Early recovery from substance use can be full of mixed emotions. It often brings excitement, optimism, and even euphoria; some people refer to this as “pink cloud syndrome.” This metaphor makes sense–after a person has completed detox and many of their early withdrawal symptoms are behind them, they are likely to feel physically and emotionally better than they have in a while.
At the same time, people in this stage of recovery might also feel nervous or scared about the future. It is normal to have concerns about relapsing, and it might be hard to picture what the “new normal” will look like.
One emotional state that sometimes gets overlooked is loneliness. This article will explain why it happens and its impact, followed by practical tips for coping with loneliness in early recovery.
Understanding Loneliness in Early Recovery
The truth is that many people in our society at large already experience feelings of loneliness. A 2024 study from Harvard revealed that more than 1 in 5 adults feel lonely. There is a significant correlation between loneliness, anxiety, and depression; of those who reported feelings of loneliness, 81% also reported anxiety or depression. The numbers are even higher among young people, with 61% of 18 to 25-year-olds reporting serious loneliness.
With those statistics as a backdrop, it is understandable why, during early recovery, loneliness can increase. Social groups and routines are often connected to substance use, and distancing oneself from people and patterns can feel isolating, especially if you’ve been connected to these groups for years. The norms and stigma in these groups can also make early recovery more difficult, and some people choose to distance themselves completely to avoid peer pressure or expectations.
People often struggle with their self-identity during early recovery. If they have experienced emotional trauma and have been self-medicating with substances, they are now left without one of their major coping strategies. This often leads to increased feelings of anxiety, depression, and cravings, all of which make early recovery more difficult.
Healthy Ways to Cope with Loneliness
People in early recovery need to understand that loneliness is common but that it can also be a trigger for relapse. The good news is that loneliness is often temporary and something you can plan for and navigate. Here are a few ways you can cope with loneliness in early recovery.
- Join a recovery community. Finding a support group or groups with people who understand what you have been through and where you are headed can be tremendously helpful. Try an AA meeting or SMART Recovery meeting in your area, and schedule it into your week regularly.
- Prioritize yourself. Many people say they have more time in their week and month during recovery. At first, this can be overwhelming, but plan to fill it with things you like to do. Hobbies, exercise, volunteering, reading, and journaling are all positive outlets. What are some passions you had when you were younger? What have you always wanted to learn to do?
- Connect or reconnect with supportive relationships. Seek healthy relationships and invest in people who can and will support your recovery. Yes, this will not happen overnight, but it often happens more quickly than people expect. Set boundaries with those who may not support your recovery right now.
Mental Health Treatment with Infinity Group
Therapy or counseling can be another great way to combat loneliness. It can help a person process their emotions around loneliness or perhaps the underlying reasons they may have been using substances. We offer several evidence-based therapies at Infinity Group, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps identify and reframe negative thought patterns.
Coping with loneliness in early recovery is not easy, but it can be managed if you have a plan. The poet, Mary Karr, said, “When I got sober, I thought giving up was saying goodbye to all the fun and all the sparkle, and it turned out to be just the opposite. That’s when the sparkle started for me.”
If you or a loved one are looking for addiction treatment, we hope you will contact us today. Nobody should have to navigate recovery alone. You can do this, and we want to help.
