Hurricane Ike survivors in recovery from addiction may be at increased risk of relapse, the Houston Chronicle reported Oct. 5.

A natural disaster can yield loss of housing, power, transportation, work or a loved one -- any of which accentuate anxiety, stress and isolation and trigger addiction, according to Scott Basinger, an associate dean and neuroscientist at Baylor College of Medicine. "People drink and use because it medicates their anxiety," he said.

For individuals in recovery, the inability to access support networks during a disaster can be devastating. "A lot of times, these things have a delayed effect," said Joy Schmitz, a psychologist at the University of Texas,. "It could be a challenging time for patients who are trying to maintain abstinence, especially if they recently quit."

Treatment centers and support groups in Texas have been trying to help: state-funded treatment centers have been required by the Texas Department of State Health Services to follow all patients impacted by hurricanes Rita, Katrina, Gustav, and Ike. Some support groups have even held meetings by candlelight.

For some, the extra support seems to have made a difference. Heather, a woman in recovery from alcohol and cocaine addiction, said, "I surprised myself by not drinking. I thought underneath those stressful situations I would relapse, but I didn't."