Loneliness among people with substance use problems: A narrative systematic review

Abstract

IssuesDespite the serious implications of loneliness on health and wellbeing, little is understood about this experience across people with substance use problems. This systematic review aimed to examine: (i) correlates and predictors of loneliness; (ii) theories underpinning loneliness; (iii) methods employed to measure loneliness; and (iv) loneliness interventions for people with substance use problems.ApproachEmpirical sources were identified from key databases for all publications preceding February 2019. Overall, 41 studies met the eligibility criteria and were included in the review.Key FindingsFindings from this review suggest that loneliness is related to poor physical and mental health, substance use, the quality of relationships, stigma and perception of ill treatment by others. Although cognitive theories have proposed cognitive patterns underlying the onset and maintenance of loneliness, they had not been investigated in relation to measurement or intervention efforts. Just one loneliness measure (UCLA Loneliness Scale) is valid for use with this population. Finally, only a single loneliness intervention had been trialled and was not found to be efficacious in reducing loneliness for people with substance use problems.ImplicationsUnderstanding possible links between loneliness and substance use and how to alleviate loneliness is important for this population in terms of their wellbeing and recovery.ConclusionLoneliness is prevalent and experienced as problematic among people with substance use problems. Future research should focus on employing longitudinal designs, using validated, multidimensional measures of loneliness and on developing and trialling loneliness interventions that meet the specific needs of people with substance use problems.

Arts engagement supports social connectedness in adulthood: findings from the HEartS Survey

“…Other mental health disorders such as obsessive-compulsive disorder and phobia are also linked with loneliness [ 8 ]. As well as prolonged mental illness, loneliness is associated with ethnic minority status and living alone, with substance use problems [ 9 ], as well as socio-demographic and health-related factors within specific age groups, particularly younger adults (under 25 years) and older adults (over 65 years) [ 7 , 10 ].…”

Drugs as Soulmates: The Construction and Validation of a 12-Item Soulmate Scale to Measure Substance Addiction and Loneliness

“…Many substance users have experienced consistently poor social support and poor-quality relationships [1]. The need for affiliation easily encourages them to use substances.…”

Loneliness: A signature mental health concern in the era of COVID-19

“…While causation cannot be inferred from cross-sectional data, the present findings are consistent with the notion that the prolonged stay-at-home efforts enacted during the pandemic are likely severely increasing loneliness and social disconnection among many people. This is concerning, as loneliness has been associated with a wide range of mental health problems, interpersonal issues, substance use, and physical health conditions, including cognitive decline, and significantly elevated morbidity and mortality (Ingram et al, 2020).…”