lonely man

What to Do When You Have No One to Turn To

By

Sober Recovery Expert Author

lonely man

Going through treatment for an addiction is one of the hardest experiences a person can go through. It takes countless hours, scrutinizing over well-hidden feelings and forcing them to be brought out and discussed. Treatment also takes an entire team of support, as it is practically impossible for a patient to succeed in overcoming his or her addiction simply by him or herself. There is usually a professional team present such as a therapist and psychiatrist, but support from family and friends is also an integral part.

So what if you don’t have the support from your family and friends? For those who find themselves in this difficult situation, don’t lose hope—there are still ways to go through treatment successfully.

When you feel like no one seems to care, know that this is your addicted voice talking and that it is wrong.

1. Reach out to a professional counselor.

Licensed professionals in therapy have the experience and passion to assist individuals with addiction. It is what they studied in school for and it is what they have given their lives to. Use these individuals as much as possible. Most therapists are open to phone calls when there is an emergency. If you are feeling the need to act on your addiction, then give your therapist a call. He or she will probably be more than happy to give you a quick assistance to calm and focus your mind.

Going to therapy sessions is also essential. Use your time to discuss anything that has bothered you during the week, and convey every instance where you felt an urge to act on your addiction. After all, this is what your therapist is here for. He or she will give you the advice necessary to move past your addiction. If your family remains distant and unsupportive during your treatment, talk to your therapist and communicate the familial situation. Most likely your therapist has seen former patients who were in your exact position, and he or she will know the best next step in order for you to be successful.

2. Make connections in group sessions.

There is a difference between friends and friends you go through therapy with. These friends understand exactly what you are going through because they are going through the same thing themselves. These friends are the greatest outlets because they will empathize with you completely. They also will not have any authoritative presence as can be felt from therapists at times. They know what it is like to suffer from an addiction, how hard it is, and how impossible recovery can seem at times. When you need a shoulder to cry on and do not have the support of your family, reach out to a fellow peer who is going through the same treatment you are. They will know what you are feeling more than anyone else will because they are experiencing the same emotions themselves.

3. Join an online community.

If for any reason you cannot make it to a face-to-face group meeting, you can still enjoy the benefits of being part of a sober community right at the palm of your hands. While real-life interactions are still the prime means of support, connecting with other people in recovery through the SoberRecovery Forum or another trusted online support group can help supplement your recovery plan and remind you that you are not alone.

4. Utilize emergency hotlines.

There will be moments in life when you have to make it through recovery on your own. When it gets tough and you feel like no other human being seems to care, know that this is your addict voice talking and that it is wrong. Keep a list of crisis hotlines handy and reach out before you find yourself at the point of relapse. You’ll be connected to a person trained to listen and ask questions about your problem. Try talking to him or her about what you’re feeling at the moment and see how you feel afterward.

Anyone is strong enough to conquer and defeat an addiction. You do not have to have your family on your side to recover. Help is all around you, all you have to do is use it.

If you or someone you know is seeking assistance with maintaining long-term recovery, please visit our directory of treatment centers or call 800-891-8171 to start the path to recovery today.

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