Dealing With Addiction: You Aren’t Alone

Loneliness in Addiction

Addiction is a lonely condition. Once addiction progresses, family members, friends, co-workers, etc., become confused and appalled by the strange and sometimes hurtful  behavior. People with drug problems often do and says things under the influence they’d  never do or say sober. Addiction tends to run people off and they quit trying to help. The addict begins to withdraw and isolate in anger and shame.

If the person doesn’t seek help, this isolation and loneliness gets worse. It can seem like no else understands, like there’s no one to talk to who’ll just listen and not judge. During this pandemic, isolation and loneliness have become even worse for those suffering in addiction. The good news is, if you have a problem, you are not alone. There are many people in your community dealing with the same problem or who have recovered from the same problem.

Seeking help

In just about every community there are support groups dealing with addiction. There are treatment facilities to start the recovery process. It’s all a phone call away. I’ve talked to thousands of people who were lost in the loneliness of addiction who are now free from active addiction and in some stage of recovery. Almost everyone I’ve talked with in long term recovery has said they couldn’t have done it alone. People with addiction attempt to quit or “slow down” over and over, only to start back as it’s gets worse and worse.

The beauty of having support from those who understand addiction is that you’re never alone. There’s always someone who’s willing to listen when temptation rises or life takes an unexpected turn that throws you for a loop. There’s no weakness in using support to overcome a problem. In fact, it’s a true act of courage and strength to reach out and get help. Then, once you’re in recovery, you can help others — this is how recovery grows and addiction shrinks. You are not alone.