Loneliness and Depression: The Relationship with Addiction

Initiation age of smoking and alcohol consumption is another factor to consider in China. The legal age for smoking and alcohol consumption is 18 years old in China, but it is widely believed that many people used these two substances long before the legal age. For example, the average age of smoking initiation is about 21 years old among Chinese smokers, but many smokers may have started smoking before this age (Li et al., 2016; Zhang et al., 2013). The last thing to remember is that there are healthy ways to cope with loneliness that don’t involve drugs or alcohol. If you and your loved ones can keep that in perspective, you’ll be a greater distance away from the threat of addiction. For example, someone may be bearing the weight of loneliness along with an addiction and a mental health disorder, like depression or anxiety.

Additionally, genetics may influence how likely you are to develop depression and a substance use disorder . If you struggle with depression in recovery, you might benefit from holistic methods. These can reduce stress and anxiety, and help you be in a calmer more relaxed state of mind. These might include art therapy, yoga, mindfulness, deep-breathing techniques, and meditation. In most cases, antidepressants will be useful for helping to manage depression symptoms.

How Loneliness Can Lead to Depression

A drink once in a while when you’re stressed out or blue is one thing. But when you need that cocktail every time a problem crops up, it could be a sign of alcohol abuse. Instead of drinking to forget a bad day, consider chatting with a friend, watching a favorite movie, or trying some quiet meditation. Bad sleep can easily affect your mood the next day, since exhaustion and lingering physical symptoms can make it tough to concentrate. While alcohol use can directly trigger feelings of depression, it can also contribute to symptoms in more indirect ways. It’s not uncommon to use alcohol to cope with difficult feelings and experiences.

• Further, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration found that in 2008, almost one-third suicides across 16 reporting states involved alcohol.
• Following each alcoholic beverage with a glass of water can help keep you hydrated.
• Support groups and treatment will help to break the cycle of addiction, but lifestyle changes can also bring positive changes and greatly improve the situation.
• Alcohol can seem like a comforting companion as we all try to fight through the stress, anxiety and loneliness of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

In small to moderate amounts, alcohol can temporarily lift your spirits and help improve your mood. Alcohol can lower serotonin and norepinephrine levels, which help regulate mood. Lower levels of these chemicals can make a depressed person more depressed.

How You Can Deal With Loneliness Without Alcohol

When used as a “salve” for emotional distress, alcohol’s high consumption can lead to more anguish in the long run. Loneliness is often viewed as a negative state of existence, although some alone time is needed to recharge. A Harvard study mentions “25% to 60% of older Americans suffer from loneliness. Being alone and being lonely are characteristically different with varying effects on our mind, body, and emotions.

For example, if you’ve had a long week and your spouse and the kids are out of the house, you might pour yourself a beer or glass of wine and unwind in front of the TV. Or if you’ve suffered a setback at work or are processing a break-up, a couple of drinks may help take the edge off and give you the clarity you need to move forward in a healthy way. Organize events, activities, or a party for friends, family, and coworkers. Make a list of your interests or hobbies and begin talking to your acquaintances about starting a running group or weekly game night. By actively organizing outings, you can meet your own emotional and social needs.

Magnolia Recovery… A Special Place to Learn and Heal

Depression sometimes does not go away while loneliness can. There are plenty of people with countless friends who feel lonely. You can feel lonesome in a crowded room or at a party if you are unheard or misunderstood.

• Even if you can’t see them in person, use video conferencing and phone calls to stay connected with your friends and family.
• Residential inpatient treatment at Magnolia recovery can offer the immersive experience surrounded by others who will support you and help lift you out of addiction.
• Table 2 shows the sample characteristics of observations from female participants.
• In addition, awareness and advocacy about co-existing disorders, such as depression and ACU, increases daily.
• When it seems like everyone around you is having fun socializing, this can lead to feeling as though you’re missing out on all the fun.

This may be because MDD is one of the most common conditions in the general population. The link between depression and alcohol use disorder is complex. With the right treatment, it’s possible to manage both alcohol and depression disorders. Also, half of those who completed suicide had a history of depression when they died. Alcoholism puts an individual at a ten-fold higher risk for suicide as compared to the general public.

Understanding the Relationship Between Loneliness, Addiction, and Depression

Some people say they drink alcohol to “drown their sorrows” after a bad breakup, job loss, or other major life stress. And yes, because alcohol makes you sleepy, a few beers or glasses of wine can seem to relax you and relieve anxiety. Crystal Raypole has previously worked as a writer and editor for GoodTherapy. Her fields of interest include Asian languages and literature, Japanese translation, cooking, natural sciences, sex positivity, and mental health. In particular, she’s committed to helping decrease stigma around mental health issues.

It just takes time to learn how to better cope with and manage negative emotions. Newfound sobriety is often met with feelings of depression. If you are thinking, “I quit drinking and now I am depressed,” this article can shed some light.

What Is the Connection Between Alcohol and Loneliness?

Programs that address both substance use and mental health conditions have become more widely available, including therapy solutions. Help is out there, and once https://ecosoberhouse.com/ you take the courageous step to reach out, there is also hope. When just starting out in recovery you may struggle with feelings of loneliness and boredom.

• Most older females received no formal education, were not married, lived with household members, resided in rural communities, and had lower level of income .
• This is a type of CBT that can help you practice acceptance and change.
• A lack of productive and fulfilling activities can make alcohol seem like a good solution, since it lowers your inhibitions.
• I am married with a daughter, but even though I love my family deeply, I am still so alone.
• Your therapist will encourage you to take an active approach to improve your mood with positive experiences.
• Or if you’ve suffered a setback at work or are processing a break-up, a couple of drinks may help take the edge off and give you the clarity you need to move forward in a healthy way.