shows that parents can help their children regulate stress.
As parents and caregivers, it’s crucial to recognize the signs of stress addiction in children and take steps to address the root cause of their chronic stress. By understanding the neurological origins of cortisol addiction and seeking the right support, we can help our children break free from the cycle of chronic stress and reclaim their health, happiness, and overall well-being.
The Neurological Roots of Cortisol Addiction
To fully understand cortisol addiction and its impact on families, it’s crucial to explore the intricate workings of the nervous system and how imbalances can lead to chronic stress and dysfunction. The nervous system plays a central role in regulating the body’s stress response, and when it’s not functioning optimally, both kids and parents can become trapped in a cycle of chronic stress.
At the heart of this dysfunction lies subluxation and sympathetic dominance, which are two linked and cyclic components of chronic stress. Subluxation triggers nervous system dysregulation and sympathetic dominance, which then gets stuck in a vicious cycle of more stress, tension, and anxiety as long as that subluxation remains present.
When subluxation and dysregulation occurs, it can disrupt the delicate balance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic branches of the Autonomic Nervous System, leading to a state of dysautonomia and continued imbalance of this vital “air traffic control” system for the body.
In a healthy nervous system, the sympathetic and parasympathetic branches work together to maintain balance and adapt to stress. The Sympathetic Nervous System, often referred to as the “fight or flight” response, activates during times of stress, releasing cortisol and other stress hormones to help the body prepare for action. Once the stressful event has passed, the Parasympathetic Nervous System, known as the “rest, regulate, and digest” state, takes over, promoting relaxation, recovery, and healing.
However, when subluxation and dysautonomia occur, this delicate balance is disrupted. The Sympathetic Nervous System becomes overactive, leading to chronic stress and elevated cortisol levels, while the Parasympathetic Nervous System becomes underactive, making it difficult for the body to relax and recover. This imbalance can lead to a wide range of physical, emotional, and behavioral symptoms in both kids and parents.
One of the most important players in this complex interplay between the nervous system and stress regulation is the vagus nerve. The vagus nerve is the longest cranial nerve in the body, extending from the brainstem to the abdomen and connecting the brain to many vital organs, including the gut and the gut-brain connection.
The vagus nerve plays a crucial role in activating the parasympathetic nervous system and promoting relaxation, regulation, digestion, and recovery. It is also intricately involved in social and emotional regulation and executive functions, which is why conditions such as chronic gut issues, inflammation, and anxiety are all linked together through vagus nerve dysfunction.
When the vagus nerve is functioning optimally, it helps to counterbalance the effects of the sympathetic nervous system and regulate the body’s stress response. However, when the vagus nerve is dysfunctional due to subluxation or other factors, it can contribute to the development of cortisol addiction and other stress-related conditions in both kids and parents.
By understanding the neurological roots of cortisol addiction and the critical role of the nervous system in regulating stress, families can begin to appreciate the importance of addressing subluxation and promoting healthy nervous system function for all ages.
The “Perfect Storm” of Factors Contributing to Family Stress Addiction
While the neurological roots of cortisol addiction lie in subluxation and dysautonomia, it’s important to recognize that these imbalances don’t occur in a vacuum. In fact, there are a multitude of factors that can contribute to the development of cortisol addiction in families, creating what we at PX Docs refer to as “The Perfect Storm.”
One of the earliest and most significant factors in this perfect storm is prenatal stress and maternal health. Research has shown that maternal stress during pregnancy can have a profound impact on fetal brain development, potentially setting the stage for future stress-related conditions in children. Additionally, the wiring is being constructed in the initial years of life is crucial for future stress resilience and can be negatively affected by “The Perfect Storm.”
The stressors contributing to “The Perfect Storm” for families are more prevalent than ever:
- Overscheduling and excessive busyness
- Screen time and technology overload
- Processed food diets and environmental toxins
- Financial pressures and work-life imbalance
- Chronic sleep deprivation and lack of downtime
- Emotionally disconnected relationships
When these stressors accumulate and interact, they can create a “Perfect Storm” of chronic stress and cortisol imbalance that affects every member of the family. Children may struggle with anxiety, behavioral issues, and difficulties with focus and learning. Parents may experience burnout, depression, and strained relationships. The entire family system can get stuck in a cycle of chronic stress and reactivity.
Moreover, research suggests that chronic stress can be passed down from one generation to the next through epigenetic changes. In other words, when parents are stuck in cycles of chronic stress, they may unconsciously model these patterns for their children, perpetuating the cycle of cortisol addiction across generations.
The good news is that by understanding the various factors that contribute to “The Perfect Storm” of family stress addiction, parents can take proactive steps to create a more balanced, resilient household. This involves not only addressing the underlying neurological imbalances and subluxation that drive chronic stress, but also making lifestyle changes and cultivating practices that promote a calmer, more nurturing family environment.
By recognizing the complex interplay of factors that contribute to family stress addiction, parents can begin to chart a new course towards greater health and harmony for the whole family.
The PX Docs Approach to Healing Stress Addiction in Families
At PX Docs, we understand that healing from stress addiction requires a comprehensive, Neurologically-Focused approach that addresses the root causes of imbalance in both kids and parents. Our approach is grounded in the latest research on the nervous system and its role in regulating stress and promoting overall health and well-being for the entire family.
Central to our approach is the use of INSiGHT scans, a cutting-edge technology that allows us to assess the function of the nervous system and identify areas of subluxation, dysregulation, and dysautonomia. These scans provide a detailed picture of neurological health for each member of the family in just 15-20 minutes, enabling us to create personalized care plans that customize specific adjusting approaches or protocols that will generate the best results for that specific child or parent. This is where the PX Docs clinical approach really stands apart from anything else not just in chiropractic, but all of healthcare.
The image below represents an HRV or neuroPULSE scan performed on a fully “wound up and worn out” parent. This parent presented for care with significant sleep disruption, exhaustion, constant tension and back pain, and chronic digestive problems.
The white dot plotting in the lower left “Zone 3” range is very consistent with that clinical presentation, indicating that not only is the sympathetic nervous system overactive and the parasympathetic nervous system suppressed, but overall the nervous system itself is just flat, worn out and exhausted. An imbalance and exhausted nervous system is one that loses its adaptability and resilience.
What Else Can Be Done to Support Stressed Out Parents
But we don’t stop there. We recognize that parents play a crucial role in modeling healthy stress responses and creating a supportive, nurturing environment for the entire family. That’s why our care plans often include nervous system scans and adjustments for parents as well. By helping parents regulate their own nervous systems and reduce the impact of chronic stress, we empower them to show up as calmer, more present, and more attuned caregivers for their children.
In addition to chiropractic care, we also provide guidance on lifestyle practices and strategies that families can implement at home to support nervous system health and reduce the impact of stress. This may include recommendations for:
- Creating consistent, calming routines
- Setting boundaries around technology and screen time
- Prioritizing regular meals and snacks filled with real, nourishing foods
- Carving out time for rest, play, and relaxation as a family
- Practicing simple mindfulness and gratitude exercises
- Engaging in regular physical activity and time in nature
By combining Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care with practical, accessible lifestyle strategies, we support families in breaking free from the cycle of stress addiction and building a strong foundation for lifelong health and resilience.
Supporting Your Family’s Healing Journey
As a parent, taking the first step towards healing your family from the effects of cortisol addiction can feel overwhelming. But know that you don’t have to navigate this journey alone. By partnering with a PX Docs practitioner and committing to a Neurologically-Focused approach to care, you can begin to release the grip of chronic stress and rediscover a sense of ease, joy, and connection within your family.
Remember, healing from stress addiction is not a linear process. There will be ups and downs, challenges and setbacks along the way. But by staying committed to the journey and leaning on the support of your PX Docs team, you can gradually rewire your family’s stress responses and create a more balanced, resilient household.
As you embark on this path, be sure to extend compassion and grace to yourself and your loved ones. Celebrate the small victories and the incremental shifts that signal progress. And trust that by prioritizing your family’s neurological health and well-being, you are giving your children an invaluable gift—the tools and foundation they need to navigate life’s inevitable stressors with greater ease and adaptability!
If you’re ready to take the first step towards breaking free from family stress addiction, we invite you to visit our PX Docs directory to find a practitioner near you. With the right support and a commitment to the journey, you and your loved ones can heal from the inside out and experience the profound benefits of a calm, connected, and resilient nervous system.
