You may know that I am the founder of a charity that supports young adults with resources, recovery, and prevention of substance abuse. I founded this charity in honor of my late son, who died of a drug overdose. He was someone many people found very funny, and humor was important to him. As our annual Comedy Night fund raiser is coming up, I wanted to research humor or comedy regarding its possible impact on substance abuse. I was surprised and pleased to find research that suggests both can play a positive role in substance abuse, both recovery and prevention.
1. Humor in Therapy and Recovery:
Humor has been shown to help anyone cope with difficult emotions, significant for someone in recovery from substance abuse. For people struggling with addiction, humor can serve as a positive coping mechanism to alleviate stress, anxiety, and depression, which are often contributors to substance use. Laughter has been associated with the release of endorphins, which can improve mood and decrease cravings. Some therapeutic approaches, such as laughter therapy or incorporating humor into group sessions, are used to foster a sense of connection, relaxation, and mental resilience.
(You can read more on this here)
2. Caution in Comedy and Substance Use:
On the flip side, humor that normalizes or glorifies substance use can be harmful, especially in young adults. There is concern that media portrayals of substance use in a comedic light may reduce the perceived seriousness of addiction, making it seem more acceptable. Thus, the content of humor matters—while humor can be a tool for healing, it can also unintentionally promote risky behaviors if not approached with care.
For that reason, knowing that social bonds can be fostered through humor, care is needed regarding the context and environment for the humor. Shared laughter breaks down barriers, makes therapy sessions less intimidating, and facilitates openness among participants, encouraging them to share and connect more deeply. Reduction in feelings of isolation, promoting a sense of community and mutual understanding, especially in group therapy settings, puts a strong responsibility on the counsellor who guides the comic events or shares humorous anecdotes.
(You can read more on this here)
3. Humor as a Relapse Prevention Tool:
As I wrote, humor has been found to reduce feelings of isolation and hopelessness, which are common during early sobriety. By finding healthy, fun alternatives to the enjoyment people once found in substances, humor can be a distraction from cravings and support building a new, sober identity. Humor in therapy can reduce resistance, build rapport, and make difficult topics easier to address. Counselors may use humor to decrease clients’ defensiveness, making therapy more engaging. For example, a well-timed joke can help clients relax, perhaps open to see their struggles from a different perspective. This approach can also facilitate faster emotional recovery by allowing clients brief relief from their painful experiences.
4. Humor in Prevention Programs:
Programs targeting youth often incorporate humor to engage participants in a way that resonates. Research suggests that humor can increase retention and reduce resistance to important messages about the risks of substance use, making educational efforts more impactful when combined with other serious content.
Integrating humor into daily recovery activities helps individuals manage stress without resorting to substances. By finding levity in everyday challenges, people in recovery can build emotional resilience, which is crucial for long-term sobriety. Some recovery programs incorporate humor through activities like comedy nights, laughter yoga, or therapeutic recreation to make the journey more enjoyable. The power of humor is why Gregg’s Gift has hosted an annual comedy night as its showcased fundraising event. We love to add your laughter to the evening; you can do that here.
As you can see, perhaps in your own life, humor can be a powerful tool for recovery and prevention when used constructively, though it must be mindful not to trivialize the dangers of substance abuse. Helping young people feel more connected, reducing stigma of their circumstance, and fostering an environment where recovery feels accessible and supported are critical aids in the fight to prevent and cure substance abuse. Your support of our efforts, through donation or attendance at this month’s Comedy Night at Gotham in New York City, is no less critical. You can learn more about the event and our work here.