Loneliness is one of the five basic triggers for addiction. It is a threat to our sanity, sobriety, and serenity. One study found that loneliness is as bad for our health as smoking 15 cigarettes per day.
Don’t apologize for periods of loneliness. We’ve all been there. King David, the “man after God’s own heart,” fought bouts of loneliness. He once prayed, “Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted” (Psalm 25:16).
In her article, “What Mentally Strong People Don’t Do,” Amy Morin offers several suggestions on how to combat loneliness.
- Tell someone when you’re lonely.
- Reach out to someone from your past.
- Join a new club or organization.
- Pick up a new hobby.
- Volunteer someplace.
Loneliness is a part of life. A pious man may disagree. But he’d be wrong.
Recovery Step: When loneliness grips your heart, try one of the five steps above. And most of all, keep talking to God.
