Solitude comes from an attitude of self love and self-acceptance; isolation is what people do when they hate themselves. - Chris D.
Many of us are introverted individuals living in an extroverted culture. Introversion and its corresponding social anxiety (and a tendency towards isolation and avoidance) are challenges, especially in early recovery, as we learn to navigate our social and personal lives without psychoactive substances.
Today, with social media groups and various options online for self help, there are many ways to connect with others on the same path.
Introverts need solitude to recharge, but where the need for solitude crosses the line into unhealthy isolation is an important distinction.
Isolation is often marked by a feeling of emotional emptiness and bitter loneliness. While solitary, it is a depleting, harsh,deficiency state, marked by a sense of estrangement.
Solitude, on the other hand, is a choice to develop inner richness, renewal and perspective. It is a positive and constructive state of engagement with oneself. Solitude is desirable, a state of being alone where you provide yourself wonderful and sufficient company.
Solitude is something you choose.
Solitude restores.
Isolation depletes.
“The opposite of addiction is not sobriety. The opposite of addiction is connection.” - Johann Hari
See this TedEx where Johann Hari discusses how important bonds and relationships are to recovery.
