Some of us experiencing loneliness may turn to substances such as alcohol or drugs as a way to cope with our emotions and isolation. This can lead to substance abuse issues, further compounding mental health and loneliness challenges. There are various interconnected psychological, social, and biological mechanisms that can push us towards substance abuse when we’re experiencing loneliness. Here are some ways this may happen:
How Does Loneliness Affect Mental Health? Substance Abuse
Beverley Stewart • December 3, 2023
How Does Loneliness Affect Mental Health?
Substance Abuse
Our mental health is so closely tied to our sense of belonging and connection to others, that experiencing loneliness can have a great impact on our mental wellbeing. Here we look at one confronting aspect of our mental health that can become extremely challenging when dealing with loneliness. If left unaddressed, substance abuse can result from our loneliness and sense of despair. This can not only exacerbate our isolation, but can become a problematic behaviour that further diminishes our capacity to connect with the world.
Increased Substance Abuse
(1)
Coping Mechanism: Loneliness often brings about feelings of emptiness, anxiety, and emotional distress. To cope with these overwhelming emotions, we may turn to substances such as alcohol or drugs or even food, as a means of dealing with those negative feelings. Substance use can provide temporary relief from the pain of isolation, creating a perceived escape from our emotional discomfort.
Cognitive Impairment
(2) Self-Medication for Mental Health Issues: Loneliness is frequently linked to mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. When experiencing loneliness, we may attempt to self-medicate these mental health symptoms with drugs or alcohol, trying to alleviate negative emotions and find a sense of relief.
(3) Peer Influence: Loneliness may lead us to seek out social connections, and unfortunately, this search can sometimes expose us to peer groups that engage in substance use. In an attempt to connect with others and feel a sense of belonging, we might adopt the substance use behaviors of those within these social circles. We think we will fit in (and end our loneliness) by using drugs and alcohol. Unfortunately, substance abuse just leads to other problems.
(4) Impaired Decision-Making: Loneliness can affect cognitive function, including decision-making abilities. Impaired judgment and reduced inhibition may increase the likelihood that we will engage in risky behaviors, including substance abuse, because we’re less able to weigh the potential consequences of our actions.
(5) Escaping Reality: Loneliness can create a sense of isolation from the outside world, leading us to use substances as a means of escaping our reality. Drugs or alcohol can provide a temporary reprieve from the emotional pain associated with loneliness, even though we risk long-term negative consequences. The effects of alcohol or drugs can change our perception of ourselves and our lonely reality. Unfortunately, this is only short term, and we need to indulge continually to escape from what’s real.
(6) Seeking Social Connection: Some of us may use substances to help with our social interactions. Drugs and alcohol may be used to lower our inhibitions, enhance sociability, or provide a common activity that we can join in. We might feel others will like us more if we “loosen up” or if we become the life of the party!
(7) Cycle of Dependency: Loneliness and substance abuse can become intertwined in a vicious cycle. Substance use may offer a temporary sense of relief from loneliness, but as dependence develops, it can intensify our social isolation, as relationships may be strained or severed due to the effects of substance abuse.
In The End
It's crucial we recognize the complex relationship between loneliness and substance abuse. We need to approach the issue with a clear understanding of the underlying factors and our reasons for using these addictive substances. As we struggle with the allure of drugs and alcohol to give us temporary relief, we need to be aware of the desperate hole of addiction that we can fall into. Interventions that address both the emotional aspects of loneliness, and the potential development of substance abuse, are essential for developing healthier coping mechanisms and breaking the cycle of loneliness and addiction. The great news is that when you know you're ready to make changes in your life - you're on your way to you're new future!
To find out more about Loneliness Counselling click here. To find out more about dealing with addictive behaviours click here. Or go to Contact Page to make an enquiry.
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