You might not think that loneliness has much to do with addiction, but an increasing number of studies are beginning to prove that there’s definitely a link between loneliness and addiction. These studies have uncovered a connection between the two and suggest that isolation can often be the cause of an addiction rather than simply being a symptom of it. Let’s take a look at what these studies are saying about this link between loneliness and addiction, as well as how you can avoid both if you find yourself feeling lonely or even just surrounded by people who might not be the best influences on you.
One of the drugs that is abused by high amounts of people who are lonely is MDMA/Molly. So what does Molly look like? Well, molly is the powder or crystal form of MDMA.
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What Is Loneliness?
Before you can understand how addiction is related to loneliness, it’s important to know exactly what it means. The word lonely means different things to different people, but in general, a lonely person is someone who feels disconnected from his or her surroundings. In severe cases, that disconnection can be so painful that a person will try to ease their loneliness by using drugs or alcohol. Of course, substance abuse doesn’t cure loneliness—instead, it creates new problems by isolating addicts even further from friends and family. Over time, physical health concerns also become more acute when people abuse drugs or alcohol as a way of coping with their feelings of aloneness.
Substance Abuse Statistics
When you consider loneliness and addiction statistics, it’s no wonder that substance abuse occurs. According to Psychology Today, lonely people are twice as likely to smoke cigarettes, nearly four times more likely to use illegal drugs and alcohol. Lonely people also have a higher risk of suicide attempts by three times than non-lonely people; they’re also 50% more likely to suffer from physical illness. When you take a step back at all of these scary statistics about loneliness, it’s not hard to understand why substance abuse occurs within an individual who is suffering from mental health issues. The most important thing for you or your loved one who is suffering from addiction is getting help immediately; talk with your doctor about different treatment options such as drug and alcohol rehab today.
How To Combat Addictive Behaviors When Feeling Lonely
It’s not uncommon for people to use alcohol or drugs when they feel lonely. Of course, it doesn’t help that social networking has made finding friends, lovers, partners, and community a lot easier than it used to be. But new research suggests there may be another reason: people tend to act out in self-destructive ways when they feel socially isolated—and using substances like alcohol or drugs makes us feel better temporarily. If you find yourself engaging in addictive behaviours at times of loneliness (whether we’re talking about binge-watching Netflix, having a few too many drinks on a weekend night, smoking an extra cigarette or two), take a look at these tips for combating them effectively.
Tips for Combatting Loneliness
You might want to try one or more of these options: Do something active – exercise is always a good option for stress relief, and getting outdoors can help you connect with nature in an enjoyable way. Socialise with friends – if your friends don’t live nearby, see if there are social clubs or online forums where you can share experiences without leaving home. Just knowing someone else is experiencing what you are helping some people feel less alone and offers them support when they need it most. You may want to consider contacting a private rehab clinic if you are struggling with addiction too.