Loneliness in Sobriety: How to Cope Banyan Stuart Rehab

Loneliness in Sobriety: How to Cope Banyan Stuart Rehab

Turning to drugs or alcohol is a way for many individuals to escape that isolating emotional pain. 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. Feeling lonely is a normal part of life, but that does not make it any more comfortable. In addiction recovery, intense feelings of loneliness and isolation can make it challenging to stay abstinent. For this reason, our Banyan Stuart rehab center is sharing tips for coping with loneliness in sobriety that could help you stay on track. It is extremely difficult to cope with everyday living when you feel alone.

• The substance abuse may be driven by loneliness caused by separation, death, or failed attempts to integrate with a new social group.
• You may avoid social outings so you can stay home and drink or be so intoxicated that you are incapable of developing and fostering long-term relationships with others.
• Your local church, synagogue or house of worship can be a key resource.
• Once someone starts drinking to ease loneliness or depression, he or she further increases their sense of loneliness.
• Calls are Free, Confidential, and with absolutely No Obligation.

We offer support groups in the form of both 12-step programs and non-12-step groups. The basic idea behind the 12-step model is following 12 basic steps to achieve a sober life. Guidance from a higher power is also often sought in this program. With a 12-step program, addiction is treated as the primary issue. Part of the recovery process is finding new activities that don’t involve substance use. Think about activities you like to do and find groups supporting them. This will not only help you keep busy but will also help you avoid feeling alone.

A Crisis On World Mental Health Day

If you think being sober is lonely, below are some effective ways you can cope with this feeling and change your state of mind. The content on AlcoholRehab.com https://ecosoberhouse.com/ is brought to you by American Addiction Centers , a nationwide network of leading substance abuse and behavioral treatment facilities.

Alcohol is also a socially acceptable drug, allowing many addicts to socialize at a bar while they indulge in their addiction. Yet, these How to Cope with Loneliness During Addiction Recovery interactions can often feel superficial, and the next morning, the depressive effects of alcohol can enhance a sense of loneliness.

Isolation and Substance Use Disorder

Volunteer work puts you in a position where you must think of and serve others. Not only is this a fantastic way to fill up your time and take your mind off things, but it also gives you a sense of purpose and offers the gratification that comes with helping others. Change the perspective that solitude and being lonely are the same thing.

Physical connections create pathways in the brain that can be altered when we learn something new. These changes to the brain can be seen with medical imagery. With long-term difficult things like learning to play a musical instrument, these changes can be permanent. Addiction is a learned behavior that changes the brain as well. Through counseling and other behavioral modification, we can actually, in some cases, change the brain physically. By changing our environment, starting a new job, new hobbies and friends, all will alter our brain in some way.

Loneliness is a Risk Factor for Several Health Conditions—Including Substance Use Disorder

It is possible to undo some of the changes that occurred while addicted. Therapy will recondition the brain closer to pre-addiction status. This will better prepare the patient for a time when they may no longer require medication. In a treatment program or sober residence, you’ll almost always be surrounded by other people at various stages in their recovery. However, once you transition out of formal treatment and continuing care, you will encounter periods when you are all alone. Since these times might represent stressors, it’s essential to have strategies for being alone without feeling lonely. Once you are sober, it’s essential to surround yourself with friends and family members who appreciate and support your goals.

But unless you live totally alone and separate from the outside world, this is only a cognitive distortion. Facebook Live, Instagram, and Twitter all have 12-step participants that host events. Try a sober-themed concert or participate in an online chat with people around the globe. Going for a pedicure, manicure, or massage can provide an opportunity to enjoy some peace and quiet while feeling pampered, making the prospect of time alone more relaxing than stressful. Vanessa is certified in addictions counseling by Maryland’s Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists, with credentials as a clinical supervisor.

Loneliness and Self-Isolation

This is often a more experienced individual in recovery who the sponsee can reach day or night. If the individual always has a friendly and understanding ear to turn to it combats any feelings of loneliness. Unfortunately, many people are finding that they are alone during quarantine for one reason or another. Complicating genuine loneliness with a drug or alcohol abuse issue is a recipe for disaster. Learn other ways of coping with loneliness during the quarantine. Know that you can reach out to a mental health professional 24 hours a day.

Let them know about your tendency to reach for alcohol as a coping mechanism. While you might not have developed an addiction, acknowledging that your drinking habits are unhealthy is the first step to dealing with the situation.

Mark joined the medical team at The Freedom Center in September 2018 as the Medical Director. He received his medical degree in Mexico with further certification from Rutgers Medical School in New Jersey. He then attended New York Medical College for his residency training. It could be a book club, gym, exercise class, or art class. Being part of these groups will expose you to a group of people who share one of your interests.

Experts suggest that ongoing loneliness may even lead to health problems, such as an increased chance for heart attacks and a weakened immune system. Loneliness is a vulnerable state, making it difficult for someone who is lonely to reach out and try to connect. If you would like more support in recovery, our facility offers aftercare support for individuals who have completed a drug or alcohol addiction treatment program.