The fear of getting criticized or ridiculed by family and friends can also cause isolation. It’s normal to feel disconnected from your previous life and relationships when you stop drinking or using drugs, as these activities often form part of your social circle. An essential part of recovery is having a solid support system of family members, close friends, and loved ones to help you through tough times.
Ways to Battle Loneliness in Addiction Recovery
Isolation leads to people feeling more lonely, and loneliness can lead to substance use. That’s because parasocial relationships can Sober living house leave most people feeling unfulfilled. For some, turning to substances can seem like a convenient way to ease the feelings of loneliness or even as a way to jumpstart social connections that are only built on substance use. Individuals battling loneliness often experience low self-esteem and suicidality, which can reinforce their feelings of despair. Addressing loneliness with mental health support, active engagement in social situations, and self-care routines—such as exercise and mindfulness—can help improve overall health.
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Acknowledging the loss and allowing yourself to grieve will help you move forward. Feeling isolated — particularly early in recovery — can lead to depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, or shame, any of which can cause relapse. Loneliness can make people question the value of recovery, making the path to sobriety quite slippery.
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The Big Book is the book that’s used to guide Alcoholics Anonymous, and it has many things to say about loneliness. As mentioned, acceptance is so important because it allows you to acknowledge any mistakes you’ve made in your past and hold yourself accountable for those actions. It also allows you to accept who you are now and that each step is a step forward. Similarly, finding a sense of meaning helps give you tools to fight against loneliness and SUD. This can be things like new hobbies, a new career, education, and much more.
- Reconnecting with old friends can help improve your mental health, but don’t be afraid to end relationships that are harmful to your sobriety.
- This practice strengthens your emotional resilience and provides clarity in moments when you feel alone or misunderstood.
- For additional insights on rebuilding trust and enhancing relationships, explore our article on how to rebuild trust after addiction.
- However, while the correlation between SUD and loneliness is clear, you may not have recognized that there can be a significant risk of loneliness in recovery, too.
Engaging in activities that promote camaraderie, like support groups or community events, can further enhance these efforts. This way, individuals can meet others who are also committed to sobriety, fostering mutually beneficial relationships and enhancing their overall recovery experience. Practicing mindfulness techniques, such as meditation or a digital detox, can enhance satisfaction in daily life. These practices encourage individuals to focus on the present, helping reduce anxious thoughts and feelings of loneliness.
Engaging in supportive activities
Exercise is essential in combating loneliness and enhancing well-being. Our facility offers top-of-the-line facilities such as basketball and pickleball courts, a cardio room, and peaceful outdoor spaces like a rock garden labyrinth. We provide professional training sessions and group outings to nearby gyms, encouraging socialization while striving to reduce depression and anxiety. These are great ways to see the same people regularly and meet people who share your interests. Beyond that, these all aid your recovery by giving you a challenge and a sense of purpose.
Call today to get started on your journey or if you have any questions. The admissions teams is standing by to help you get started on the path of lasting recovery. Use our quick & easy insurance verification to find out if you’re covered for our centers. Find answers to common questions and learn how to get the most out of your membership. Start your road to recovery in a comfortable, serene, and compassionate space. Bright Futures Treatment Center offers you the opportunity to make a fresh start.
This might mean spending time loneliness in recovery with a pet, connecting with a close friend, or even simply enjoying a quiet evening. Setting achievable goals for the holiday season, such as one positive experience or a small act of self-care, can ease the pressure and help create a peaceful holiday mindset. When loneliness strikes during the holiday season, having a set of supportive strategies can make all the difference in navigating this challenging time in recovery. Having a purpose is about discovering what truly motivates you to stay sober.
Bridges of Hope is an accredited drug and alcohol detox and rehabilitation center with customized programs tailored to each individual patient. Bridges of Hope is a Joint Commission-accredited dual-diagnosis substance abuse treatment program. We are licensed by the State of Indiana Department of Mental Health & Addiction.
If you’re curious about a finding a sponsor, ask anyone at an AA or NA meeting, click the link above, or talk to your therapist or counselor. Once you have a sponsor, they should be the first number on speed dial in your phone – and you should use that number often. What we suggest here is to pay attention to what’s happening in your community or neighborhood and join in whenever you see an announcement for a public event. Neighborhoods often have groups on social media sites like Facebook or sites like Nextdoor. When you see any kind of announcement for any kind of social event, go participate. When you feel loneliness, you feel isolated from those who support you.
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Perhaps the most important strategy for dealing with loneliness during the holidays is self-compassion. Being kind to yourself and recognizing that holiday loneliness is a common experience can make it easier to manage. Acknowledge your feelings without judgment, and remember that it’s okay to feel lonely around the holidays. The societal pressure to celebrate, be with family, and feel cheerful can sometimes create unrealistic expectations. This time of year tends to focus on being together, which can amplify loneliness for those without close family connections or a strong support system.