A lot of people expect things to feel lighter once the substance is gone — but for many, the opposite happens at first. The noise quiets, routines change, and suddenly there’s a lot more space than you know what to do with. That loneliness doesn’t mean you’re doing recovery wrong. Often, it means you’ve removed something that was filling time, numbing pain, or giving a sense of belonging — and those needs haven’t been replaced yet. Loneliness in recovery isn’t a personal failure. It’s a sign that connection, meaning, and structure are still being rebuilt. That takes time. If this is where you are, you don’t have to force positivity or pretend you’re okay. You’re allowed to move slowly, to need support, and to take this one day at a time. You’re not behind. You’re in the middle of something real. If this resonates, you’re not alone here. Todays Reflection Segment (20–30 seconds) Before you move on with your day, take a moment and check in with yourself. Ask yourself: Where does the loneliness show up for me right now? Is it in the evenings, the quiet mornings, or when I’m around other people? And then notice this — you don’t need to fix it today. Just noticing it without judging yourself is already part of recovery. If you can, place one small thing into that space tonight — a walk, a message to someone safe, or simply sitting with the feeling instead of running from it. That counts. Watch the attached Video