Isolation and addiction are two conditions that can severely impact a person’s livelihood. Social isolation has serious effects on a person’s mental health and can lead to substance use and addiction. It is important to have healthy, social interactions with people to stave off feelings of loneliness.
For those recovering from substance use and addiction, social isolation can trigger a relapse. Make sure to take care of yourself by seeking the necessary help to avoid substance use. Our treatment facility in Gaithersburg, Maryland has programs designed to help you overcome isolation and addiction for good!
Is Isolation the Same Thing as Loneliness?
Isolation and loneliness are related terms but they differ in definition. Isolation is when a person is physically distanced from others, while loneliness is lacking social connection. Isolation can lead to loneliness and vice versa.
It is important to know the difference between isolation and loneliness because they are not interchangeable words. A person can feel isolated and not lonely, while a person can be lonely and not isolated. Someone could feel lonely in the middle of a crowd because it is an emotional state. Someone isolated may not feel lonely because it is a physical state.
Although isolation and loneliness are not the same, they can both lead to substance use and addiction. It is important to have healthy social interactions with others regularly.
Isolation and Loneliness: The Covid-19 Pandemic
One of the most prominent examples of social isolation and addiction is the Covid-19 pandemic. The Covid-19 pandemic led to worldwide social isolation, which affected the mental health of many people. Those who were used to engaging in social interaction every day were now deprived of this connection.
The pandemic caused many people to feel alone, which led to increased rates of addiction, anxiety, and depression. This shows that social isolation can be dangerous and may cause serious mental and physical health problems.
How Does Isolation Affect a Person?
Isolation can significantly affect a person physically, mentally, and emotionally. Social interaction is important for a person’s overall well-being. Not everyone has a healthy support system in place, which can lead to a decline in mental and physical health.
Physically, social isolation can cause people to engage in unhealthy habits that have negative effects on their health. Being isolated from others may lead to decreased physical activity, poor diet, and disrupted sleeping patterns. Neglecting your physical health can lead to serious consequences such as
- Cardiovascular problems
- Decreased immune system function
- Heightened risk of stroke
- Obesity
Emotionally, isolation can make people experience emotional imbalance. Those who are socially isolated may begin to feel empty and lonely. Some emotional effects that isolation may have on a person include:
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
- Depression
- Low self-confidence
- Stress
Mentally, isolation may cause a person to feel mental impairment that decreases their overall well-being. Some mental functions that may be impaired due to isolation include:
- Difficulty concentrating
- Hallucinations
- A decline in rational though
- Confusion
How Do Isolation and Addiction Mix?
Isolation and addiction are two conditions that can feed off of each other simultaneously. Social interaction and substance use both produce dopamine in the brain. When someone is isolated, they may use substances to escape feelings of loneliness. This is a dangerous cycle, as prolonged substance use can lead to addiction.
People who struggle with loneliness may turn to substance use as a coping mechanism. If a person is using substances to produce dopamine, they will become dependent on drugs and drink alcohol to feel good. Substance use disorder can cause a person to push others away, including loved ones, because they are using substances in place of social interaction.
Loneliness is a Risk Factor for Several Health Conditions—Including Substance Use Disorder
Social isolation may cause a person to have strong feelings of loneliness. Social interaction is necessary because it helps people relieve stress and communicate feelings. When stress and emotions are built up, it can lead to increased states of anxiety and depression.
Loneliness is a risk factor for a multitude of physical and mental health conditions including
- Weaker immune system
- Poor sleep
- Poor diet
- Arthritis
- Type 2 diabetes
- Substance use disorder
It is important to take loneliness seriously because it can severely affect a person’s well-being. Turning to unhealthy coping mechanisms can lead to long-term addiction and many other health problems. If you are struggling with loneliness and addiction, don’t hesitate to look into treatment options.
Loneliness Can Feed Co-Morbid Disorders
Loneliness can be difficult to handle but becomes even more of a challenge when paired with other health conditions. Co-morbidities are co-occurring health problems that may be exacerbated by feelings of loneliness. For example, someone may be struggling with a substance use disorder along with anxiety that is caused by loneliness.
Social interaction can be taken for granted, but it is crucial for mental and physical stability. It produces dopamine that combats feelings of loneliness and depression, leading to improved health and lowered risk of addiction.
Loneliness Can Incite Substance Abuse—and Vice Versa
Loneliness can lead to substance use and vice versa. Substance use may be used as a coping mechanism to combat feelings of loneliness, but it can cause a person to feel lonely. Even when surrounded by people, substance use can cause you to feel lonely. After coming down from a high caused by drugs or alcohol, the dopamine receptors in the brain are low. This causes strong feelings of depression and anxiety.
Those Suffering from Addiction and Loneliness May Not Know There’s a Way Out
Addiction and loneliness may feel impossible to overcome because people do not see an end to their suffering. In addition, they may not think there is anything that can cure loneliness besides drugs and alcohol. Loneliness can make it feel like no one cares about you and that you are detached from the world. Substance use exacerbates these thoughts and leads to a pattern of addiction.
It is hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel sometimes, but some people want to help you. Thankfully, treatment is available that will help you take control of your life once again. Programs designed by medical professionals will help you overcome your pattern of isolation and addiction.
We Must Cope with Loneliness in Healthy Ways
Everyone will experience loneliness at some point in their lives, so it is important to have healthy coping skills. There are many other ways to cure feelings of loneliness without the use of drugs and alcohol.
Having healthy coping mechanisms in place is necessary for you or a loved one that may be struggling. Here are some healthy coping mechanisms that can help you deal with feelings of loneliness.
- Affirm whoever needs to hear it that they are not alone in this world, and some people are there to help them. Also, be stern in saying that substance use is not the answer to their problems.
- Figure out a way to confront and address the underlying problems that induce feelings of loneliness. Depending on the severity of these feelings, professional treatment may be necessary. Forms of therapy and support groups are also great tools to help combat loneliness and addiction.
- Establish common ground with others and find ways to improve each other’s mental and physical health. Things like regular exercise and eating healthy can go a long way during this process. You and your loved ones will grow closer and learn more about each other by engaging in these activities as well.
- Communicate with loved ones regularly. It may seem like a task to find time to meet up and talk with loved ones, but it is necessary. Having a support system in place is important for everyone because you never know when you will be faced with feelings of loneliness.
It is critical to understand that loneliness is a part of life and you will experience it at different stages in life. Those who turn to substance use as a coping mechanism will not find an escape from these feelings if they continue on that path. If you are suffering from isolation and addiction, don’t let it continue to control your life. Find healthy ways to cope with your condition and implement the help of others.
Preventing Relapse in Social Isolation
When going through recovery, social isolation can be extremely dangerous because it is a common relapse trigger. When a person socially isolates themselves, they want to relapse and become much stronger. When people do not have the support system they need, it can make them slip back into a cycle of addiction.
Unfortunately, relapse is a common struggle that people experience during their recovery process. Practice relapse prevention techniques by establishing a support system and utilizing healthy coping mechanisms.
Help is Available for People Struggling with Isolation and Addiction
It can be difficult to admit when we have a problem because it feels shameful or embarrassing. The truth is that millions of people suffer from addiction every day and do not seek proper care. We want you to experience true freedom from the disease of addiction.
Our team of professionals at The Freedom Center ensures that you receive top-of-the-line care, tailored to your individual needs. If you are interested in learning more about our treatment facility, contact us today!
