Coronavirus, now more commonly referred to as COVID-19, or COVID for short, has swept the nation. For those recovering from drug and alcohol addiction or still currently in active addiction, new problems emerge from this threat. It is well known by those recovering from drug and alcohol addiction that keeping active and connected to support groups is fundamental to staying sober. So what can be done during this time?
Information for People Actively Addicted to Drugs and/or Alcohol
For those currently dealing with addiction issues, the directory supplied by National Addiction Resources could prove invaluable at this time. Many rehabilitation centers remain open in the United States and will have probably undergone policy changes in order to deal with this pandemic. Policy changes may include:
- Reduced staff/patient capacity.
- Pre-screening for symptoms or required testing before entering treatment.
- Travel restrictions, such as not allowing patients to come in from a different area or state.
- Social-distancing and sanitation measures while in treatment.
Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation is commonly classified as an essential service. Addiction treatment still needs to take place, even during a time such as this. Not every rehabilitation center will stay open. They are understandably dealing with being able to provide proper services during the COVID pandemic. The National Addiction Resources directory can be used to find treatment close to you. You can search by state to find addiction treatment programs in your area. Of course you will have to call different places to see if they are still open and accepting new clients. Don’t give up hope! Have a friend or family member help with your search to find addiction treatment for yourself or a loved one.
Resources for People in Recovery
For many people who are in recovery, being confined to their home could prove to be a great challenge. Most support groups and meetings are shutdown during this time. They may not be able to see a counselor they have been working with as well. Once again, do not give up hope. There are many things you can do during this time in order to stay sober:
- Access online support groups and meetings. Many of these are 12 step based. For those who would like an alternative to 12 step, SMART recovery meetings are available as well. See www.12step.org/social/online-meetings to get more information. For those curious to start 12-step meetings for drug addiction, staff at National Addiction Resources have thoroughly enjoyed the online CA (Cocaine Anonymous) meetings done through Zoom videochat. Google “CA Meetings online in (your state)” to find one.
- Many therapists provide online or telephone counselling. You can search for one at: www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists
- Learn mindfulness/meditation and yoga exercises specifically designed to help those battling addiction. One of our favorites has been with Tommy Rosen at www.r20.com. This is entitled Recovery 2.0 and Tommy has been giving us much needed spiritual energy during this time. There is also a free 14 day challenge.
- For a free alternative, search mediation/yoga/home workouts on youtube and find one you like.
Other important measures to maintain sobriety while quarantined:
- Remember that this pandemic will end. We are all in the same boat right now. Although we are apart, everyone is together. Reach out to friends and family and support groups. Do not let the negative thoughts win. You can conquer this and come out stronger than ever.
- Get a daily routine going, especially in the morning. What you do when you wake up will shape the rest of your day (or even the rest of your life). Use the recovery 2.0 free 14 day challenge from the website listed above to show you how true that is.
- Push yourself to work on things that you enjoy! I have been developing this website for years and am taking this opportunity to work hard on it. Work on those projects you have been putting off because you were too busy.
- Cook healthy foods to help your brain. Do activities that bring you a positive feeling. When recovering from addiction, it’s what we do, the actions that we take that matter most to heal from the trauma.
- Study something. There are so many online courses you can take. Find something you are passionate about and get fulfillment through learning something new.
- This is a hard one, but try to still get up early and maintain a schedule. It can be difficult to do if you’re stuck at home, but it will help to have a fulfilling productive, day.
- Share your tips with others in the comment section below.
Alisha brazeau says
I am in early recovery and this page has been very helpful on giving me suggestions on what to do on helping me maintain my sobriety. Personally for me as an addict,I know that isolating can be a dangerous thing and big drastic changes can be especially hard to deal
with but what I realized is replacing at least trying to replace my old bad habits with some new or healthier ones Like the ones on this page for example has been somewhat beneficial. So in my opinion what’s been working for me so far are the things that have been suggested : it’s important to have a routine
(A sort of daily plan) I continue my support groups online, I make efforts to reaching out for support, and of course staying active and eating well. I think there are Great suggestions given here for people trying to stay sober and I would know because I’m trying/doing most of them and I’m still able to stay clean.
Jessica Sullivan says
I’ve been staying sober by practicing what they suggest in AA and CA. I have a sponsor I call everyday, I worked the steps and continue to work them. I pray, mediate. Also I eat healthy meals and make smoothies and juices. I get regular exercise either doing at home workouts or jogging outside with my music. All this has been working for me and I am not craving alcohol or drugs. I feel joy and happiness despite what’s going on around us.
Jessica
Stephano Amgar says
Very well structured and easy to understand, thank you for continuing your selfless acts at always being on the front line to fight the worst virus of all one who kills thousands daily ( drugs ) continue the good work