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Is Loneliness Deadlier Than Drugs?

Jules
4 min readMay 5

Did you know that loneliness can be as harmful to your health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day?

According to a study by Holt-Lunstad et al. (2010), the impact of loneliness on mortality is comparable to that of well-established risk factors such as smoking and alcohol consumption.

The Science Behind Loneliness and Its Effects on Health

Loneliness is a complex and multifaceted experience, which can be defined as a subjective feeling of social isolation, lack of companionship, or feeling disconnected from others.

Research has shown that loneliness is associated with a myriad of health issues, including increased stress, depression, anxiety, and even cognitive decline (Cacioppo & Cacioppo, 2018).

In 2015, a groundbreaking study by Cole et al. found that loneliness can have a profound impact on our immune system, making us more susceptible to infections and diseases.

The study revealed that lonely individuals had higher levels of inflammation markers and weaker antiviral responses than their socially connected counterparts.

Moreover, loneliness can have severe consequences on our cardiovascular health.

A study by Hawkley et al. (2010) found that lonely individuals had higher blood pressure, which can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Hence, it’s clear that loneliness can have a significant negative impact on our physical and mental well-being.

The Prevalence and Impact of Drug Use

Drug use, both legal and illegal, is a widespread and complex issue that affects millions of people around the world.

According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, there were approximately 284 million drug users globally in 2020, with the most commonly used substances being cannabis, opioids, and amphetamines.

Drug use can have severe health consequences, including addiction, overdose, and long-term damage to the brain, heart, liver, and other organs.

Moreover, drug use can lead to a range of social issues, such as unemployment, crime, and strained relationships with family and…

Jules

Psychology Expert | MSc Social and Cultural Psychology

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