Anxiety and 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. Additionally, losing relationships due to past addiction can produce feelings of loneliness. In the earliest stages of recovery, it can be painful to face the truth about how you have hurt loved ones and damaged relationships due to your addiction. As you work through those emotions, you’re likely to feel lonely and tempted to give in to anything that falsely promises relief, including alcohol or drugs. However, there are other healthier ways to cope with difficult emotions.

Giving support and receiving support is another way to positively deal with loneliness. People are often surprised how much harder it is to make friends as an adult. When you’re younger, you’re around other people your age every day in school and other activities. When you’re an adult, you’re around other people at work–sometimes. However, people at work have their own lives and concerns and you may or may not have any points of connection. Hosted by Editor-in-Chief and therapist Amy Morin, LCSW, this episode of The Verywell Mind Podcast shares ways to stay strong even if you feel lonely. An easy way to find connections in everyday life is by interacting in small ways with acquaintances or strangers you encounter.

Press Play for Advice on Loneliness

Organize events, activities, or a party for friends, family, and coworkers. Make a list of your interests or hobbies and begin talking to your acquaintances https://ecosoberhouse.com/ about starting a running group or weekly game night. By actively organizing outings, you can meet your own emotional and social needs.

• I would just like to say that I had the best experience with the supervisor from the billing department, Samantha Dimatteo.
• It’s difficult to address because there is no single cause for this feeling, and how loneliness affects you is as unique as you are.
• And lastly, it can trigger increased consumption of addictive substances, such as nicotine, alcohol, and hard drugs.
• Alcoholics and those addicted to drugs are usually lonely people.
• As previously mentioned, your life has likely been completely uprooted through getting treatment for addiction and removing your previous toxic circle.

I am able to show and receive love and most importantly be there for them. It helped me with the fellowship How to Cope with Loneliness During Addiction Recovery of AA and to get connected also. I have a network now and will be able to use that after treatment.

Loneliness in Sobriety: A Trigger for Relapse

Just because you’re alone doesn’t mean you are necessarily lonely. Loneliness only happens when you are alone and craving company. Being alone can also be an opportunity to do some things you can’t do when other people are around. It may be a chance for you to read, write, meditate, create, listen to music, and think about your values and priorities. You may have already done this to some extent while working the 12 steps. Relationships are typically built through frequent, low-intensity contact. If you still haven’t apologized and made amends to some people, now might be a good time to do that.

When they don’t find ways to cope with the original emotion, it just keeps building and building. Establishing new friendships that are supportive to your recovery, as well as discovering new hobbies and activities that don’t revolve around substance use, is a process that takes time. Being patient and optimistic during this transitional phase is key to minimizing feelings of loneliness. Second, when you’re starting recovery, it’s a good idea to distance yourself from friends and acquaintances who use drugs and alcohol. Even if they don’t pressure you to drink or use drugs, the association might trigger a craving.

Online Therapy

Loneliness can affect physical and emotional health, but there are ways to turn things around. While building new relationships is important, improving existing ones can also be helpful. Try calling a friend or family member you have not spoken to in a while. And finally, be patient with yourself and your journey. Practice mindfulness meditation or pray to explore the difference between loneliness and solitude. Discovering a new place or feeling a new experience can make you feel excited and hopeful. In many cases, the rats that had pressed the lever for drugs for many days and exhibited behaviors that corresponded with human addictive behaviors still elected to engage with their peer.