Dealing with Loneliness Without Alcohol
Are you struggling with feelings of loneliness? If so, then you should know that it is entirely possible for you to work through the feelings you are experiencing right now, without any need for alcohol. Take a look below to find out more.
What is Loneliness?
Loneliness is the negative feeling that comes about when your social needs are not met. When you feel lonely, you may find that you experience a heightened sense of vulnerability, and this can take its toll on your mind and your body. For some, the feeling of loneliness can be temporary, but for others, it can be long-term. Loneliness is not a sign of weakness or even fragility. It doesn’t even occur just in the elderly population, or those who are physically isolated. It’s possible to feel lonely, even if you are surrounded by people.
The Risks Of Loneliness And Using Alcohol To Cope
With loneliness comes an increased risk of depression, and even low self-esteem. This can result in people who are lonely, trying to find different ways to cope. For this reason, it’s not uncommon to see addiction and loneliness go hand-in-hand. Using any kind of harmful substance to try and cope with challenges such as trauma, anxiety, and depression is common, but it can be a risk factor for abuse. 65% of adults who are over the age of 45, and who have been diagnosed with an alcohol or drug disorder, have reported being lonely.
Prolonged Alcohol Abuse Health Problems
Using alcohol as a coping mechanism over the long term can be incredibly dangerous. It is very easy to mask feelings of loneliness through alcohol, but it is important to know that the fix is only ever short-term, and it can come with grave long-term consequences. If you want to educate yourself about some of the long-term health issues that stem from alcohol abuse, then some of them can be found below.
Liver Damage
Alcohol is a known toxin, and it is your liver’s job to flush it out of your body. Your liver may not be able to keep up if you drink too much. Alcohol can also kill off the cells in your liver, resulting in severe scarring. This is otherwise known as cirrhosis. Long-term alcohol use can also result in you developing fatty liver disease. This means that your liver is not working as well as it should.
Heart Disease
You probably know by now, about the dangers of blood clots as well as the high levels of cholesterol in your body. Alcohol makes both these factors, much more likely. Studies have shown that those who drink heavily often have a hard time getting blood to the heart, and this means that they have a much higher chance of developing heart disease.
Brain and the Nervous System
Alcohol changes the pathways in the brain. This makes it much harder for you to speak and think clearly. You may also find that it is much more difficult for you to remember things and make decisions. You may also find it difficult to move your body, in the way you normally would. Heavy drinking can also lead to a number of mental health issues such as depression or even dementia. Nerve damage is also an issue, and it is entirely possible for this to linger, long after you sober up.
5 Ways To Cope With Loneliness Without Alcohol
Believe it or not, there are very healthy ways for you to cope with loneliness, and alcohol is never a good solution. If you want some healthy coping mechanisms, then take a look below.
1. Daily Sunlight
Some of the benefits of daily sunlight include the fact that it gives your body more Vitamin D, and that it also boosts the serotonin in your brain. This helps to keep your brain calm and it also helps you to stay much more positive and focused. It combats depression, and you may even find that you can connect with new people when you’re out too.
2. Develop Genuine Friendships And Relationships
Another thing you can do to combat loneliness would be for you to try and form new relationships or friendships. Hobby classes are a great way for you to do this.
3. Organize Get Togethers Or Events
Make the effort to organize an event or a get-together. This will help you to reconnect with friends or family that you might not have spoken to in quite some time.
4. Volunteer
Sometimes giving up your free time is the best way for you to feel more grounded, and it gives you a purpose. As if that wasn’t enough, it also helps you to connect with people in the local community.
5. Find Support
It has never been easier for you to get support. Seeking help is a sign of strength and not weakness.
Find Help for Alcohol Addiction and Loneliness
If you want some help with alcohol addiction and loneliness, please give our dedicated team a call today.
