The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) defines recovery as “a process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness, live a self-directed life, and strive to reach their full potential.” SAMHSA’s guiding principles for recovery emphasize the importance social interaction plays in the recovery process.
It’s estimated that the relapse rate of those in recovery from a substance use disorder (SUD) is about 40-60 percent. Chronic illnesses like diabetes and asthma have similar relapse rates when patients fail to comply with their treatment plan. Following a treatment plan designed by professionals, regular support group participation and healthy social interaction offer the highest success rates for long-term recovery.
While it’s not uncommon to relapse during recovery, researchers agree that isolation during recovery makes relapse far more likely. There are many resources to help during this uncertain time.
Why do some people isolate during recovery?
The destructive effects of addictive behavior impact those closest to the person struggling with addiction, often severely damaging important relationships in their lives. This may cause a person in recovery to withdraw from those they’ve hurt. Depression or feelings of guilt or shame may cause recovering individuals to use self-isolation to avoid confrontation with those they’ve disappointed.
Studies have found that SUD often co-occurs with other mental health disorders, such as anxiety or depression. Self-isolation may stem from the desire to hide a co-occurring mental disorder.
People may isolate in fear of the potential triggers to relapse that are lurking in the outside world. People, places, events, and certain activities may be associated with past addictive behavior. By staying isolated, the person in recovery may think they’re reinforcing their sobriety. But in reality, long-term recovery means learning to manage triggers, and not to completely avoid them.
In other cases, such as the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, social isolation is required to keep people and communities healthy. Individuals in recovery should call upon support networks to get through these difficult periods.
The importance of a support community
When those is recovery isolate themselves from a support network, boredom and depression can result, greatly increasing their risk of relapse.
The success of programs like AA and NA provides a sense of community that’s vital to long-term recovery. The meetings offer the opportunity to share struggles, offer and receive guidance and hope, and provide a sober network of friends.
Community involvement gives those in recovery a place of non-judgment, as well as encouragement to stay on the recovery path. Fellow members keep each other accountable and are available in times of crisis. Having a sponsor or accountability buddy helps avoid relapse.
When family members regularly attend their own support groups, they gain a deeper understanding of addiction and how they can help their loved one succeed. By participating in support groups, both the individual in recovery and their family learn how to better understand and communicate with one another, increasing the likelihood of long-term success.
If you’re in social isolation currently due to the Covid-19 pandemic, you can still access virtual group meetings from AA, NA, and other support groups. More information about those resources can be found in this article.
Turning Point of Tampa has been offering Licensed Residential Treatment for Addiction, Eating Disorders and Dual Diagnosis in Tampa since 1987.
