How Loneliness Can Get In The Way Of Sobriety

Alcohol abuse has been a common problem in America for decades. People struggling with addiction are exposed to an immense amount of stress, danger, and traumatic experiences. Making the decision to seek treatment for your addiction is one of the best decisions you’ll ever make. Opioids are a class of drugs that are naturally or synthetically derived from the opium poppy plant. Nearly 50,000 people in the United States died of an opioid overdose in 2019, and even more lost their lives….

Amy Morin, LCSW, is a psychotherapist and international bestselling author. Her books, including “13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do,” have been translated into more than 40 languages. Her TEDx talk,  “The Secret of Becoming Mentally Strong,” is one of the most viewed talks of all time. “enhanced social connectedness seems to contribute to the attractiveness and acts as a potent force underpinning recreational drug use.”

Ways to Combat Feelings of Loneliness in Recovery

On the one hand, some people use alcohol or drugs to function in social situations, as these substances help them feel like the life of the party. However, those struggling with loneliness often use these substances as a substitute for healthy interpersonal relationships. This is similar to connecting with yourself and is something How to Cope with Loneliness During Addiction Recovery you likely learned in cognitive behavioral therapy sessions. In order to deal with your feelings of loneliness and depression, you have to confront them and recognize them. The inability to do this is often why people begin using drugs or alcohol in the first place. The substances mask and disguise the uncomfortable emotions.

Damaged relationships are one of the biggest regrets that former substance abusers have. As you begin the process of recovery from addiction, it can help your feelings of loneliness to make amends with your friends and family. Restoring your relationships can reattach you to another social circle and give you a chance to reconnect. Remember that detachment and disconnection are two things that make you feel lonely.

Identify Why You Feel Lonely

Virtually everyone experiences loneliness from time to time. The feeling can be especially noticeable around the holidays, Valentine’s Day, birthdays, and times of extreme stress. Some people who suffer from mental disorders may never grapple with addiction, while others struggle with both- perpetuating a cycle of addiction, pain management, and mental illness. The longer you let it go, the harder it will be to overcome. Make up your mind to reach out to one person or to attend one event.

This support might include feedback and advice, physical help, information or simply listening. A lonely individual might feel there is no one to turn to in good times or bad. When loneliness is a chronic problem, drugs or alcohol might provide temporary relief. For example, a person who experiences social anxiety might drink or do drugs to make going to parties easier or more enjoyable.

How To Overcome Feeling Lonely in Recovery

Joining a class or club can also provide a sense of belonging that comes with being part of a group. This can stimulate creativity, give you something to look forward to during the day, and help stave off loneliness. If you’re experiencing loneliness, there are some things you can do about it. Below are nine strategies for dealing with loneliness.

Volunteers are an essential part of society and tend to have excellent relationship skills. To start volunteering, reach out to hospitals, animal shelters, or long term care facilities. To be clear, loneliness is not depression, though the two may be linked. Depression is a mental health condition that can linger and get worse even with authentic connections. Loneliness is a transient state that can be satiated with genuine relationships.

How to Cope With Loneliness Without Alcohol

If you live with drug and alcohol addiction, getting treatment is the best way to put substance abuse in…. For many people, addiction is much more than a physical struggle with drugs or alcohol. Partial care (PC) programs, sometimes called partial hospitalization programs (PHP), are an intensive substance abuse treatment option that allows clients…. It is common to be removed from previous social circles and activities when people get sober. Their drinking buddies may no longer be interested in spending time with a friend who cannot get buzzed with them.

We work with them to uncover what and who gives their lives meaning, and we journey with them as they work to turn over a new leaf. Unfortunately, as a culture we spend more time alone now than we used to. Research has shown that advancements in technology are directly related to the exponential decline https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/how-to-write-a-goodbye-letter-to-addiction/ in physical social interaction. In addition, the mandated social distancing we’re experiencing can lead to further isolation. While online connections are valuable and important, the loss of face-to-face interactions takes a toll and can contribute to feelings of separation and loneliness.