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What I’ve Learned From My Addiction By BigmommaJ

Intro:
As I continue my journey of healing and rebuilding my life, I often find myself reflecting on where I’ve been and what I’ve learned along the way. Addiction has shaped me in ways I never imagined — not just through pain and loss, but through the lessons that came after. My story isn’t one of perfection or quick recovery; it’s one of falling, learning, and rising again. I share this because I know there are others still fighting the same battle, searching for hope in the dark. This is what addiction has taught me.

Addiction has been one of my greatest teachers. Not the kind that uses words or gentle guidance — but one that teaches through pain, loss, and hard truths. It stripped away everything I thought I knew about myself. It broke me down until all I could see was the person I had been running from. But it also taught me how to rebuild. It taught me what strength, self-awareness, and forgiveness really mean.

I used to believe addiction was just about substances — about using, quitting, and starting over. But what I’ve learned is that addiction goes much deeper. It’s not just about the drugs or the behavior; it’s about the pain that came before them. It’s about the emptiness, the trauma, the loneliness, and the unspoken wounds that never healed. Addiction doesn’t start with a choice. It starts with a need — to escape, to numb, to quiet the storm inside.

Over time, I’ve learned that recovery isn’t just about putting the bottle down or walking away from the high. Recovery is about understanding yourself — your triggers, your patterns, and the reasons behind your pain. It’s about facing what you’ve been avoiding and finding new ways to cope when the world feels too heavy.

One of the hardest lessons I’ve learned is that shame keeps us sick. Shame tells us we’re not worthy of help, that we’ve messed up too many times to be forgiven. For a long time, I believed those lies. I thought the things I did in addiction defined who I was. But I’ve learned that addiction doesn’t erase your humanity. You can still love your children deeply. You can still have compassion, empathy, and purpose. Addiction doesn’t take those things from you — it just buries them beneath the pain.

I’ve also learned that relapse isn’t failure. It’s part of the process for many of us. Each time I stumbled, I found a piece of truth waiting for me on the other side. I learned what triggered me, what I still needed to heal, and how to rebuild my strength a little differently each time. Every fall became a lesson in resilience.

Forgiveness has been another lesson — maybe the hardest one. I had to learn to forgive myself for the things I did while surviving. For the hurt I caused when I was lost in my pain. I had to remind myself that I am not my past. I am not my mistakes. I am the person who keeps showing up, even after losing everything.

Addiction taught me empathy in a way nothing else could. It taught me how to see people for who they are beneath their struggles — to understand that no one chooses to suffer. It shaped the way I show up for others, especially in my work and my recovery community. Because I know what it’s like to be judged, misunderstood, and written off. And I also know what it’s like to be given another chance.

Most of all, addiction taught me that healing is possible. That even when life feels like it’s over, it isn’t. There is always a way back — sometimes it just takes time, faith, and a lot of courage.

Today, I’m still learning. Recovery isn’t a finish line; it’s a journey. But every day I choose healing over hiding, truth over shame, and love over fear — I win a little more of myself back.

And that’s what I’ve learned from my addiction:
That even in the darkest places, there’s still a spark of light waiting to rise

Author’s Note

If you’re struggling with addiction right now, please know this — you are not alone. You are not broken, weak, or beyond saving. You are a human being who has carried pain for far too long. Recovery isn’t easy, but it is worth it. One day, you’ll look back and realize that everything you’ve survived was preparing you for who you were meant to become.

Keep going. You are stronger than you think, and your story isn’t over yet. 💛

BigmommaJ
# Addictionrecovery #riseaboveyournorn # Overcomingaddiction

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#BPD #detachedofself #Loneliness

I'm not exactly new here. I have begun sharingore frequently, and that's new!
I'm out to really connect with people who get me ory words, who share experiences that reflect similarities. Shared diagnosis as well as recovery/management of symptoms.
I've been living with BPD, ADHD, CPTSD SUICIDAL IDEATION AND ADDICTION. there are your usuals too...depression and social anxiety n fear in crowded spaces. I have conversations all day in my head. I can't say hello though. Be it a possible romantic pursuit, shared interest or what not.
I've been chasing sobriety of my mental health symptoms, to rid myself of them. I'm no closer. I spent decades buryingy traumas. Then the symptoms I medicated n then some. Symptoms were honestly my only real known emotions. I was a child processed they the state system Vs raised by any one family. I'm a father now n struggle to feel like a dad. It's a deeply disorienting sensation. I don't know what to feel but hatred and anger and indifference and defeat. I fake the positive ones hoping I'll recognize the good feelings when I reach a point to learn what they feel like. Can ANYBODY relate?

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Hello

Hello, I'm Nathaniel. I live in Norway and have autism. I've always been different, but that difference has made me feel like an outsider, and has led to me getting depression. My mask has hidden all of my pain for many years. It started when I was 8, and it's still not over now at 18... No one really understands me, and it doesn't really feel like anyone wants to... I struggle with food, connections, and of course I have ADHD, so I feel guilty about not finishing projects and such... I'm lonely, and I just need comfort and safety. Pretty much no one knows about my situation, only some know about my autism, but my pain has been hidden from the very start. I guess I'm getting better, I no longer have suicidal thoughts, so I guess that's good, but I'm still just alone... My anxiety has been pushing me to hide, and that's what I've done now for 10 years. Even now it's hard to post this, but hiding hasn't gotten me anywhere, so here I am.

The thing that hurts the most is that my mom knew I had autism almost my whole life, but she didn't want to upset me... I was struggling, hating myself and honestly considering ending myself, but she didn't ever consider that I might need the help... The support... She had good intentions... But its likely the reason I'm still struggling... It just hurts honestly...

Hope all of you out there are doing well though❤️‍🩹

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Songs for Loneliness #Anxiety #MentalHealth #Loneliness

I have a playlist that helps me on my lonely days. These songs nourish my soul. Do you like any of these songs? What songs are your go to when you need to feel less alone?

Leave a Light On Tom Walker
Love Song Tesla
Good Day Forrest Frank
Count on Me Bruno Mars
Yellow Coldplay
Better Days Niko Moon
Remedy Adele
Carry You Ruelle
Hold My Hand Jess Glynne
Brighter Days Blessing Offer
Superheroes The Script
Rise Up Andra Day
Rescue Lauren Daigle
Fix You Coldplay
Healing Fletcher
Crooked the Road Mon Rovia
Burden Foy Vance

(edited)
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I'm new here!

Hi, my name is KIsabella. I'm here because I'm hoping to share and connect with others. It can get lonely out here ♥️🦋💜

#MightyTogether #Anxiety #ADHD #Depression #EatingDisorder

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Prayer for today#mightyforever #jesusdiedforusall

Heavenly Father
We come before You today with heavy hearts. We lift up those who are sick touch them with Your healing hands and bring peace to their weary souls. For those battling in silence, those with thoughts of giving up, Lord remind them that their life is precious and that You still have a purpose for them

We pray for everyone passing through hard times the broken, the lonely, the homeless, the jobless, the ones struggling to see a way out. Wrap them in Your love, Lord. Give them strength when they feel weak, hope when they feel lost, and light when their world seems dark

May Your grace comfort every heart in pain and may Your peace fill every restless mind.
In Jesus’ mighty name
Amen

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