The balance in a person's life between external demands (things they "should" do) and activities that are fulfilling (things they "want" to do) relates to the amount of risk they will be at for relapse. Individuals who have lives full of external demands are more likely to experience stress and negative emotions, which may lead to a high-risk situation. Alternatively, they may develop the belief that they deserve to use an addictive substance, almost as a reward, after dealing with their external demands.