From isolation to addiction: Understanding how loneliness can lead to drug abuse

Loneliness is said to be a ‘silent epidemic’ sweeping the world, and posing a global health threat, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). The Global State of Connections 2023 report states that at least 1.25 billion people have either felt ‘lonely’ or ‘very lonely’, while the WHO estimates that at least 10% of adolescents and 25% of older people are lonely.

According to the renowned psychologist Abraham Maslow, humans have an innate need for love and a feeling of belonging. Loneliness is an emotional state typically defined by painful feelings associated with isolation or a lack of social contact or belonging.


Mental health does have an impact on physical health, and loneliness is likely to have long-term implications on people’s mental and physical health, longevity and overall well-being, according to the American Psychological Association.

Loneliness can alter the brain chemistry and affect the production of neurotransmitters, like dopamine and serotonin (also known as ‘feel-good hormones’), important for mood regulation and reward.

Deficiency in these neurotransmitters can thus lead to feelings of sadness, and anxiety, and can progress to even depression and addiction. It also disrupts sleep and increases suicidal thoughts, and risk of self-harm.

Addiction is a chronic disorder characterised by compulsive drug seeking and use, despite the various adverse consequences. It is considered a brain disorder because it causes functional changes to brain circuits involved in reward, stress, and self-control.

People suffering from loneliness are more susceptible to substance abuse as drugs or alcohol can artificially boost the neurotransmitters and create a temporary sense of pleasure. Unfortunately, this often creates a harmful loop, and leads to a vicious cycle, as addiction can create a rift between the user and their family/ loved ones, causing the feelings of loneliness to worsen. Therefore, loneliness can be both an effect and a cause of addiction.

The negative emotions caused by loneliness can distort an individual’s perception of reality. It may even make them believe that they are unworthy of social connections. Since drugs provide a momentary escape or relief from these negative emotions and thoughts, they can help fill the void and make them feel more connected or relaxed. Thus, they increasingly turn to substances to cope with negative emotions and thoughts.



Addiction or increasing drug use intensifies the feelings of loneliness and social isolation, and individuals find it very difficult to break the vicious cycle without any support. The interconnected chain can be broken by building a supportive social network. Friends, family or even support groups can help reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation and stop people from turning to drugs. Hobbies, social events, and community activities can offer healthy substitutes or alternatives for drug use.

(Author: Saumya Dobhal, Consultant Clinical Psychologist, Sukoon Health)