What term describes a lack of feelings where substances like alcohol may be used to cope?

The term "numbness" accurately describes a lack of feelings or emotional detachment that can occur in various contexts, including in response to stress, trauma, or overwhelming emotions. This state can lead individuals to seek out substances like alcohol as a coping mechanism to temporarily escape their emotional pain or disconnection. In this context, numbness signifies a profound sense of emotional void or disconnection from feelings, which may prompt engaging in behaviors that aim to drown out or suppress that lack of emotional engagement.

Anxiety typically involves heightened feelings of worry or fear and does not specifically relate to a numb state. Depression can also include numbness or a lack of emotional engagement, but it encompasses a broader range of symptoms such as sadness and hopelessness. Confusion, on the other hand, refers to a lack of understanding or clarity and does not directly indicate emotional numbness. Thus, numbness is the most appropriate term to encapsulate the experience described in the question.