Dangers of Isolation in Recovery
It’s dangerous to be in isolation in recovery from alcohol or drug addiction because we tend to be our own worst enemies. Loneliness is a common contributor to relapse of drug and alcohol treatment. We are addressing the risks of isolation in recovery and how to avoid them to help those in sobriety stay on track.
Risks of Isolation in Recovery
When you are in recovery, is isolation bad? Sometimes it can be. When we’re alone, our minds have a tendency to wander to negative thoughts, so it can be tempting to separate ourselves from others in recovery. Recovery can be difficult when you’re isolated, which makes it difficult to stay motivated and keep away from the guilt and shame that symptoms of substance abuse are often associated with. Addicts in early recovery face a variety of problems due to loneliness, so imagine how detrimental this can be for someone who is not in recovery from addiction. Early recovery is often characterized by isolation. People often seek separation from others to fill the hole left by addiction. When dealing with mental illness, emotional distress, or trauma, many people turn to drugs or alcohol. It can be difficult to adjust to a sober lifestyle even after getting treatment for drug or alcohol addiction.
By beginning their recovery journey with the right kind of treatment, Wellness Retreat Recovery Center in Santa Cruz helps our clients stay on the right path in recovery. Our medically supervised detox program is the first step towards our clients’ recovery. A medical professional leads our detox programs, who can administer medication, if necessary, and guide clients through withdrawals safely. A medical professional leads our detox programs to ensure a smooth transition into substance-specific treatment.
Avoid The Dangers
In spite of the emotional rollercoaster of addiction recovery, there are many ways to avoid the risks of isolation during sobriety.
Keep in Touch with Your Loved Ones
Make regular phone calls to friends and family and share your feelings with them.
Divert Your Attention
Invest your free time in a new and fun hobby. Isolation and loneliness are more likely to occur when we don’t have a goal to work toward.
Being Honest with Yourself is Essential
During recovery, it’s not only okay to feel sad, angry, or happy, but it’s also normal to go through many different emotions. Accept these feelings instead of burying them. Learn to cope with them.
Make Sure You Don’t Miss Groups
Recovery groups are often attended by individuals who finish rehab programs. Making sober and supportive friends is an excellent way to stay motivated during tough times. 12-step meetings can help you do this. It’s also a good way to motivate others as well.
Write In a Journal
Don’t try to avoid your emotions; instead, process them. Journaling regularly about your day, your thoughts, and your feelings is a healthy and productive way to do this. The fact is that some things we don’t want to share with others are okay. When you write out all of these sources of loneliness, you will gain a better understanding of how it started. In addition, you can review these logs and see where you’ve made progress and where you need to improve.
Support Community Importance
Boredom and depression may result when those in recovery exclude themselves from a support network, greatly increasing their risk of relapse.
AA and NA have been successful in providing a sense of community that’s essential to long-term recovery. A sober network of friends is available through meetings, which provide an opportunity to share struggles, offer guidance and receive hope.
By getting involved in the community, those in recovery find a place of non-judgment, as well as encouragement. Community members hold one another accountable and provide support during crises. An accountability buddy or sponsor can help prevent relapse.
Regular attendance at family support groups allows family members to gain a deeper understanding of addiction and the best ways to help their loved ones. Individuals in recovery and their families can learn how to communicate with one another through support groups, which increases their chances of long-term success.
You can access virtual meetings of AA, NA, and other support groups if you’re in social isolation due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Prevent Isolation in Recovery by Getting Help Today
Help you or your family prevent isolation. It can be detrimental to one’s recovery or journey in sobriety. Follow these tips from Wellness Retreat for help in your recovery today.
If you or someone you love is suffering from active addiction. Then contact our team to get in touch and get put on the right road to a better life. Our professionally trained staff at Wellness Retreat Recovery Center is on-site and on-call to help you today.
