Content
Studies have shown that loneliness is linked to a greater likelihood of high blood pressure, diabetes, depression, and psychological distress. If you’re feeling lonely in recovery, here are some suggestions for what to do about it. When people come to this point, they may be at risk of becoming even more unwell due to their substance abuse. Not only will they become more susceptible to health conditions like kidney and liver problems or brain damage; they may also be increasingly vulnerable to death by suicide.
- Accepting and remaining accountable for your actions can help you come to terms with the issues and help you heal from them.
- And those who eventually become sober and lead a healthy life may relapse due to loneliness.
- It is a subjective experience but one that can cause a great deal of discomfort.
- If you’re taking the time to listen to others and reach out to others when they need it, you’re also connecting, which helps remove the emotional detachment of being lonely.
- Having strong attachments with people helps defeat the attachment to drugs and alcohol.
They must learn to take advantage of solitude and enjoy being with the human being they are and have always been. And one of the loneliest places to be is trapped in an intimate relationship with a person we don’t feel genuinely connected to. We all need at least one person we can rely on and can be vulnerable with, and with whom we have a warm, supportive relationship. Addiction and isolation can be devastating cycles to find yourself in, and we can help.
Jul 7 Ways To Overcome Loneliness in Addiction Recovery
As discussed earlier, an increase in isolation and dependence on parasocial relationships can increase loneliness. One early study discussed the necessity of psychological intervention and mental health care during disasters of all kinds, and COVID-19 was no exception. Additionally, one study shows that the greater the feelings of isolation and loneliness, the greater the impact on a person’s mental health. Isolation leads to people feeling more lonely, and loneliness can lead to substance use. That’s because parasocial relationships can leave most people feeling unfulfilled. For some, turning to substances can seem like a convenient way to ease the feelings of loneliness or even as a way to jumpstart social connections that are only built on substance use.
- Stress is also harder to bear when you’re lonely and don’t have a support system to help you deal with everyday life.
- The addiction itself—as well as the financial, legal, and personal troubles that come with it—may sow resentment, fear, and distrust in their relationships.
- “They want to connect with each other, and they want to be helpful and supporting of the people that live here. And so I think that’s a very good sign.”
- Remind yourself that as long as you stick to your program, you’re on the right track.
While it might not be the same as being as socializing in person, staying connected virtually is still beneficial for your mental health. Plus, there are many ways you can have fun and interact with others online to overcome isolation. As previously mentioned, your life has likely been completely uprooted through getting treatment for addiction and removing your previous toxic circle. This is when you need to start making other connections through new experiences. You may have learned a new hobby or interest during your rehab period.
Coping strategies if you’re experiencing loneliness
Loneliness is a subjective feeling that coincides with other strong feelings like depression, anxiety, or even panic. It also doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re alone in a room with no other people. Many people report that they feel lonely even when they’re with their friends or family. People in addiction recovery often say that loneliness is one of the most difficult things to overcome.
If you’re feeling lonely, that may be an indication that it’s time to start mending those relationships. Reach out to the people you’ve wronged and who you want back in your life. It is normal to feel https://ecosoberhouse.com/ lonely sometimes when one’s need to belong is not met. But intense loneliness can also be symptomatic of a deeper problem—and it can result in unhealthy behaviors, like drug or alcohol abuse.
Behavioral Healthcare — the Demanding, Rewarding Career Too Few Choose
It’s normal to feel disconnected from your previous life and relationships when you stop drinking or using drugs, as these activities often form part of your social circle. If you are feeling lonely and are struggling with a substance use disorder, you are not alone. At Twin Lakes Recovery Center in Monroe, Georgia, we can help put you on the path to a lasting recovery. To learn more about our programs and services, please get in touch with us today. I am fortunate enough to work in the mental health field, which has allowed me to be surrounded by people who understand and can help me stay on track.
Not only is this safer, but it also gives you a chance to get some different perspectives from different groups. GRC is committed to the health and wellness of all of our clients and staff. Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, we have implemented new pre-screening protocols and other safety precautions while we continue to admit new clients 24/7.
How to Handle Loneliness in Addiction Recovery
Granite Recovery Centers is passionately helping people suffering from a substance use disorder. If you are struggling with an addiction and are looking for answers, contact us to learn more about our drug treatment programs today. Grieving your losses can be therapeutic and help with feelings of loneliness.
- This loneliness can damage your path to sobriety by driving you back to the SUD.
- Most of those who struggle with addiction surround themselves with other people with addiction.
- However, addiction is an incredibly lonely disease that only leads to more isolation.
- The Big Book is the book that’s used to guide Alcoholics Anonymous, and it has many things to say about loneliness.
- People are also looking into addiction treatment more since the COVID-19 pandemic started.
