Note: If you’ve been experiencing suicidal thoughts, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. Your life matters.
Whether you’ve first begun your journey to addiction recovery or you’ve been working towards it for quite some time, one thing is for certain: recovery has ups and downs. There are so many lessons that come along the way and while some days we may feel confident, there are others where we may feel like holding back. We may feel depressed, anxious, angry or confused and that’s when we isolate ourselves. Pain is a universal experience, yet when pain emerges, we disconnect from others. If this is something you can relate to, please know that you’re not alone – there are other people out there whom you could rely on and people who need your support, too.
A 2018 study published in the journal Youth & Society sought to explore how isolation affects those in addiction recovery. A total of 195 participants were involved and were assessed at treatment admission, discharge and at the 6-month and 12-month periods afterwards. The researchers found that participants who isolated themselves were more likely to:
- Relapse
- Be incarcerated
- Commit a violent crime
What are some factors to help reduce isolation? The study found the 12-Step programs, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA), reduced all of these negative outcomes because participants weren’t alone any longer. In these types of support groups, there are people who understand what you’re going through. Weekly discussions cover a variety of topics pertaining to addiction recovery and it’s through these 12-Step programs where many people strengthen their sense of purpose in the world.
If you’re ready to start your journey to recovery today, speak with someone from Cumberland Heights. Build a support system and reach out for help. There are many other people experiencing pain, so remember that you are not alone. Take that step in your journey to recovery.
Cumberland Heights is a nonprofit alcohol and drug-addiction treatment center located on the banks of the Cumberland River in Nashville, Tennessee. On a sprawling 177-acre campus, we are made up of 2 12-Step immersion campuses, 12 outpatient recovery centers and 4 sober living homes. We believe that each person has a unique story to tell – and that’s why we always put the patient first.
Call us today at 1-800-646-9998 to take the next step towards your happiness and health.
