Sometimes our own thoughts have the sharpest tongues. It’s hard to be inside our own heads. Isolation and addiction often go hand in hand. When we are alone and unplugged from the world, our thoughts become louder than the outside noise of friends, family, and society. It can be difficult to manage our thoughts when we’re alone. This is when addiction can take root. Addiction to drugs and alcohol may not just be an effect of isolation but also the cause of isolation. Many people turn to substances because they are lonely, and many people are lonely because they are addicted to substances.
If you or a loved one are struggling with isolation and addiction, contact Vertava Health at 844.470.0410 today. Our addiction therapy programs are designed to help you get back on your feet and start living a healthy, fulfilling life. Our team of professionals is here to provide the support, resources, and guidance you need to get the help you deserve. Don’t wait any longer.
Isolation and Addiction
Addiction and isolation share a complex relationship. Although isolation can lead to addiction, addiction itself can also cause feelings of isolation as a result of substance use. When you’re lonely, you can run out of hope.
The realities of isolation and loneliness in addiction can leave people with these feelings:
- Feeling disconnected from others
- Feeling sad there is no one available to talk, be with you, or understand
- Feeling that no one cares
- Feeling abandoned
- Feeling as though no one wants to be with you
- Feeling discontent
- Feeling left out
- Feeling hopeless
- Fearing you will always feel this way
We at Vertava Health understand the difficulty that comes with addiction and isolation. That’s why we work one-on-one with every patient to create a personalized treatment plan that addresses their unique needs and goals. We provide you with the tools to manage your addiction, build healthy relationships, and strengthen your support system.
How To Find Connection Again
Living life isn’t as easy as it sounds, especially when you are new to sobriety and recovery. A crucial barrier to break in addiction recovery surrounds beating isolation and loneliness. Below are a few suggestions on how to do so:
- Allow yourself to grieve the loss of drugs and alcohol. In active addiction, drugs and alcohol can seem like your best friends: The only ones who are there for you in the darkness and the loneliness. It’s understandable that the loss of that relationship may cause you pain, anger, and loneliness in your early recovery. Keep in mind that your relationship with your drug of choice was a one-sided, destructive friendship.
- Make amends. During active addiction, we cut people out and hurt those we love most. You may have disconnected from good friends and family. Hurt and confused, your loved ones may have written you off. In recovery, you have the opportunity to apologize and take action to make amends. While some relationships may be salvageable, some will not. In situations where relationships are damaged beyond repair, make peace with knowing you have apologized. Accept that there are some things beyond your control.
- Disconnect from unhealthy relationships. While you may struggle with wanting to connect with others, some relationships and social connections are unhealthy. There will be some people who will not support your recovery. They have no place in your life, regardless of your loneliness or desire to connect. Cut out the negative influences, and move forward.
Graduates of Vertava Health’s programs have secret Facebook groups and chat forums to connect with each other. In addition to that, there are numerous support outlets that allow people in recovery to connect with one another.
Connect Again with Vertava Health
Loneliness can be one of the biggest causes and effects of addiction and relapse. The cycle of isolation and addiction can be broken. Through fellowship, friendship, and connections, it’s possible. Contact Vertava Health at 844.470.0410 today to learn more about how we can help you break the cycle. Our team of professionals is here to provide the support, resources, and guidance you need to get the help you deserve. Don’t wait any longer. Take the first step towards recovery today.
