Going to rehab for addiction treatment seems like it’s the only option you have. While these programs can be beneficial, it’s important to know that many of them aren’t designed to address loneliness, which can actually play a huge role in your addiction and recovery process. This article will help you better understand the link between loneliness and addiction and how you can start treating the root cause of your addiction instead of just the symptoms by giving you valuable information about common root causes of addiction, tips on overcoming loneliness, and suggestions on where to find support in your recovery process.
What Is Addiction?
Before discussing how loneliness can lead to addiction, it’s important to take a step back and first identify what addiction is. Whether you believe that addiction is physical or mental, it’s caused by a combination of three factors: your genes, your environment, and yourself. Genetics play a major role in whether or not you become addicted to drugs or alcohol—as do environmental factors like stress levels, peer pressure, traumatic events, etc. But regardless of what causes an individual to abuse substances, everyone has one thing in common: their choices are ultimately controlled by one person…themselves.
What Is Loneliness?
The experience of loneliness is typically associated with feelings of isolation and disconnection from others. If you’re constantly surrounded by friends, family, or other social connections, it’s hard to imagine how you could feel lonely. But if you can identify with statements like these: Sometimes I feel like no one really knows me or Sometimes I feel like my relationships aren’t as strong as they should be, then it may be time to acknowledge that your social support network could be lacking. This kind of isolation can lead to anxiety, depression, loss of identity, negative coping skills—even substance abuse.
The Connection Between The Two
If you’re lonely, you’re more likely to be vulnerable to addiction; if you have an addiction, that loneliness will intensify. Not only does addressing both issues at once improve your chances of long-term sobriety but also offers a solution to one of society’s most intractable problems: loneliness.
Addressing Both Issues At Once
One of the main reasons addicts don’t get help sooner is because they often struggle with other mental health issues. As we’ve learned, loneliness is a huge factor in addictive behaviour, which makes it easier to understand why addiction and mental health issues tend to go hand-in-hand. If you struggle with addiction or chronic loneliness, getting help for both simultaneously can be extremely helpful—and even life-saving. Whether you attend group therapy sessions or work one-on-one with a therapist, engaging your loved ones can increase your motivation to stay sober and healthy. Plus, it’s pretty hard to feel lonely when you have other people rooting for you—or by your side!
