As social creatures, many people don’t like spending copious amounts of time alone without additional human interaction. However, for a number of reasons, many adults found themselves more isolated than usual this past year.

While some people may have found healthy or productive ways to fill the time between seeing loved ones, others may have found that extended periods of time on their own led to deep feelings of loneliness. In some cases, adults may have turned to drugs and alcohol as a result.

The Connection Between Loneliness and Depression

COVID-19 Has Caused Extensive Loneliness

There’s no denying that due to the closure of bars and restaurants, and the need to social distance and potentially quarantine, COVID-19 has plunged most adults into isolation. While some adults may have the company of spouses and/or children, others who live alone or need to entirely isolate themselves for the safety of their health, the past several months have made most of them feel desperately lonely.

Loneliness Leads to Physical and Mental Health Issues

As mentioned, humans are social creatures. When adults spend too much time on their own, the loneliness that results can begin to take its toll, both physically and mentally.

Many adults who struggle with loneliness also find themselves feeling depressed or anxious, searching for ways to quell those feelings and find a way to fill the emptiness. When this happens, they may turn to drugs or alcohol to cope.

Additionally, feelings of loneliness can interrupt a person’s sleep patterns, and after enough sleepless nights, some adults may reach for their substance of choice in an attempt to have a “better” night’s sleep.

Substances Do Not Fix Loneliness

While drinking or using drugs can temporarily make adults feel better about their loneliness and certain resulting mental health issues, these substances don’t offer an actual fix. As adults begin using more frequently, they can quickly find themselves fully addicted to drugs or alcohol.

Addressing Midlife Substance Abuse

At Silver Ridge, we cater to midlife adults in order to focus treatment on the unique needs of an established adult who is struggling with addiction. Our program consists of specific interventions meant to increase the sense of self so that a client can have a source of strength when these and other stressors tempt them to relapse.

Contact us today to begin your recovery journey.