Isolation and addiction tend to go hand in hand. When a person is completely isolated, it can result in mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety. The COVID-19 pandemic showed just how damaging isolation can be to mental health as an entire nation self-quarantined. Those who have loved ones to call and message fared much better than those who didn’t. With isolation comes the desire to alleviate the pain. This often starts as self-medicating behavior that can quickly escalate into an addiction.
That’s why mental health care and addiction treatment facilities like Painted Desert Recovery work to reduce the risk of isolation in both their clients and society as a whole. By raising awareness about how isolation and addiction are linked, people who may have been isolated can find the help and understanding they need.
Why Isolation and Addiction Are Linked
Isolation and addiction are so closely linked because humans are social creatures. We need to feel a connection with others to be healthy. The absence of this connection leads to pain and can cause a wide array of problems. One of these problems, of course, is addiction. Addiction is often the result of someone trying to cope with the boredom, loneliness, or lack of direction that comes with isolation.
The link between isolation and addiction can easily be seen in the “Rat Park” experiment. Single rats were isolated in a cage with a choice between plain water and water drugged with morphine. Other rats lived in the best environment researchers could create. This included toys, opportunities to engage in natural behaviors, and other rats to interact with. The “Rat Park” inhabitants were given the same choices between regular and drugged water. Isolated rats would continuously drink the drugged water to the point of overdose while the free rats were less likely to take the drugged water.
This experiment was groundbreaking in exploring the link between isolation and addiction. It showed that happy and connected individuals are less likely to abuse substances, which causes us to examine our society with more compassionate eyes.
Addiction can also be a cause for isolation, causing a vicious cycle between the two. Most people know that their substance abuse is harming them and struggle with the resulting feelings of shame. They may fear that they will be judged or belittled, so they then withdraw from their social circles to hide their addiction. Withdrawing from usual activities and social circles is one of the many warning signs of addiction.
Recognizing Who Is at Most Risk
Anyone is at risk for isolation and addiction, especially if they don’t have access to a support network. However, some groups of people are more at risk for isolation and addiction than others. These risk groups include:
- Older adults, especially the elderly
- Marginalized groups, such as immigrants who cannot speak their country’s new language or groups who routinely face discrimination
- People with disabilities, especially ones that limit mobility and communication
- Those who live in remote locations
- Immunocompromised people who have difficulty leaving their homes or are frequently hospitalized
It’s important to note that there is a difference between loneliness and isolation. Loneliness is the feeling of being separated from others or alone. Isolation is a lack of social contact or having little to no people to regularly interact with. Understanding who is most at risk for isolation and addiction can inspire social change. There is an ongoing effort to spread awareness about isolation and encourage social connectedness. By coming together, we can help those who are most vulnerable.
Overcoming Both Isolation and Addiction
One way to help those struggling with isolation and addiction is to provide comprehensive and specialized care. Painted Desert Recovery, for example, is an addiction treatment facility specializing in women-focused treatment. Women are routinely dismissed and discriminated against in modern society. Having a women-only treatment facility doesn’t just provide addiction treatment. It also allows women to connect and form life-long bonds and friendships.
Group therapy is one treatment that addresses both isolation and addiction. It involves a group of people having guided therapy together. It’s used as a way to practice coping skills with others as well as share wisdom and life experiences. By improving communication and relationship skills through group therapy, clients can form stronger connections with others.
Peer networks and alumni programs are also essential in stopping the isolation and addiction cycle. Having these groups keeps people in recovery by bringing joy to their lives as having fun and connecting with others is more desirable than abusing substances alone. Once clients have received treatment for their addiction and underlying disorders, they have the opportunity to begin life again as free individuals. Sober living can be full of surprises and joy, especially when you have friends by your side.
Of course, education is important in raising awareness for those most at risk for isolation and addiction. The skills and tools learned at addiction treatment facilities like Painted Desert Recovery can be used to help others in need. It’s encouraged for those in recovery to mentor others and be the encouragement others need to seek help. With the digital age making communication easier than ever, anyone can find meaningful connections and acceptance. It’s especially made easier with the help of a mental health care professional. So, don’t wait; reach out and make a connection today.
Humans are social beings who require meaningful interactions with others to remain healthy. When people are isolated from one another, it can take a serious toll on their mental health. It’s serious enough that there is a known link between isolation and addiction. Learning how to recognize the risk of isolation can help those in need, including yourself and your loved ones. That’s why at Painted Desert Recovery in New Harmony, Utah, clients learn how to forge healthy relationships with each other. By building and maintaining a support network, clients find the encouragement they need to overcome anything. If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, call (844) 540-0353.
