Addiction is a continuing problem in the UK, with recent data revealing that over 290,000 people were accessing some form of drug and alcohol addiction services.

There are many types of addictions besides drugs and alcohol, and people don’t get the help they need for many reasons.

One of these reasons is isolation and loneliness.

Everyone gets lonely from time to time, but addiction isolation is a significant barrier for people getting help. To ensure the success of recovery, you need to know about the cycle of loneliness and addiction, how it keeps you trapped in addiction and how to break it.

What is Addiction?

Addiction is when you have a physical and psychological urge to do something and are unable to stop, no matter the harm it could be doing to you.

There are many types of addictions – including substances like drugs and alcohol. You can have a behavioural addiction, too, such as gambling or watching pornography.

Developing an addiction is normally a reaction to something in your life or used initially as a way to cope. Being from a family of alcoholics may make it more likely for you to become one yourself. If you are suffering from mental health issues, have been exposed to trauma or have poor impulse control, then you are more at risk of developing an addiction.

Suffering from addiction and loneliness is common, and many people enter treatment requiring help with their mental health. This is known as dual diagnosis.

Addiction can lead to isolation, as your actions as an addict can cause social withdrawal. You may damage relationships and begin associating with new people that mirror your lifestyle. As the addiction takes hold, soon your whole life could revolve around it – further distancing yourself from others.

Having an addiction can cause you to lose the trust of people, steal from them, lose your job, lead to physical and emotional abuse and bring about financial and legal issues. All these things will push the people you need away from you.

Understanding Loneliness in the Context of Addiction

Loneliness is a personal experience but can be explained as feeling a deep disconnect from others and being sad because of it. You can feel loneliness even when in company or when alone.

Common symptoms of loneliness include feeling disconnected, sadness, low self-worth, feeling drained after social interactions and having no real close friends.

Loneliness can be both a product and contribute to your addiction. You may turn to drinking or drugs to deal with being lonely. Soon, this way of coping makes you feel more alone as it helps you run away from your loneliness rather than confronting it. You eventually create a cycle of loneliness and addiction that feed off one another.

Addiction’s Effects on the Brain and Mental Health

Addiction is a powerful force because of the effects it has on your brain. Certain substances can affect the pleasure areas of your brain, flooding you with a chemical called dopamine. Soon, your brain can rewire, expecting these good-feeling levels to be sustained – creating a physical need. Eventually, the dose to get the same effects will increase as your body adapts – furthering a descent into addiction.

Addiction and mental health are closely linked. In the short term, substance abuse can bring about feelings of euphoria, alter your judgement and reduce anxiety.

Studies have shown that addiction can have a long-term impact on your mental health and behaviour. The University of Swansea found that young people with a history of mental health and addiction are more likely to die compared to those with solely addiction issues or mental illness. A study of Iranian students from 2020 concluded that internet addiction leads to anxiety, depression and poor mental health.

Breaking the Cycle of Addiction and Loneliness

There are ways of breaking addiction isolation and taking steps towards recovery.

You need to:

  • Acknowledge your loneliness and other issues
  • Removing yourself from toxic people and situations that are worsening your addiction isolation
  • Join a support group – finding others who know what you are going through
  • Educate yourself about addiction and loneliness

Your relationship with loved ones is so meaningful to become free of addiction. To begin healing these connections, you should reach out first, be open and honest, listen to them, and accept that things may have changed.

In some cases, returning to where you were with some people may not be possible. Having any social support will ease your feelings of isolation, provide a safety net and improve your mental health.

How Community and Support Systems Can Help

Not only loved ones can help with your addiction isolation and the cycle of loneliness. Having access to community support will significantly increase your chances of achieving long-term recovery.

Creating a community around you will allow you to share experiences, be held accountable, exchange advice and help you see you are not alone. Besides getting help in support groups, taking part in therapy and counselling can help you uncover the source of your addiction, provide you with better-coping mechanisms and help you keep a routine.

Signs and Symptoms of Isolation-Induced by Addiction

If you are worried about someone, it’s essential to know the signs of addiction isolation before you act.

Behavioural Signs:

  • Declining performance at work or school
  • Asking for money
  • More secretive
  • Social withdrawal
  • Losing interest in old hobbies or routines

Cognitive and Emotional Signs:

  • Mood swings
  • More withdrawn and anxious
  • Problem focusing

Physical Signs:

  • Weight changes
  • Not taking care of their appearance
  • Getting sick more often
  • Sleep problems

Treatment and Management of Addiction-Induced Isolation

If you are struggling with addiction and isolation, then you should get help.

If the problem is serious, then professional help may be required, which could be in the form of rehab. A stay at a private rehab can help you start to deal with both your addiction and isolation. Treatments on offer, such as detoxification, can help your body heal from what you’ve put it through.

Whilst there, you can connect with others and slowly pull yourself out of the isolation you feel.

In the long term, staying on top of your recovery by engaging with your support systems will help with loneliness. You should also find new communities to be a part of – take up new hobbies and make new connections. Get outside and exercise, help others and take small steps to interact with people regularly.

By starting small, you’ll chip away at your fear and shame of connecting with people again, improving your loneliness and aiding your recovery.

Preventing Isolation in Addiction Recovery

Even during drug and alcohol rehab and after, as you go through recovery, you can feel isolated.

To prevent isolation during addiction recovery, you should:

  • Avoid substance use and risky behaviours
  • Educate yourself about addiction and loneliness
  • Keep up with group support meetings
  • Be honest with yourself
  • Distract yourself with new activities
  • Exercise
  • Keep in touch with people

Find Support for Addiction and Isolation

Addiction isolation can lead you into a spiral that is hard to get out of. Regaining connection with others is so important to managing addiction, which is why support groups and counselling are vital to your success.

Rehabilitation is possible at Asana Lodge. If you are struggling with alcohol and your mental health, alongside other issues, we can help you take back control.

Call us now at 01908 489 421.

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