Similarly, those who are living with a mental health disorder are twice as likely to develop a substance abuse problem as well. It is normal to feel 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.
Strengthen Existing Relationships
Last, it’s important to consider what one of the world’s most crucial resources for recovery has to say about loneliness. The Big Book is the book that’s used to guide Alcoholics Anonymous, and it has many things to say about loneliness. First, it’s important to accept the things you’ve done rather than hide from them.
- The thing that drove you to use substances in the first place – avoidance – only exacerbated SUD.
- Alcohol and loneliness can create a cycle that’s hard to break.
- Among Wikipedia’s nearly 7 million articles, not one is devoted to social health.
Behavioral Changes Caused by Addiction: 10 Hidden Signs
But when the self-medication turns into substance abuse, the addict suddenly finds him or herself lonelier than ever. Finding a supportive community is a vital part of the addiction recovery process. When people feel lonely for a prolonged period, it can lead to feelings of isolation and even result in depression.
Six Easy Ways to Eat Healthier for Addiction Recovery
If you quit drinking after heavy alcohol use, you might experience loneliness because of changes to your circumstances that happened as a result of the alcohol use disorder. Social support plays a powerful role in empowering you to face obstacles and overcome challenges. With the support of family, friends, therapists, counselors, and other individuals in recovery, you can tap into strength beyond your own. Of course, the problem with loneliness is that it can lead people to further self-isolate and become less willing to communicate with others.
Solitude can also increase your productivity, improve concentration, and provide you with the time necessary to rediscover yourself. It lets you consider several solutions to problems that have been nagging you without interference from daily life interruption. Taking small, positive steps goes a long way toward building social and community connections.
- Turning to drugs or alcohol is a way for many individuals to escape that isolating emotional pain.
- Many eating disorders involve inadequate or excessive intake of food, which can cause physical and mental damage to the body over time.
- However, mental health care almost always involves some form of psychiatric counseling.
- Do you have a smartphone that you frequently check while out and about?
To understand a complex illness like addiction and prevent it from happening to loved ones—let’s examine the link between substance abuse and loneliness. Sometimes just “getting loneliness in recovery out there” and meeting other people isn’t enough. It’s possible to still feel lonely when you’re around them, which could actually be a sign of depression or social anxiety.
Why do I feel lonely after quitting drinking?
Why Is Social Connection Important for Addiction Recovery?
- These support groups are ideal chances to re-learn social skills while providing opportunities to make new friends in a safe environment, so participate fully.
- Here’s a roadmap filled with effective strategies to navigate this terrain.
- It includes finding meaning in your recovery, setting new goals and dreams for your future, and believing in yourself again.