The Link Between Loneliness and Substance Abuse: 5 Things You Need to Know

Like other negative states, loneliness should be taken as a sign that something is imbalanced in a person’s life. In small increments, loneliness can be a helpful cue which signals that something is wrong in a person’s life. This awareness can give people the perspective to change or to reach for help. But, “Loneliness is not designed to be chronic,” as Fortune magazine cautions. As a person becomes more socially isolated, other crippling mindsets may take hold. There are people who can help you with the struggle you’re facing.

It is important to find a counselor/therapist that is skilled in treating patients that employ medications in their treatment. Some counselors still dismiss the science behind addiction medicine because they may have been able to successfully end their addiction without loneliness and addiction it. They sometimes zealously focus on the singular approach that helped them and as a result may not be providing the best care for an individual who may require medication. It pays to find a counselor with a modern evidence-based philosophy of addiction treatment.

Isolation And Addiction

I have over seventeen continuous months of sobriety today, the longest amount of time I have ever had, and I wholeheartedly believe that wouldn’t be the case if it weren’t for Victory Bay. I highly recommend this place over any other place that I have attended, and let me tell you, the list could go on and on. There is no doubt that some in recovery probably had good times while being intoxicated.

• I’ve been working at VB for over three years and I have felt supported and safe throughout my time here.
• Reach out instead to people who have similar experiences as yours for support.
• By seeking treatment for addiction and reconnecting with their loved ones, people who are struggling with addiction can begin to rebuild their lives and heal their relationships.
• Loneliness is one of the psychological variables related to high risk behaviors that should be investigated more.
• Stress is also harder to bear when you’re lonely and don’t have a support system to help you deal with everyday life.
• One startling result of this loneliness is an increase in drug abuse.

For example, perhaps you are at a park enjoying the scenery around you. Your mood may be peaceful and joyful; there is a sense of feeling complete despite being in solitude. Loneliness is a state of isolation and disconnection from others. Intense loneliness can lead to feelings of hopelessness and despair which can often cause a person to misuse substances. This is a vicious cycle, since drug and alcohol abuse can also produce feelings of isolation. Loneliness and substance abuse have the potential to work together in a vicious cycle. When people are feeling lonely, misunderstood, or unloved, they may turn to drugs or alcohol.

In Network Providers

As self-isolation continues to help stop the spread of COVID-19, people are beginning to feel the severe effects of loneliness one year later. Unfortunately, loneliness can lead to several mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety — it can also lead to addiction. Loneliness can perpetuate addiction and enable it to continue for years to come, making it crucial to understand how loneliness impacts addiction. Only then can you begin to take proper steps to manage your loneliness and recover from addiction. Because of the increased likelihood of depression and possibly poor self-esteem, someone can decide to cope with these emotions in an unhealthy manner. Loneliness and addiction go hand-in-hand for a large number of people suffering from a substance use disorder. Using harmful substances to cope with challenges like depression, anxiety, and trauma are called co-morbid disorders.

• If you or someone you know experiences mental health issues, it is important to seek help from a qualified professional.
• Intervention is a commonly used term among addiction professionals.
• It pays to find a counselor with a modern evidence-based philosophy of addiction treatment.
• To do so, they sometimes retreat from friendships and connect with their family less often.
• Furthermore, individuals with addictions often isolate themselves to hide their problem.

If you or a loved one has fallen victim to an alcohol use disorder, or drug abuse, know there is help available. Loneliness and addiction can be https://ecosoberhouse.com/ difficult to overcome, but it is possible. Additionally, those feeling lonely lack social support needed to overcome low moods and feel whole.

How Loneliness Perpetuates Addiction

If you need addiction medicine treatment, the caring and compassionate experts at Gateway are here to help. We understand the importance of addressing underlying issues like loneliness in our individualized treatment programs. At Gateway, you’ll find hope and healing that will set you on the path of recovery.Contact us todayto learn more. Research has found that loneliness is just as dangerous as smoking a pack and a half of cigarettes a day.

There is no shame in working with a professional to help you through a difficult time in your life. A therapist can help you create healthy coping methods, meaning you’ll be less likely to relapse or turn to alcohol or drugs in this challenging time.