That means you’re alive and living life on your terms – rather than terms dictated by an alcohol or substance use disorder. That’s because parasocial relationships can 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. Another reason you may be feeling lonely is that you may have alienated some of your friends and family when you were actively addicted.
If you love dogs but can’t have one, consider visiting your local dog park. If anyone asks why you’re there, just explain that you love dogs but don’t have one of your own. Everyone there is likely already a dog lover, so chances are they’ll understand (and maybe even loneliness in sobriety let you toss a ball to their dog). A 2020 study during COVID-19 lockdowns in China found that participants who reported reaching flow also experienced more positive emotions and less loneliness. The quality of your interactions often matters more than the number.
What Are the Symptoms of Isolation?
It is equally important, though, that you continue to care for your mental and emotional health as well. Taking steps to understand how to avoid loneliness in self-quarantine can help you as you do your part to keep everyone safe and healthy during the COVID-19 pandemic. Unfortunately, as a culture we spend more time alone now than we used to.
Sometimes, you might just need some company and feel fine watching a movie with a friend or sharing space while working or browsing social media. Sometimes a quick text can seem like the easiest way to connect, but don’t underestimate the power of speaking to another person. A 2021 study found that even a regular 10-minute phone call may help ease loneliness. We understand what you’re going through and we can help you or a loved one survive addiction and find happiness in your life again.
Talk about your feelings
As you paint, draw, make music or journal, you put all your energy into forming something beautiful. These outlets also encourage you to express your thoughts and feelings in a healthy way. Although your friends and family may not completely understand your experience, they are here to show you love and support when you need it most. Reach out to your loved ones when you’re feeling overwhelmed or upset; more often than not, they will be willing to do what they can to make you feel better. During addiction treatment in Florida, you learn the importance of establishing relationships that support your recovery efforts. This often includes letting go of harmful relationships that could lead to relapse.
Why else would they have continued to use if they did not enjoy some portion of using alcohol or drugs? Those in recovery will have to learn how to separate their positive feelings and memories from any connection to drug or alcohol use. This proposition is one that they may want to only address later on in recovery when they feel more stable in their long-term sobriety. Replacing these experiences with fun, sober memories will be essential to the recovery process, but early recovery poses many risks for triggering scenarios. Clients do not need to unnecessarily wade into familiar scenarios that may lead to potential relapse. Beyond participating in a group therapy program in Florida, you can take part in group activities.
Community, Connection, and Compassion
For more information regarding how to transparently highlight your patient-centered referral partnerships in a manner that is compliant with LegitScript Standards, please contact us. Understanding what is going on in the world, in the US, and in your community regarding the coronavirus outbreak is important to avoiding loneliness in self-quarantine. It will help you to stay up to date on the latest information, but again, limit your media exposure.
In an attempt to cope with these feelings or avoid addressing them, many continue to use drugs and alcohol. This starts a vicious cycle that not only perpetuates substance use but also increases feelings of isolation and loneliness. When in recovery, the feeling of loneliness can sometimes become unbearable due to the loss of substance use as a coping strategy. Loneliness and isolation can significantly increase your chances of relapse, so learning how to deal with feelings of loneliness is essential to maintaining your sobriety. This blog will outline how loneliness and addiction are related and suggest some possible ways to relieve loneliness in sobriety.
So, What Is the Best Way To Overcome Loneliness?
Instead, it can be a season of learning to love yourself and taking huge steps in your recovery process. When first introduced to a drug rehab program, it’s normal to feel lonely. The people and friends who enabled your substance abuse are suddenly gone. Therefore, it’s critical to find fellowship in recovery – to replace a destructive social network with a healthier, more positive one. Loneliness can be a difficult emotion to manage and can have an adverse effect on our mental health if we start to isolate.
It eventually led to depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues – even in a room full of people I could feel totally alone. Looking back now, I think I felt lonely due to the lack of meaningful connections or feelings of belonging. Loneliness is not something that should be taken lightly; it’s a real emotion that needs to be addressed in order to prevent further mental health issues from coming up.
