Many individuals have found themselves feeling more lonely in the uncertain times of the COVID-19 pandemic than usual. As self-isolation continues to help stop the spread of COVID-19, people are beginning to feel the severe effects of loneliness one year later. Unfortunately, loneliness can lead to several mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety -- it can also lead to addiction. Loneliness can perpetuate addiction and enable it to continue for years to come, making it crucial to understand how loneliness impacts addiction. Only then can you begin to take proper steps to manage your loneliness and recover from addiction.
The term “loneliness” is thrown around frequently, considering how often people have been stuck at home due to the pandemic. However, do you really know what loneliness is? Understanding the importance between loneliness and feeling alone is critical, as the effects are different. Being alone can be beneficial for mental health -- it allows you time to recharge away from other people. Being alone can be fixed by calling up a friend or sending a loved one a message to let them know you’re thinking about them. You feel complete when people surround you.
Loneliness is different in that the feeling still occurs even when people surround you. It is characterized by an inner sense of emptiness that cannot seem to be filled by being around people. It can be perpetuated by depression, anxiety, rejection, sadness, and negative thoughts.
Loneliness is an experience that has been around since the beginning of time -- we all deal with it from time to time. However, problems can arise when the feeling of loneliness becomes chronic. Loneliness is an internal emotion and experience that can severely affect your overall mental health and state of being. Loneliness has been linked to depression, sleep problems, personality disorders, addiction, and other physical problems. Due to its severe impact on these parts of your wellbeing, you may also begin to develop feelings of insecurity, low-self esteem, anti-social tendencies, suicidal thoughts, and more. Over time, you will most likely search for something to give you relief from these symptoms. Many individuals that struggle with loneliness often turn to drugs and alcohol as a source of temporary relief; this is how addiction and loneliness become intertwined.
Loneliness can cause symptoms of anxiety and depression, creating a link to addiction. Individuals with mood disorders or symptoms of them pose a higher risk of developing an addiction due to the “need” to self-medicate with drugs and alcohol. Over time, the person will need higher amounts due to increased tolerance and eventually not be able to stop using the substances due to withdrawal symptoms. When this occurs, the cycle of abuse and addiction begins, as the person is now dependent on drugs and alcohol to function normally.
Many people have been quarantining to help keep themselves and others safe in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. Now that the pandemic has been going on for over a year, individuals are beginning to feel the effects of self-isolation. Loneliness is rampant, and many people are struggling to cope with the symptoms caused by it. This is especially true when you consider the stress that many people are under as they continue working and putting their health at risk during these uncertain times. Luckily, many organizations have posted ways to cope with loneliness during COVID-19 healthily.
If you are struggling, consider these tips to help you:
Loneliness is running rampant due to COVID-19, which is putting many people at risk for addiction. Loneliness can cause symptoms of depression and anxiety, which are known to pose a higher risk of addiction. These times are not easy, and it is understandable if you are currently struggling and looking for a source of relief. However, you should avoid using drugs and alcohol as a temporary relief measure. When you use drugs and alcohol to cope, you pose a risk of further problems down the road that are not worth the fleeting moments of temporary relief. If you are struggling, NorthStar Transitions is here to help. We are still open during COVID-19 and taking proper safety measures to ensure our clients and staff are safe. The NorthStar difference is clinical excellence, evidence-based therapeutic modalities, personalized treatment plans, and our location in the serene and majestic setting of Boulder, Colorado. You find real-life recovery when you choose NorthStar. Call us today at (303) 558-6400 to learn more.
