Compensating for Loneliness
As recovering addicts, we’ve experienced using our drugs of choice for various different reasons and to fill countless different kinds of emotional voids. For many of us, our addictions have become our means of compensating for the loneliness and emptiness we feel. We seek companionship, solace and comfort in our drugs of choice. They make us feel less lonely when we’re alone. They give us something to look forward to after a long, stressful day. They replace partners and friends we may have lost or fallen out of touch with. When we use our drugs of choice in these ways, we’re often numbing ourselves to how sad and empty we feel to be alone. We feel isolated in our daily lives and as a result of our addictions, and we use our drugs of choice to cope with all of the sadness and anxiety that can accompany our isolation. We use in order to feel less alone – less alone with our difficult thoughts and emotions, less alone if we’re grieving the loss of a relationship, less alone in how isolated we feel and how separated we feel from the people in our lives, especially those who don’t also struggle with addiction.
Filling the Emptiness
The emptiness we feel can be a relentless source of pain in our lives. We feel unfulfilled and devoid of passion. We don’t feel whole or complete as individuals. We don’t feel at peace within ourselves or accepting of who we are. Instead of looking to fill our emptiness with things that are meaningful to us, that are soul-centered, and that help us fulfill our purpose in life, we fall into the trap of using addictive substances and behaviors to mimic the feelings of satisfaction and happiness we’re looking for. When we’re consumed by emptiness and deep unhappiness, we often will look for companionship to distract us from our difficult feelings, to provide a means of emotional escape, and to make us feel better about ourselves. We might self-medicate with companionship in the form of unhealthy relationships, addictive behaviors, and dependence on addictive substances. Our drug of choice can literally feel like our companion, just as a partner or friend would.
Healthy Companionship
Our desire for companionship is not a bad thing. It’s a normal, healthy and natural part of life. As we’re working to recover, we’ll want to seek out companionship in ways that are healthier for us – with friends and partners with whom we share common interests, with people who support our recovery and who also prioritize their own well-being, and with pursuits that make us feel genuinely happy and fulfilled.
The caring, compassionate staff of The Guest House is here to support you as you start your journey to recovery and healing.
Call 855-483-7800 today for more information.
theguesthouseocala.com
3230 Northeast 55th Avenue Silver Springs, FL 34488