One of the characteristics that is synonymous with addiction is isolation. Probably isolation was so ingrained into you during the time you were active in your addiction that it is no wonder that you are still trying to isolate today in your recovery. Old behaviors will stay with you if you do not do something to change them. Seems pretty sensible until you actually have to do the action to stop them.

Isolation is something that needs 12-Step work and therapy to resolve it. Many of the reasons why you isolate are deep-rooted issues that occur from your self-worth, self-esteem, and the shame and guilt stemming from your past. The fact of the matter is that your isolation is holding you back in your recovery in ways that you probably do not realize are affecting you. Isolation often leads to relapse because if you are not working on your sobriety, you are detaching from your recovery.

Find a meeting

Even if you are shy and awkward, you should understand that the people who are also attending the meeting probably are too. Everyone was new to a meeting at one time worrying about who is there and what will happen. Attending a meeting is instrumental for your recovery because you will hear people share about what it was like and what it is like now to be able relate to their story and their feelings.

Reach out to someone you trust

You may not be interested in talking to your parents, siblings, or close friends about your isolation because you know that they will try to fix the problem without really knowing what to do. Talk to a sponsor, a therapist, or a pastor who will listen to your issues and give you sound advice based off their professional experience to help you discover what is causing you to isolate.

Be of service

Although you may not feel like you deserve to be around other people, there are others who could use your help. No matter if you feel like you have nothing to give – you do. Someone who may be less fortunate than you would benefit from what you have to offer. You may not know what this is exactly yet, but you will if you put yourself out there to find out.

Isolation may feel satisfying to you right now. By using some of these guidelines to get you out of isolating, you will realize that isolating is not as comfortable as it seems, and that human interaction is more enjoyable than you may have previously thought.

If you are battling drug and alcohol addiction, The Kimberly Center can help assist you into your recovery. One of our primary purposes is to help you to restore your life free from abuse and destructive behaviors. We treat our clients on an individual basis to ensure their well-being.

Call us today to begin: 855-4-KCENTER (855-452-3683)