Issues and Insights: The Synergy of Depravity and Loneliness in Alcoholism: A New Conceptualization,an Old Problem

The author uses the term depraved loneliness to represent the spiritual (or “soul”) sickness alluded to in Alcoholics Anonymous (Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, 1976), arguing that combining these 2 terms to form a single paradigm has not been examined. It is further argued that the synergy of depravity and loneliness, as a singular condition, may precipitate relapse and premature death through suicide by individuals during late recovery from alcoholism. Germinal qualitative research is necessary, and additional study of this proposed condition is encouraged.