While few people are extremely extraverted or introverted, a slight majority of people see themselves as extraverts. A simplified but reasonably accurate description of the difference between the two is that extraverts get energy from being around other people while introverts get energy from being alone. As a social species, it makes sense that we tip slightly towards extraversion. While there are advantages to being part of the introverted minority, it might present some specific challenges to someone recovering from addiction. Here are some ways recovery is harder for introverts.
Social connection is important for recovery.
Over and over, we see that social connection is crucial for treating addiction and sustaining recovery. The famous “rat park” experiment that showed rats with many friends and mates lost interest in drugs, while their isolated peers continued to be addicted. Group therapy is often very effective and is a fixture in most treatment programs. And studies have shown there is a protective effect from being engaged with a mutual support group such as AA, SMART Recovery, or Refuge Recovery. While starting group therapy or attending a mutual aid group for the first time might make anyone anxious, the thought would strike many introverts as intolerable and exhausting. However, that social connection is important, even if it’s not especially pleasant. Introverts can adjust by taking it slow and focus on making a few sober friends rather than trying to be the center of a big group.
Drugs and alcohol have been a way to cope with socializing.
For many introverts, especially for anyone with an anxiety disorder, drugs and alcohol are an easy way to make social situations more tolerable. Any sufficiently awkward social situation may be enough to trigger cravings. Making new friends without relying on alcohol to socialize can be tough. This is why addressing anxiety issues, especially social anxiety, and depression is so important in addiction treatment. Often therapy and group therapy can help people improve social skills, making social interaction less daunting.
Introverts often get stuck in their own heads.
Another major difficulty for introverts is that they tend to get stuck in their own heads. They often ruminate about past mistakes or worry about future problems. They may dig endlessly into their own problems, which often only makes them more anxious and depressed. Getting out of this habit is hard, even with the help of therapy. One solution to this is to practice mindfulness meditation, which can help you recognize and interrupt rumination and pay more attention to what’s going on in the world around you.
If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction or mental illness, we can help. Recovery Ways is a premier drug and alcohol addiction treatment facility located in Salt Lake City, Utah. We have the resources to effectively treat a dual diagnosis. Our mission is to provide the most cost-effective, accessible substance abuse treatment to as many people as possible. Request information online or call us today at 1-888-986-7848.
