How to Cope with Addiction During A Time of Increased Loneliness
Addiction is a compulsion to continually engage in an activity or behavior despite the negative impact on the person’s life. Addiction comes in many forms – drugs, alcohol, smoking/vaping, food, gambling, relationships, shopping and even social media. For many, the behavior or substance was at first, used as a way to cope with feelings such as sadness, anger, guilt, or anxiety. And it may have worked for a time but at some point the substance or behavior stopped working and became the much bigger problem. Often increasing the negative feelings we sought to avoid.
A big trigger for people struggling with addiction is loneliness, which we have all been experiencing during this pandemic. While our community is beginning to open back up, the truth of the matter is, we are a long way from “normal” life. So how do you beat the isolation and loneliness, and continue towards a healthy lifestyle?
Grieve
I know it may sound strange but allowing yourself to grieve the loss of the thing that used to give you comfort can be very therapeutic. You must say good-bye to that substance or behavior that was a major part of your life for a long time. While it may not be the same as mourning the loss of a loved one, it is a loss, none the less. Letting yourself feel the pain of that loss allows you to make room for new joy and peace to come in.
Disconnect Unhealthy Relationships
While isolation and loneliness can be a challenge to our ability to cope, we need to be careful to avoid toxic relationships. Creating distance between you and those that may influence you to go back to your unhealthy lifestyle allows you space to create new and healthy relationships. It may be hard to move away from old friendships, but your mental health is much more important. Perhaps “social distancing” can create an opportunity to cut ties with old, toxic relationships and start fresh with healthier relationships, as we move back into the community.
Connect Online
Connecting with support groups or friends online can be very beneficial. Joining groups of people that are going through a similar battle can give you some encouragement and insight into what is to come. It’s important that you are reaching out for help in those moments where your loneliness is overwhelming. Choosing relationships that bring you positivity and influence a healthy lifestyle can make a huge difference in the way you view yourself and your new lifestyle.
Build Self-Confidence
Often, those who have struggled with addiction lack confidence. Maybe someone has talked down to you about your addiction. Maybe you have talked down to yourself about your struggles. Either way, you are in a new place. It’s time to begin to build yourself up again. Try focusing on some self-care activities throughout the week. Posting positive notes to yourself on your mirror, reading a self-help book, and celebrating your small victories can help you begin to see yourself in a new light.
Set Boundaries
This one is very important. While you are working towards building new relationships, sharing your boundaries up front allows yourself and your friend know what is expected. If you feel uncomfortable with something, say so. Remember, you are in control. Remind your friend that you need a firm set of boundaries in order to stay on track. Creating clear boundaries gives you a clear picture of when to say yes, and when to say no. If you know something is going to cause you to slip, it’s okay for you to excuse yourself from the conversation or situation.
Counseling
As we make strides towards normalcy, it is time to begin to heal. If you have found yourself feeling lonely, isolated, or struggling through this pandemic, reach out. Synergy Wellbeing’s counselors are skilled in many areas, including addiction. Our Care Navigator will get you connected with the therapist that is the right fit for you. This is a challenging time for everyone. And especially if you are struggling with an addiction, now is a good time to reach out. Let us help you open up to a new way to live your life better.
Find the Counselor That is Right for You
We know how important it is to find a counselor who “gets” you. Synergy Wellbeing’s unique Care Navigator is designed to help us find the right counselor for you.
