Among the many risk factors and consequences that come with the struggles of a drug or alcohol use disorder, is being incredibly lonely. Because of this, individuals suffering from substance use disorder are typically associated with two different extremes when it comes to the user’s social network.
Contrary to the popular beliefs by everyday people in society regarding the chronic disease of addiction, the ones who regularly abuse alcohol or drugs are not the “social rockstars” that they may be perceived as in real life. The truth, however, is that most addicts fall short of this stereotype and land in a place where extreme feelings of isolation and loneliness are often experienced.
Isolation Leading To Substance Abuse
People who feel isolated in social interactions are naturally more likely to have an addiction to drugs or alcohol begin to develop. Researchers at the College of Natural Sciences in Texas, have also conducted various behavioral studies to examine the differences of how those who were socially isolated responded as compared to those who were consistently grouped with their peers. Results showed that teenagers and young adults could benefit significantly from having a helpful and supportive atmosphere surrounding them. Also, having a healthy life socially can assist in making their atmosphere more enjoyable and also ignore possible urges to start resorting to drugs or alcohol in the first place.
The underlying condition that causes an individual to develop mental health or substance abuse issues commonly begins with feelings of depression and anxiety. The problem with substance or behavior complications like these is that they typically only intensify these issues in the long term.
Developing drug addiction or mental disorder typically leads to struggling individuals becoming emotionally distant and withdrawn from many aspects of their lives. As the harm and discomfort to the user’s psychological and physical health progress, it is not uncommon for addicts to experience many dangerous repercussions. What were strong and healthy relationships, begin to struggle. The loss of family member and friends support is what often jumpstarts the unfortunate spiral into a lonely existence centered around substance use.
Socializing Effects From Addiction
When an individual consumes a large amount of alcohol or drugs, it naturally triggers a release of dopamine, which can be extremely addictive. Dopamine is a chemical within the brain that is associated with pleasure, euphoria, and the overall feeling of well-being. Many studies and tests have been conducted, concluding that this release of dopamine is the critical factor in most cases of addiction development.
As the brain begins to expect that it is reasonable to experience these sudden increases of dopamine when drugs are taken, it eventually becomes reliable to the presence of the drug. With these changes happening in the brain, the user begins to think that the drug has to be taken for the body to function normally. What was observed in a study was that the individuals who were cut out of their social groups began to be seen reacting more sensitively to the rewards they get from taking drugs or alcohol. This is because their brains started to be suddenly more inclined to feel the spikes of dopamine rather than the alternative.
Addiction Considered The Most Lonely Disease
Isolation and loneliness have an overwhelming effect on drug and behavioral addiction, along with alcoholism. Many studies have shown that those of us who feel more isolated in social situations generally unknowingly create an increased risk of developing mental health and substance abuse issues. It is significant to know that addiction may not just be an effect caused by isolation, but can even be the cause of isolation as well.
There are a large number of people that sadly turn to self-medicating because of the overwhelming feelings of emotional pain and loneliness. Then the abuse continues because since the drugs are causing the loneliness, often the thought process is that more drugs need to be taken in order not to be as lonely and isolated. Addiction treatment at a certified recovery center is the best medical advice at this point because a strategic approach is encouraged for these complex scenarios.
Learn More About ReAlign Detox In Orange County
While hope and religion can play an essential role in the recovery process, the emphasis at ReAlign Detox in Orange County is placed on providing actual evidence-based treatment options to our patients.
Our commitment to providing an unbeatable detox experience has inspired us to create a detox program, unlike any other that has helped hundreds of clients start the path to recovery on the right foot. Our professional staff works with every patient to determine their needs and create a personalized detox experience that will be most effective when dealing with withdrawal symptoms.
If you want to start your journey to a healthy long-term recovery, there is no need to make the sometimes difficult journey on your own. We have years of experience helping our patients build a solid foundation for long-lasting addiction and mental health recovery by providing an effective and world-class experience. Call us today to hear more about our treatment philosophy, process, and procedures, as well as hearing about the variety of luxurious amenities our facility in beautiful sunny Southern California can offer.