COVID 19 and Recovery

Isolation

Something we know about addiction and recovery is that idle hands are a person’s worst enemy and when we are in isolation, it may feel like we have nothing but time. During this challenging time, we may be experiencing a lot of stress, anxiety, some symptoms of depression and fear. With these emotions, it is common to feel completely uncomfortable which could lead to cravings.

How to cope:

Routine – though you may not be heading to work or meetings as you usually would, try to get up in the morning, and do the things you normally would. For example, you may wake up, have a shower, brush your teeth and get dressed. You might then have coffee and breakfast. Try to plan things throughout the day that remind you that you still have things to do and responsibilities to keep. You have a purpose.

Self-care – Plan at least one thing a day that you do for yourself. Maybe something as simple as a chat with a close friend or support, a bath, a 30-minute work-out, some time listening to your favorite podcast (maybe it’s this one), eating a snack you love, practicing mindfulness, a game or two of solitaire, or whatever else might make you feel good. For me, I find I clean most when I’m feeling stressed or anxious. This might be a good time to get to those boxes that have been hiding in the closet.

Journaling – Some people struggle to journal, however, there is evidence that this proves effective to help us move through some challenges (in this case, maybe it’s moving through this pandemic). If you’re not comfortable journaling, maybe you could write letters to friends, or letters to your kids to talk about this experience, maybe a letter to yourself for you to read in 10 years about how low gas prices are or what this has done to your social circle.

Connection – Do what you can to stay connected to your people (the healthy people of course). This might be a good time to actually make a phone call instead of sending a text. Maybe a coffee date via FaceTime with your bestie or your sponsor. As humans, we need connections to thrive and now might be a good time to step out of your comfort zone by actually making the phone call. If you are on Social Media, have messenger dates with your friends, though I will caution you to try and avoid getting hung up in the media and the news. If you are following the news, try to take time away from it because that toxicity will not provide a place of comfort. If you feel the need to read/watch, ensure the information you are absorbing is from trustworthy sources and limit yourself to the amount you are absorbing.

Nature – Try to dedicate some time to be outside every day no matter the weather. Jump in the puddles, be silly, try to find things that nature has left behind (cool looking rocks/branches) and get creative as a reminder that mother nature is healing and it could be a beautiful reminder of the challenges you were able to overcome through this challenging time. There are people doing things such as positive affirmations in their home windows, there was a teddy bear hunt last week, and there is an ongoing theme to help people connect while not being able to physically be there.

Reminders – Positive affirmations are always helpful in recovery. You have (or are considering) sobriety for a reason. Now is a good time to recognize those reasons. Whether recognizing them on paper, talking to the people who have been on this journey with you and helped you through, or by simply saying them out loud. Maybe even beginning a Mantra to say aloud every day as a reminder in the morning of how you are going to get through the day.

A couple of final thoughts: You are not alone. There are always people to reach out to, and there is access to support. This is a challenging time for everyone especially when a person might utilize unhealthy coping strategies to help them get through. Though the temptation is there, look at the whole picture. Is the unhealthy strategy going to be a permanent solution, can you afford it, will your support people continue to stand by you through another cycle, will your body tolerate it, do you remember how uncomfortable the withdrawals were, or your family, how will you hide it from them? There are so many reasons not to continue down that path. Lastly, take one minute at a time, one second if you need to. You can do this and when this isolation period is over, you will be happy you did. A craving usually lasts approximately 30 seconds and in those 30 seconds, reminding yourself of the cons may prevent you from going down a path you worked so hard to get out of.

Withdrawal Management – They are doing phone and text appointments for anyone in need of service. You can contact them by calling 519-332-4673 or email [email protected]

Good2Talk 1-866-925-5454 helps with mental health and addiction challenges

Connexontario is online support for any mental health or addiction challenge. They have a phone number as well as a chat option if that would be more comfortable for you https://www.connexontario.ca/

AA meetings are available virtually - https://www.onlinegroupaa.org/ These are secure groups where you can attend 24/7. During this challenging time, they also provide their grapevine magazine for free (comes with helpful tips and information)

NA meetings available online - https://www.canadadrugrehab.ca/drug-alcohol-treatment/online-meetings/narcotics-anonymous/ Here they provide weekly meetings for NA

Any group - https://www.12step.org/social/online-meetings/ This website offers an abundance of groups for people with many addiction issues.

Mental Health - https://mindsconnected.ca/ This website offers resources and tools to assist with mental health

Mental Health – Run by the Canadian Mental Health Association, https://bouncebackontario.ca/ provides a free skill-building program that anyone could benefit from. Worth checking out.

A great article about the struggle of sobriety in isolation.