5 Ways To Overcome Loneliness In Addiction Recovery

Some research suggests that feelings of loneliness are sometimes stronger in individuals who use or used to use substances. The same goes in reverse, as these feelings may also lead to high-risk behavior, initial substance use, and the development of SUD. Addiction is not the only chronic condition that can be isolating. Any mental illness—anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)—can cause isolation in recovery.

For many reasons, this isolation can have a great impact on addiction recovery. Find some tips below on how to work through difficult times to push ahead in recovery. If you’re struggling with Covid-19-related social isolation, please understand that we are all in this together. Access the resources listed above to find a peer support group that can help you find social connections, even from a distance.

Tips for Cultivating Compassion in Addiction Recovery

Without the benefit of peer support, therapy, and behavior change, it can be difficult to resist triggers. Isolation is particularly challenging for individuals whose addictive triggers include feelings of stress, depression, and anxiety, all of which are common in isolation. When first introduced to a drug rehab program, it’s normal to feel lonely. The people and friends who enabled your substance abuse are suddenly gone. Therefore, it’s critical to find fellowship in recovery – to replace a destructive social network with a healthier, more positive one.

• Mental illness and substance abuse are two diagnoses that often go hand in hand, with one typically worsening the symptoms of the other.
• Another reason individuals suffering from addiction may isolate themselves is that they feel ashamed.
• Our sample also reported having seen or heard from approximately five family members and friends in the previous month, which is comparable to previous studies of people with mental health problems [39, 40].

Experiencing loneliness after rehab is often the natural result of making a significant lifestyle change. Toxic relationships must be shed in recovery, which can result in a lack of social interaction. If you’re struggling in active loneliness in recovery addiction or you fear an impending relapse, get help in person. Virtual communities are a substantial help for those in recovery, but for those who are in crisis, leaving home and seeking out professional help may be necessary.

How Is Loneliness Linked to Substance Abuse and Addiction?

This vicious cycle continues until both the substance abuse disorder and the causes of loneliness are addressed. By its nature, loneliness can also cause someone to stop thinking about the consequences of their actions. It is difficult to perceive how their use of drugs or alcohol would affect anyone else if they are feeling completely detached from the people around them in the first place.

We help you reimagine what is possible and create the life you’ve been dreaming of. Complete the form and a treatment advisor will contact you at the number provided. You can help people who are affected by alcoholism by making a donation to the Cleveland District https://ecosoberhouse.com/ Office. Find a class, whether it’s to learn a language, a musical instrument, or a creative art, you’ll meet people. “enhanced social connectedness seems to contribute to the attractiveness and acts as a potent force underpinning recreational drug use.”

Simple Ways to Avoid The Dangers of Isolation In Recovery

Loneliness can be a trigger for some and a risk factor for relapse or crossover addiction. While isolation and loneliness may be contributing factors to the decline of a person’s mental health in recovery, there are ways to come back from the loneliness and work past it in a healthy way. When I was out there drinking, over the years, I began to drift further and further away from reality as my alcoholism progressed. This tore apart the relationships with my wife and kids, co-workers, and long-time friends – anyone who loved or cared about me at all.

Having negative and positive feelings is okay, even if it is at the same moment. A person can feel joy and elation while also feeling desperation to connect out of a sense of isolation. Lonely feelings don’t have to drive a person into a depressive state they cannot recover from. Tap into a network of therapists, doctors, and mentors who can help deal with the feelings that arise.