To help you through your toughest moments while in isolation, this post offers five tips that could make all the difference in your journey toward healing. BAART Programs has provided patients with medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder for over four decades. With medication-assisted https://ecosoberhouse.com/ treatment, or MAT, you can bring withdrawal symptoms down to a minimum and avoid detox’s harsh and potentially harmful process. “To have just a basic human connection is an innate human need that we see from babies onwards. And that doesn’t go away in the modern times,” says Dr. Shah.
That is why recognizing and treating any co-occurring mental health conditions is essential if you want to overcome loneliness in recovery. While you may be sick of hearing about the importance of self-care, it is recommended for a reason. Adequate self-care increases your well-being in the foundational aspects of life. Getting enough restful sleep, eating healthily, and engaging in regular physical activity can do wonders for your mental health.
Dealing with Loneliness in Recovery
This can be a powerful tool for fostering a sense of connection during addiction recovery. Addiction and isolation can be devastating cycles to find yourself in, and we can help. Granite Recovery Centers is passionately helping people suffering from a substance use disorder. If you are struggling with an addiction and are looking for answers, contact us to learn more about our drug treatment programs today. There are many different support groups for people living in recovery. The 12-step support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) are excellent places for people in recovery suffering from loneliness.
Chance is, many of them are also struggling with disconnection and loneliness. Many people feel lonely during addiction recovery as their normal social circle is stripped away. Most of those who struggle with addiction surround themselves with other people with addiction. They loneliness in recovery do this to feel better about what they’re doing and not get lectured. However, in addiction recovery, the last thing you want to do is be part of a toxic social circle that might encourage you to use it again. Social support circles also provide you with resources for advice.
How Do You Overcome Extreme Isolation?
When you find yourself lonely, remember to take a deep breath and do something on the list above to take care of yourself. To help counteract loneliness, consider the following activities. If you believe that aloneness is inherent in the human condition, as Thompson writes, then you may well find that loneliness is an accurate description of life. Conversely, if you switch your frame of reference and behave in caring and just ways, as Merton encourages, then the possibility of experiencing the joys of living opens up.
With the social distancing involved with the COVID-19 pandemic, people feel increasingly lonely. Addiction everywhere is on the rise because of job loss, losing loved ones, and not spending time with others as often. According to one report in California, problems caused by social distancing have resulted in more people turning to drugs and alcohol to cope with feelings of loneliness. People are also looking into addiction treatment more since the COVID-19 pandemic started. It is human nature to seek out like-minded individuals in order to feel connected.
Arrange and Participate in Social Events Online
Depression, on the other hand, is a mental health disorder characterized by feelings of sadness, hopeless or dejection. There seems to be a connection between loneliness and depression, where a lonely state of mind can be a symptom of a deep, underlying depression. After starting your addiction recovery process, you may experience an array of emotions, one of which is boredom.
- By contrast, Merton’s urging is laudable—to love others is a worthy goal.
- This situation contributes to loneliness among those with mental health concerns, people who are living with addiction and anyone who experiences comorbid diagnoses.
- However, you can take crucial steps to fight off loneliness in your addiction recovery to prevent relapse.
- It’s important to remember that loneliness isn’t just the absence of companionship; it’s the presence of psychological stress.
- These traits attract people who will treat you with the kindness and respect you deserve.
Because boredom has the potential to increase your likelihood of relapse, it’s essential to find ways to overcome or avoid the feeling. Simple outreach to others can be a step towards better overall health. Dr. Shah says social media is a great tool to find like-minded people, but if it’s not creating real connections, it can contribute to feelings of loneliness and isolation. Dream Recovery is firm in our belief in the strength of community and peer support.
Loneliness in Recovery
When you are alone, these practices can help you overcome loneliness by helping you feel fulfilled in your solitude. 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.