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Can Loneliness Lead to Addiction?

Person sitting while experiencing loneliness and addiction

What is the connection between loneliness and addiction? What should you know about co-occurring disorders? Sometimes, questions can be more complicated than their answers. Addiction is a complex issue with roots often intertwined with other mental health problems. At Insight Recovery Center in Swananoa, NC, we are committed to helping individuals navigate the tangled paths of co-occurring disorders through our comprehensive dual diagnosis treatment. Contact our team online or call 828.826.1376 to learn more about how we can help you or your loved one overcome addiction and other mental health issues that can occur with it.

What to Know About Co-Occurring Disorders

Co-occurring disorders, also known as dual diagnoses, refer to the simultaneous presence of a substance use disorder (SUD) and a mental health disorder. These conditions tend to feed off each other, exacerbating symptoms and complicating treatment if not addressed holistically.

Common Dual Diagnosis Cases

Dual diagnosis can involve a range of combinations of mental health disorders and addictions. Some common cases include:

  • Alcohol addiction and depression
  • Meth addiction and anxiety disorder
  • Opioid addiction and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Cocaine addiction and bipolar disorder

These examples illustrate the intricate relationship between mental health and addiction, highlighting the need for integrated treatment. At Insight Recovery Center, we offer personalized treatment plans that address both the underlying mental health issues and the addiction itself.

The Connection Between Loneliness and Addiction

Loneliness is not just an emotional state—it’s a condition that can have severe psychological repercussions, including addiction. Here’s how loneliness and addiction are interconnected:

  • Seeking relief – Individuals battling loneliness may turn to drugs or alcohol for temporary relief from their emotional pain, leading to addiction over time.
  • Isolation fuels use – Substance use can further isolate individuals from their social networks, exacerbating feelings of loneliness and the cycle of addiction.
  • Loneliness exacerbates withdrawal – For those trying to overcome addiction, loneliness can intensify withdrawal symptoms and cravings, making recovery more challenging.

Extreme loneliness can point to mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and PTSD—all of which can co-occur with addiction. If you or someone you know is experiencing loneliness and substance abuse, it’s essential to seek professional help before the situation worsens.

How to Help Someone Struggling with Loneliness and Addiction

If you know someone grappling with loneliness and addiction, professional help should be considered. Addressing only one aspect of a dual diagnosis can cause the untreated condition to trigger a relapse. That’s why at Insight Recovery Center, we offer comprehensive dual diagnosis treatment that addresses both the addiction and the accompanying mental health disorder. Our approach ensures clients receive the holistic care they need for long-term recovery.

Insight Recovery Center’s partial hospitalization program (PHP) can provide support. We offer a range of therapies—such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and experiential therapy—to help individuals cope with their feelings of loneliness and manage their addiction. We also provide life skills training and relapse prevention therapy to equip individuals for a future free from addiction. Our PHP is a 24/7 care program, typically lasting 30 to 60 days. We accept all major insurances, including Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, and Aetna, making our services accessible to those in need.

Connect with Insight Recovery Center and Get Started on Dual Diagnosis Treatment

The journey from loneliness and addiction to recovery may be challenging, but it’s not impossible. With the proper support and treatment, individuals can break free from the cycle of addiction and rebuild their lives. If you or a loved one is ready to take the first step towards recovery, contact Insight Recovery Center online or call 828.826.1376 today. Let us guide you through this journey with empathy, professionalism, and expertise from years of addiction treatment experience.