Recovery is never an easy process. However, the current pandemic has made it even more challenging. Dealing with recovery during a pandemic can be complicated, but it is possible.
If you or someone you care about is battling addiction issues and worried about recovery during the pandemic, the Addiction Recovery Institute of America can help. Reach out to us online today or call 844.973.2641 to learn more.
Recovery During A Pandemic: Factors At Play
Addiction thrives on certain emotions and social conditions. Unfortunately, the pandemic has heightened these very emotions and situations.
Loneliness and social isolation frequently play a role in someone developing an addiction. In addition, part of recovery is providing a sense of community and belonging and helping the affected person develop a support system.
Due to social distancing and concerns over COVID-19, many meetings and recovery programs have begun meeting online. This leaves many in recovery feeling isolated because there is no substitute for in-person interaction. The current restrictions make addiction recovery in FL more challenging in particular.
The pandemic has also caused a great deal of uncertainty. Can I feed my family this week? Will I get sick or lose my job? Will the world ever go back to normal? These questions and many more are on everyone’s mind, and the situation can feel hopeless.
Loss of a job, fears of the virus, or changing working conditions can also create immense stress. Those with drug addiction often use it to relieve stress, and this desire doesn’t go away in recovery.
Boredom also plays a role. When a person is unable to leave their home, it’s very easy to get bored. Boredom can lead to thoughts of using substances and romanticizing the way it feels. People convince themselves that everything seems more entertaining when they use the drug, even if this effect is temporary. Each of these factors affects your recovery at a substance abuse treatment center during a pandemic. However, the first step to overcoming them is acknowledging that they present new challenges.
Tips For Recovery During A Pandemic
There are a handful of tips that can help when you are attempting recovery at a drug addiction treatment program during a pandemic. These include, but are certainly not limited to:
- Structure — Structure is one of the most important factors for a successful recovery. Creating structure will look different during COVID-19. Many things that you used to do may not be an option. However, you can still work with what you have available and create a schedule. Some people require a highly detailed schedule, while others prefer a basic routine and to-do list. Be sure that working on your recovery each day is included in your schedule.
- Prioritizing your mental health — Putting your mental health first is also key to recovery during a pandemic. If you are experiencing high stress, anxiety, or depression, seek treatment for these issues. You can also find activities that help you feel calm and grounded. Yoga and meditation are wonderful for relieving stress and anxiety, and they can be performed at home. You may discover that you enjoy music, painting, or photography. Make time for the things that bring you peace and hope.
- Maintaining social connections — Keeping in touch with the people you care about might be the most difficult part of recovery during a pandemic. How you choose to socialize will depend on the conditions and regulations in your area and your comfort level with risk. You may choose to attend in-person meetings where precautions are being taken or attend meetings and chat with loved ones via video chat.
What’s important is that what you choose is working for you. If you are feeling intense feelings of social isolation and loneliness, don’t ignore them. You may want to have a loved one or sponsor that you must check in with daily. When you start to get down, it’s tempting just to shut everyone out. Having a daily conversation with someone about your feelings can help you be aware of them and recognize if you are struggling.
Recovery With Addiction Recovery Institute Of America
If you are looking for an alcohol addiction treatment program in FL, consider the Addiction Recovery Institute of America. We offer all levels of care and are well aware of the special challenges associated with recovery during a pandemic. We create a holistic, individualized treatment plan for each patient, so you will receive the addiction treatment you need. Contact us online or call 844.973.2641 to learn more about our programs and how we can help.