After all they’ve been through, they may not believe that there’s a way out of their suffering. Perhaps they feel that drugs or alcohol are their only means to improve their moods and give them the energy to get through their days. If you find it difficult to make new, sober friends, try joining a support group. When you’re https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/what-is-the-difference-between-alcohol-abuse-and-alcoholism/ working towards sobriety while connected to a community of people who are also on their own sobriety journeys, you’re never truly alone. It’s important to remain a part of this community to help you banish feelings of loneliness. Leaving this feeling behind helps you grow closer to your goal of long-term recovery.
- If you are struggling, try one of my suggestions above or for further support check out my article Sobriety Toolbox Tips.
- This only resulted in more feelings of loneliness and FOMO (fear of missing out) since my friends were all out together and I was sitting at home by myself.
- Remember, every step you take towards building connections and enriching your life is a step away from loneliness.
- Online connections give us a false sense of connection when in fact they lack the authenticity, companionship, and sense of belonging that we get from real-life interactions.
Alone vs. Lonely: What’s the Difference?
The National Library of Medicine says social media could be fueling these lonely feelings. We all know that exercise is good for us on many levels, boosting our mood, energy, and health all at once. Add a group element to it and you’re also boosting your social connections.
- If you’re suffering crushing loneliness, there are many ways you can deal with it.
- However, you also know to watch out for the dangers of loneliness because if left to fester, loneliness can lead to depression, shame, low self-esteem, further isolation, then relapse.
- When I realised my drinking was getting out of control and I knew I had to do something about it, I thought I was the only person in the world who felt the way I did.
- Feelings of loneliness are most prevalent in early sobriety when we break away from old habits.
What Are the Symptoms of Isolation?
But we do need each other, all the way to the end of our lives. Socialization plays an important part of our mental and physical health. Just as infants and children may suffer from a lack of human contact, adults and seniors can suffer, too. Seniors who spend too much time alone suffer more loneliness in sobriety physical ailments than those who continue to have a rich social life. Adults who are lonely may be more prone to abuse drugs and alcohol, or suffer a relapse. If an individual has friends or family members that are supportive and encouraging, they should embrace those people in their life.
The Power of Person First Language in Addiction Treatment
The journey of recovery requires leaving the world of substance use behind, including any relationships that may hinder your progress. If you’ve damaged your previous relationships, it can take significant work to gain those back. Fortunately, there are ways that you can deal with loneliness while you’re working on recovery.
How to Get Sober
I hate to break it to you, but you are very NOT likely going to make a bunch of great friends at your first meeting. You need to try different meetings, keep going, listen, ask questions, share, not be a jerk, be nice and in time you’ll make some great friends in AA. The fact is I was an outgoing drunk who had a large circle of friends. Of course, I was in my twenties at the time … I’m sure it’s not quite like that for drinkers in their 30′s, 40′s and beyond. In my piece, “When Did We Stop Talking to Each Other,” I mention how easy it is for us to look at our phones rather than at the world around us.
Feelings of loneliness and isolation can make it challenging to stay sober.
Contact Your First Step’s National Hotline
Loneliness And Depression — The Chicken Or The Egg?
- 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.
- If you are seeking drug and alcohol related addiction rehab for yourself or a loved one, the YourFirstStep.org hotline is a confidential and convenient solution.
- Loneliness brings us back to our base selves, ready to explore what it is we want and need as a human being.
- In your journey toward recovery, you’re going to experience a lot of ups and downs.
- The Merriam-Webster dictionary describes the word sobriety as the quality or state of being sober.