In 2024, the American Psychiatric Association (APA) reported that, according to its annual Healthy Minds Poll, “30% of adults say they have experienced feelings of loneliness at least once a week over the past year, while 10% say they are lonely every day.” The results also indicated, “Notably, younger adults are more likely than older adults to say they use drugs or alcohol when feeling lonely.”
So, if you’re in recovery, how can you overcome loneliness? First, it’s important to learn why you might be lonely, then take some key steps to address the issue.
The Difference Between Feeling Lonely and Being Alone
While these two states are often mistaken as the same experience, they’re actually not the same emotional or psychological states.
Being alone is a physical condition—simply the absence of other people. The JED Foundation notes that “learning to be alone can give you space to think about your feelings, ideas, hopes, problems, and experiences. It’s also a great opportunity to get to know yourself better and spend time resting and relaxing.”
For many people, time alone doesn’t necessarily provoke negative feelings and may even foster important personal growth. For example, you might prefer time alone to:
- Listen to a new kind of music.
- Enjoy a few minutes of solitude while you watch the sun rise or set.
- Pursue your favorite hobby.
- Sit quietly in a private space while journaling or drawing.
- Go to a movie or a play alone.
- Visit a different neighborhood of shops or a park not close to you.
- Enjoy a meal by yourself while reading a book or magazine.
Spending quality time with yourself also leads to greater self-awareness and emotional regulation—and perhaps helps you build stronger relationships when you do engage with others.
In contrast, feeling lonely is a subjective emotional state. It occurs when there’s a gap between the social connection you desire and what you experience. And here’s an important point to consider: it’s not the presence or absence of people, but the presence or absence of connection that defines loneliness. Someone can feel lonely even in a crowd or while surrounded by friends and family if those relationships don’t feel meaningful or emotionally satisfying. Conversely, a person who spends significant time alone might not feel lonely at all if they have strong inner contentment or fulfilling connections elsewhere.
You’re also more likely to experience loneliness if you’re struggling with a chronic condition such as substance use disorder (SUD), alcohol use disorder (AUD), a challenging illness, or a disability. Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicate that “social isolation and loneliness put a person at risk of developing serious mental and physical health conditions.” These include increased stress, depression, a weakened immune system, and heart disease.
Evolutionarily, loneliness may have served as a survival mechanism, prompting humans to seek social bonds for safety and support. It activates brain areas related to pain and threat, signaling a deep-rooted need for connection. Here are some suggestions that might help you choose more meaningful and uplifting interactions.
5 Ways to Prevent Loneliness in Recovery
One of the best ways to avoid relapse is to recognize when you need solid social support, enriching activities with others, and a sense of community involvement.
1. Practice Intentional Social Connection
Instead of waiting for interactions to happen, take the initiative. Schedule regular meetups with friends, call family, or join a local club. Even brief but consistent contact—like a weekly coffee date or a message exchange—helps build emotional bonds. The key is quality over quantity: prioritize relationships that feel supportive, reciprocal, and authentic.
2. Join Groups Based on Shared Interests
Whether it’s a book club, running group, volunteer organization, or online forum, shared activities foster organic connection. Joining communities around hobbies or causes creates a sense of belonging and gives you something to talk about—a common ground that often makes socializing feel more natural and less forced. Local libraries or websites such as Meetup often have listings for such groups.
3. Develop a Self-Care Routine That Includes Reflection
Loneliness, especially when related to AUD or SUD, often stems from a disconnect—not just from others, but from yourself. Journaling, meditation, or mindful walks help you understand what kind of connection you’re craving. Are you missing deep conversation, physical affection, shared laughter, or just background presence? Knowing this provides insight into the right kind of interaction, instead of general socializing that might not fulfill you.
4. Be of Service to Others
Helping others is a powerful antidote to loneliness. Giving back to your community—whether at a food bank, animal shelter, or community event—shifts your focus outward and creates opportunities for meaningful interaction. It also encourages your sense of purpose and often introduces you to other people who value compassion and teamwork.
5. Limit Passive Online Use and Replace It With Active Engagement
Endless scrolling on social media can deepen loneliness, especially when it involves comparing your life to someone else’s. Try to shift from consuming to connecting: send a message, comment thoughtfully, or join online communities where discussion is encouraged. Better yet, set boundaries on screen time and use that space for in-person or voice-based interaction.
Rely on Willingway’s Strong Community
Knowing you have a network of people invested in your well-being makes all the difference in recovery success. Whether you connect with alumni from our Georgia and Florida addiction rehabilitation locations or take advantage of our continuing care community groups, Willingway wants to ensure you have as much or as little companionship as you desire. Ask a member of our admissions team for more information.