By: AndreaBergman
Recovery can be difficult, no matter what stage you are in. Those new to recovery and those who have been clean and sober for years are all feeling the struggle of recovery in quarantine. However, with the right relapse prevention plan and alumni program, it can be done. Here are some tips on how to make it work for you.
Why Recovery In Quarantine is Hard
Some things make relapse more likely, and things that can help prevent relapse. Unfortunately, recovery in quarantine is difficult because relapse triggers seem inevitable. At the same time, positive coping mechanisms like a daily routine and social interaction are harder to maintain. Addiction experts around the country are concerned. Addiction is a disease of isolation. Underlying co-occurring disorders like depression, anxiety, and boredom are also factors.
Mental Health and Social Interaction
Successful recovery in quarantine means you have to find a way to battle isolation. Many AA and NA meetings are being held on Zoom. While this doesn’t replace in-person meetings, it can be helpful. Staying in contact with supportive family and friends is also essential. If you can’t visit, have a phone call or video chat. If you are quarantining alone, consider getting a pet to help with loneliness.
You’ll also need to deal with your feelings head-on. Loneliness, depression, anxiety, and stress can all be heightened right now. If you are struggling with these issues, now is a great time to seek counseling. Many mental health professionals have virtual sessions. Don’t put your mental health on hold. It puts your recovery at risk.
Maintain a Routine
You are likely accustomed to a routine that has been completely disrupted by the virus. What do you do when you are no longer getting up and going to work each day? When you can’t go out to dinner on Saturday night? When the meetings you used to look forward to are no longer being held in a physical location?
A routine is one of the best ways to maintain recovery in quarantine. Studies show that addiction and a chaotic impulsive lifestyle go hand in hand. When you are active in substance abuse and addiction, you structure your time around using and obtaining the drug.
Benefits of a routine in recovery include:
- Productive use of time
- Avoiding boredom (a common relapse trigger)
- Easing depression and physical withdrawal symptoms
- Providing a sense of structure and stability which fosters a sense of safety
Even though your routine will likely be different than before the quarantine, you can still create one. A set wake up time, daily exercise, set meal times, and time for hobbies can help.
Keep Working on Recovery
This might be the most important tip for maintaining recovery in quarantine. It’s easy to feel like your life is on hold. However, your recovery is never on hold, no matter the circumstances. Find ways to move forward in recovery. Work through the twelve steps. Get a sponsor. Read self-help books that help you work on the issues that led you to use in the first place. Maintain a forward momentum in your recovery.
Help at Lakeview Health
If you are struggling with your recovery in quarantine, Lakeview Health is here to help. Our alumni network is active online to help provide a support system for those struggling with their recovery journey. We are also taking health precautions so that our facility can remain open during the quarantine. If you are in need of recovery help or ready to begin recovery, contact Lakeview Health today at [Direct].
Lakeview Health strives to keep our clients and staff safe during the current COVID-19 pandemic. Learn about new guidelines and updates today.
We currently accept Aetna, Cigna, and United Healthcare. We do not currently accept Medicare, Medicaid, or Florida Blue.
