Feeling lonely and being alone are two very different concepts. Being alone is the idea that a person can be by themselves, yet perhaps enjoy their own company. Feeling lonely is one of those things that can eat away at a person slowly, over time, because it feels like there is nobody else out there who understands their life. This can quickly derail recovery unless the person is willing to try a few things to step outside this experience and find hope.

All Alone

Following rehab, a person may experience feelings of loneliness or being all alone in the world. Perhaps family, friends, or loved ones are going through addiction and mental health issues as well which puts that individual in a precarious situation. Being around loved ones feels good (short term) but really ends up being a trigger to use drugs and alcohol again. There may also be times when cutting friends out of their life is essential to staying sober so rebuilding old relationships and new ones takes time. Finding a new job, integrating back into the old one, or getting into some support groups that feel like a good fit all bring with it a sense of newness, but also the idea that none of those people know that individual which can feel lonely at times.

Moving Forward

When moving forward in sobriety, it helps to have some tools in the toolbelt to combat feelings of loneliness. That ache can last a long time unless it is healed and supported by people who understand. Here are some tips to help get out of the funk and start to embrace sobriety:

  • Speak with a professional counselor and build a support network
  • Get a pet. Having a pet to talk to, spend time with, and share life with during hard times can feel better even than human companionship and boost a person’s emotional state
  • Go online. Especially for introverts, this is a key idea about showing up somewhere, even if that is from one’s own living room. The beauty of technology helps connect people at the click of a mouse (but don’t let this be the only means of connection)
  • Volunteer. Getting out into society and volunteering is a great way to defeat loneliness. Helping other people puts problems in perspective and creates a connection to the world
  • Love the self first. Becoming one’s own best friend can increase self-esteem and help a person become more comfortable being alone. This will help attract people into the support network that believe in that person, even when they themselves do not.

The Springboard Center’s addiction treatment programs are tailored to meet the needs of each client. By utilizing a set of diverse methods of addiction treatment, we are able to deal with your addiction from all angles and concentrate on every aspect of your healing process. It is important to recognize that many of our services offer a group setting and environment, so that the client spends time with other people affected by the same chronic disease and problems. 432-620-0255