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What the Link Between Addiction and Connection Means for Recovery

October 6, 2024
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Addiction is often categorized solely as a biological disease. However, this perspective overlooks the human experience and connections—or lack thereof—that shape our lives. With addiction impacting nearly 9.3% of Seattle Metropolitan Area teens and adults, we must consider the full context of substance use disorders. In this article, we'll explore the relationship between addiction and connection, and what this means for recovery.

Group of People in White Shirts Addicted to phones looking for Recovery

Addiction as a Disease

Historically, addiction has been framed as a moral failing, a choice made by individuals. This perception began to shift in the late 20th century when addiction was increasingly recognized as a disease. However, viewing addiction solely as a disease oversimplifies a complex issue. It sidelines the crucial role of social connection and emotional support in recovery.

The medical model focuses on the biological and chemical aspects. It often reduces individuals to their symptoms, without acknowledging their unique life experiences and relationships. This narrow perspective can overlook how isolation, trauma, and a lack of community contribute to addictive behaviors. Treatment may feel detached and impersonal when it doesn't account for social factors. This can leave individuals feeling more isolated.

True healing requires rebuilding connections, fostering understanding, and creating supportive environments. A purely medical approach can neglect these crucial aspects. Embracing a more holistic view helps us recognize that addiction is about the brain, heart, and relationships that shape our lives.

George Engel’s paper on the biopsychosocial model fundamentally shifted ideas about health and illness, particularly regarding conditions like addiction. Engel argued that only viewing disease through a medical lens is reductive. It fails to account for the influences that shape an individual’s experience. He proposed that illness and disease must be viewed through a biological, psychological, and social lens.

Engel referred to the disease model as a social construct. He highlighted how societal norms, values, and environments play a role in defining what is considered a "disease." For example, addiction is often framed solely in terms of chemical dependency. This leaves out the full context that contributes to a person’s struggle (e.g., family dynamics, community support, and economic conditions). By emphasizing the biopsychosocial model, Engel urged clinicians to consider how factors like stress, isolation, and trauma interact with biological predispositions. This in turn gives health care providers a more comprehensive understanding of addiction.

This broader perspective recognizes that healing isn’t only about treating symptoms. It's also about addressing the underlying social and emotional challenges individuals face. Recovery often hinges on fostering connections, building supportive relationships, and creating environments where individuals feel valued and understood. Engel's insights remind us that to support those facing addiction, we must engage with their entire lived experience. We must recognize the profound impact that community and connection have on health and well-being.

The Absence of Connection in Addiction

At the heart of many addiction stories is a deep sense of disconnection. People grappling with addiction often find themselves isolated—not just from others, but from themselves. This disconnection can manifest in several ways:

  1. Social Isolation: Many people turn to substances to cope with feelings of loneliness or inadequacy, leading to further isolation. A systematic review of 41 research studies found a link between loneliness and substance use.
  2. Emotional Disconnect: Addiction often numbs emotions, preventing individuals from fully experiencing their feelings. This disconnection can make it challenging to engage in meaningful relationships and be fully known by others. A lack of meaningful connections can then exacerbate feelings of worthlessness and isolation.
  3. Loss of Identity: When addiction takes hold, it often leads individuals to lose sight of who they truly are. This struggle can create a fragmented sense of self, making it difficult to connect with their values and the people who matter most to them. As they become consumed by their addiction, they may feel increasingly isolated, pushing away friends and family who want to help. This identity crisis not only deepens their loneliness but also fosters a sense of shame and confusion about their place in the world.

People Doing Group Hand Cheer thanks to therapy for Addiction and Connection for Recovery

Connection’s Role in Recovery

The opposite of addiction is not merely sobriety, but also connection. Sobriety signifies the absence of substance use. However, true recovery involves fostering meaningful relationships and a sense of belonging.

Addiction thrives in isolation and creates a void that substances temporarily fill. Building connections with others—through community, support groups, and authentic relationships—provides the emotional support and understanding necessary for healing. Nurturing these connections brings fulfillment, purpose, and a renewed sense of identity that can ultimately transform a person's life.

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)

The Alcoholics Anonymous recovery model takes into account the relationship between addiction and connection. It emphasizes the importance of community and creates space for people to bond through common experiences and mutual support. AA operates on the principle that recovery is strengthened through connection. Members share their stories in a safe environment, fostering a sense of belonging and understanding. This fellowship can combat the loneliness that often accompanies addiction.

A 2020 Cochrane Data Review examined 12-step programs like AA and found that these structured interventions are more effective than traditional treatments, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), in promoting abstinence. The review highlighted that what makes AA work is its use of various therapeutic factors simultaneously, including strengthening participants' social networks. This supports the idea that sobriety isn’t just about stopping substance use; it’s about building meaningful connections with others.

Crop ethnic psychologist writing on clipboard during session

Building Connection in Recovery

For individuals in recovery, cultivating connections is essential for sustained healing. Here are strategies to build connections with both yourself and others:

Connecting with Others

  1. Join Support Groups: Consider groups that focus on recovery, mental health, or personal growth. These give you a space to share with others who understand what you’re going through and work towards healing together.
  2. Volunteer: Community service can foster connections with others and give you a sense of purpose and belonging.
  3. Reconnect with Loved Ones: Reach out to trusted family and friends who support your recovery. Being honest with them about your journey can help strengthen those relationships and re-establish your support system.
  4. Participate in Activities: Join clubs, meetups, classes, or sports teams that interest you. Having a shared interest can make it a little easier to engage with others in the group and build community (e.g., crafting, fitness classes, DND groups, softball, or animal shelter volunteer group).

Person looking in the sky Reconnecting with Himself thanks to Seattle Therapy

Reconnecting with Yourself

  1. Mindfulness and Self-Reflection: Meditation or journaling can help you tune into your thoughts and feelings. Mindful practices can also help build your self-awareness.
  2. Set Goals: Identify what you want to achieve in recovery. Setting and pursuing personal goals can help reinforce your identity and boost self-esteem. Establish achievable goals and identify steps you can take to reach them.
  3. Explore Hobbies: Rediscover or try new hobbies that resonate with you. Engaging in activities that bring you joy can foster a deeper connection with yourself.
  4. Seek Professional Support: Consider therapy as a way to explore your feelings and experiences more deeply. A mental health professional can help you navigate reconnecting with yourself as well as recovery.

Find Support for Addiction and Connection | Seattle Therapy

If you’re searching for a therapist to help you reconnect with yourself and loved ones, contact Existential Psychiatry. Dr. David Zacharias has over two decades of experience in healthcare helping individuals cultivate meaningful connections with themselves and the world around them. His patient-centered approach ensures that treatment addresses your unique recovery needs and goals. Reach out today for a free consultation.

Written by Existential Psychiatry Staff

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