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  • Writer's pictureFrost Anderson

How to Cope with Loneliness


After you go through recovery, you may have to distance yourself from former friends who still use alcohol and drugs. Coping with loneliness could leave you feeling depressed. Addressing these feelings with positive changes can help you make new connections and avoid a relapse. At Crestview Recovery, a rehab center in Oregon, we use holistic and traditional therapy to help you find better ways for dealing with depression and loneliness. Crestview also offers many Washington rehab resources!

COPING WITH LONELINESS

When you attend a women’s rehab program or a men’s rehab program in Oregon, you receive individual therapy that helps you learn more productive habits. Unfortunately, leaving behind reminders of substance abuse may leave you feeling isolated. Take advantage of the skills learned in recovery to engage in meaningful activities and build a new network of friends.

For example, we offer holistic drug therapy that includes recreational therapy, such as skiing and whitewater rafting, to help clients find new interests to replace the void left by drugs and alcohol. Keep reading to find ways to cope with anxiety and loneliness following completion of the following programs:

GET BUSY AND SAY GOODBYE TO LONELINESS

You can dispel loneliness by reaching out to others through meaningful activities or volunteer work. Getting your daily dose of sunshine can make you feel brighter. Here are a few tips to help you stay positive and avoid falling into a depression:

  • Go outside for at least 15 minutes every day: Sunlight improves your mental and physical health. In the mornings, the rising sun can boost your energy levels, and the setting sun tells your body when it’s time to wind down. Sunlight contains vitamin D vital to your skin and impacts weight loss, blood pressure, and many other areas of wellness.

  • Build genuine relationships: If you are used to friendships based on drug and alcohol use, it may take time to learn how to build authentic relationships again. Take a moment to observe how other people interact with coworkers, friends, and family members. Choose one or more mentors you can trust and ask them for advice on making and keeping meaningful friendships.

  • Nurture your relationships: If you have people in your life that you let down during your dependency on drugs or alcohol, now is the time to make amends. Reach out to former close friends and sober family members. By putting in a sincere effort and genuinely caring about those around you, you may find yourself getting more invitations to social outings.

  • Organize events: Join or start a social club to make new friends with similar interests. If you have hobbies such as running or biking, organize activities centered around those hobbies. This addresses social and physical wellness and can help you reinforce positive lifestyle changes.

  • Volunteer for a cause you care about: If you would like to give back to the community, choose a charitable organization that inspires you. For example, you might want to help out at a local shelter or volunteer for your church’s AV team. Volunteers perform essential functions at animal shelters and hospitals. You can make a real difference and find an effective means of coping with loneliness at the same time.

MENTAL HEALTH TREATMENT

At Crestview Recovery, our dual diagnosis treatment program provides therapy for depression and mental health disorders. Depression treatment helps you understand the reasons behind your negative emotions. You may need to continue depression treatment or anxiety treatment following recovery as a way of coping with loneliness. Mental health treatment doesn’t have the same stigma it once did. So, there’s no need to feel embarrassed when you need a little help.

ALCOHOL AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE TREATMENT IN OREGON

At Crestview Recovery, we offer numerous treatment plans that include strategies for coping with loneliness. From a group therapy program to a family therapy program, we can guide the way to the brighter future you deserve. Contact us at 866.262.0531 to sign up for drug and alcohol rehab today or learn more about our facility and Oregon rehab resources Washington rehab resources.


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