Addiction to Loneliness (Escape is the bigger Challenge)

Loneliness is addictive, 
You learn to love the peace and quiet,
No reason to feel vindictive,
It takes a crowd for uproar and riot,

No one to please,
Living in your own illusionary planet,
Your senses at ease,
You make the rules, you define your gamut,

Yet someone’s mere attention,
Fills your world with colors and song,
Then it builds a tension,
Heart sinks, gut says this is wrong,

You feel again,
The warmth is followed by a blast of cold,
The same old pain,
A nightmare when forgotten memories unfold, 

Spiraling thoughts, migraine, 
You want to step back into the shadows,
Aboard the lonely train,
You sigh and glance at the bustling meadows, 

Alas! You’re alone,
It’s not the best feeling, but it feels like home, 

‘What ifs’ come to haunt,
The fear of missing out hits like a taunt,

Whenever doubt lingers,
Take a breath and count to ten on your fingers,

Eventually loneliness numbs it all,
Those worries begin to seem distant and small.

What in Loneliness?

Loneliness is the shadow cast by the absent sun,
A haunting echo when laughter has begun to run.

It’s the quiet hum of a melody without a tune,
A midnight sky, where only the distant stars commune.

Loneliness is the untouched pages of a forgotten book,
A solitary traveler in a crowded, bustling brook.

It’s the subtle ache when the world spins too fast,
A solo dancer in a ballroom of memories that won’t last.

Loneliness is the hushed whisper of the autumn breeze,
A solitary sail on the vast, desolate seas.

It’s the unanswered question in a room of silent voices,
A garden of wilted flowers, where solitude rejoices.

Loneliness is the pen that writes in solitude’s ink,
A solitary thought that makes the heart sink.

It’s the empty chair at a table set for two,
A moonlit night with only shadows to woo.

Loneliness is the painting with a palette of blue,
A solitary wish on a sky of dreams that grew.

It’s the fading echo of footsteps in an empty hall,
A silent plea for connection, for someone to call.

In the poetic dance of life, loneliness takes its part,
A delicate waltz with the echoes of a solitary heart.

Yet, in the symphony of existence, let it be said,
Loneliness, too, can find solace when the soul is gently led.

Why is Loneliness addictive?

Loneliness can, paradoxically, become addictive for several reasons, involving psychological, emotional, and even biological factors. It’s important to note that while loneliness might be temporarily comforting, the long-term effects can be detrimental to one’s mental and physical well-being.

Here are some reasons why loneliness can become addictive:

Familiarity and Comfort in Isolation:

Routine of Solitude: Loneliness can create a routine and a sense of familiarity. In the absence of social interactions, solitude becomes the norm, and the individual may become accustomed to the quiet and predictability of being alone.

Fear of Rejection:

Avoidance of Pain: Some individuals might have experienced rejection or emotional pain in social situations. In an attempt to protect themselves from potential hurt, they choose loneliness as a defense mechanism. Loneliness becomes a way to avoid the perceived risks of social interactions.

Control and Autonomy:

Self-Reliance: Loneliness provides a sense of control and self-reliance. There is no need to navigate the complexities of social relationships, compromise, or deal with the unpredictable nature of others. This self-sufficiency can be appealing and lead to a preference for solitude.

Social Anxiety:

Escape from Social Pressure: Individuals with social anxiety may find solace in loneliness as it offers an escape from the pressures and expectations of social interactions. It becomes a way to avoid the discomfort and anxiety associated with being around others.

Negative Self-Perception:

Self-Fulfilling Prophecy: Loneliness can reinforce negative self-perceptions. If someone believes they are unlikable or unworthy of companionship, they may inadvertently engage in behaviors that perpetuate their isolation, creating a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Chemical Rewards:

Brain Chemistry: Loneliness can be associated with changes in brain chemistry. The brain’s reward system may adapt to the isolation by reinforcing behaviors that maintain the status quo. In this way, the brain might produce chemicals that temporarily alleviate distress, creating a cycle that becomes difficult to break.

Habitual Patterns:

Cognitive Patterns: Over time, loneliness can become a habitual thought pattern. The mind becomes conditioned to interpret social situations as threatening or unrewarding, making the idea of being alone more comfortable and less anxiety-inducing.

It’s crucial to recognize that while loneliness might provide a temporary sense of safety or control, the long-term consequences can include mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety, as well as physical health risks.

Breaking the cycle of loneliness often requires intentional efforts to foster social connections, challenge negative thought patterns, and seek support from others or mental health professionals.