People who are lonely often struggle with other conditions, including alcohol addiction. Loneliness is a huge trigger for depression, and depression can cause people to turn to alcohol to numb their feelings. This endless cycle can be hard to break, and understanding the connection between alcohol and loneliness can help people start the right path towards true recovery.
The Connection Between Alcohol and Loneliness
Research has shown that loneliness is a contributing factor to someone beginning down the road to alcohol addiction. When someone drinks alcohol, it can take the edge off of their lonely feeling. This leads to a cycle that is hard to break.
However, according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, loneliness seems to have an even greater impact on the prognosis of someone dealing with addiction. The lonely person may feel dissatisfied with most things in their life, feel though they can’t do anything to change their situation, and believe that no one will be able to help. Alcohol is then used as a coping mechanism.
However, breaking free from alcohol addiction can be the first step on the road to improved self-confidence and self-esteem. Once someone feels better about who they are, loneliness will start to recede.
Addiction Is a Lonely Disease
Addiction is a disease that, by its very nature, isolates the sufferer. Because the person struggling with addiction is hurting, they tend to hurt those around them, which causes lasting damage to relationships.
If they do not address their disease and the dual diagnosis that often comes with it, people with alcohol addiction can damage the relationships in their lives and become even more alone. Pushing away friends and family members adds to the relentless cycle of addiction.
Depression as a Contributing Factor to Alcohol Addiction
There is another key factor in the connection between alcohol and loneliness, and that is depression. People who are lonely and don’t feel connected to others are often in the throes of depression. Depression makes an individual feel hopeless, and that can make getting help more difficult. This type of dual diagnosis of alcoholism and depression leads to an ongoing cycle that is difficult to break.
If you are concerned that you or a loved one may be suffering from depression, some symptoms of depression may include:
- Feelings of helplessness and hopelessness
- Loss of interest in daily activities
- Appetite or weight changes
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Anger or irritability
- Loss of energy
- Self-loathing
- Reckless behavior
- Concentration problems
- Unexplained aches and pains
Treatment for Depression at Blueprint Recovery Center
This connection between depression, alcohol addiction, and loneliness means many who are struggling with alcohol addiction also have a dual diagnosis of depression. Without addressing the depression diagnosis, recovery from alcohol addiction is more difficult.
However, hope is available when these individuals address their depression and loneliness first, then address their addiction battle. By getting proper depression treatment at Blueprint Recovery Center, these individuals can often get the help they need to overcome alcoholism.
Treat Alcohol Addiction and Loneliness at Blueprint Recovery Center
For someone fighting alcohol and loneliness, true recovery can only happen when they address both problems. While working on building healthy habits that promote a sober lifestyle, these individuals should also start working to heal their personal relationships.
This isn’t always easy. If addiction has hurt relationships, the individual must first try to heal those relationships, and that takes time. Apologizing and owning mistakes is the first step in making amends. Those in recovery can also talk candidly about their recovery journeys.
Sometimes, making new relationships is critical, especially if former friends cannot understand the addiction and depression fight. In these instances, recovery can be a place to connect with others who understand the challenges of addiction.
Regardless, true recovery requires understanding the connection between alcohol and being lonely, then taking measures to build relationships, seek depression treatment, and start connecting with people to overcome this hurdle.
For more information about dual diagnosis and depression treatment and to better understand the connection between alcohol and loneliness, contact Blueprint Recovery Center at 833.654.1004.
