Isolation is challenging for humans to suffer through. As a social species, it is essential to see and engage with others as often as possible. Without human contact, isolation can negatively impact you or your loved one. This can lead to increasing their alcoholism tendencies or causing a relapse. Isolation is not healthy for any person to experience for any length of time. In the days of the coronavirus pandemic, it is crucial to understand how isolation can impact those who suffer from alcohol addiction. For more information, reach out to Red Oak Recovery® today at 866.457.7590.
Increased Loneliness Fuels Alcoholism
Isolation can create extensive feelings of loneliness. Whether it is from a global pandemic or simply not feeling like part of a social group, individuals can quickly feel detached from society. This detachment can fuel alcoholism.
Alcohol alters the way that the brain perceives the world. It also changes moods and emotions. Those who abuse alcohol may use this substance to improve their current state of mind. They believe that their alteration makes them feel happier and less isolated. Unfortunately, it has the opposite effect. In reality, alcoholism can worsen the loneliness that is born from isolation. By engaging in a routine of drinking while alone, individuals no longer desire to see others. They become satisfied with their loneliness because of the way alcohol makes them feel.
Isolation Can Trigger Anxiety
Extended isolation can trigger anxiety and create panic attacks. This is especially true for social butterflies who are used to always having a friend around. Going from constant conversation to silence can be incredibly stressful. This stress then turns into long-term anxiety.
The problem is that they begin to turn to alcohol to cope with any degree. They believe that alcohol will “take the edge off” and make them feel less anxious. Since alcohol is a depressant by nature, it can often have an adverse effect. Rather than feeling better, individuals can feel more anxious, sad, or depressed.
Lack Of Stimulation Can Cause An Alcohol Addiction Relapse
Those who have completed an alcohol addiction treatment program can be fine for years. However, extended isolation can cause them to relapse and return to their alcoholism. The lack of stimulation and consistent routines makes it easy to pick up the bottle again. Routines and activities are what replace the desire and time it takes to drink alcohol. Isolation rips those away from recovering individuals and puts them in a position to quickly relapse.
Help With Your Alcoholism Is Within Arm’s Reach
No matter how alone or isolated you feel, you are never truly alone. If you suffer from alcoholism, Red Oak Recovery® can provide you with the care and alcohol addiction treatment you need. If you have seen an increase in your alcohol intake of that of your loved one’s, consider how one of our top-rated rehabilitation programs can help:
- Men’s rehab program
- Addiction therapy services
- Family counseling
- Family therapy program
- Individual counseling
- Clinical rehabilitation
- 12-step addiction recovery
- Holistic healing
- Dual diagnosis treatment
- Alcohol rehab program
- Heroin rehab program
Isolation can have long-term effects on individuals, especially if extensive alcohol consumption is involved. From poor mental health to increased liver damage, those suffering from alcohol addiction do not deserve isolation. If you or a loved one need help, we are here for you. We can help you achieve the routines and human contact you need to beat your addiction and live a healthy life. Addiction does not have to control what you do or how you live your life. Please call us today at 866.457.7590 to learn more about our programs.
