One of the most prominent parts of addiction treatment is group interactions with fellow individuals in recovery. It also includes a one-on-one treatment method where the therapist conducts individual sessions to improve a patient’s mental health. However, all of this is on hold now. With people scared enough to leave their home and social distancing becoming the trend of the century, these treatment methods can’t work. For the time being at least.
COVID-19 pandemic has put many individual’s lives at stand still, but those who are in recovery are the most affected ones. Patients in recovery are already dealing with a lot and the pandemic has made it more difficult to seek in-person help. However, as every bad experience teaches us something, this too has taught us the need to wisely use technology. Many therapists and people have joined hands together to set up various online resources that encourage individuals to seek help and continue their fight against addiction.
However, that is not the only way you can stay sober during the pandemic. There are various ways on how you can put aside all the negativities and keep following the sober schedule you have worked hard to make for yourself. Want to know what it is? Keep reading to find more.
Ways To Stay Sober During A Pandemic
Even though everything is uncertain now, it shouldn’t stop any of us from continuing what we started as our primary goal. For people in recovery, this is the most crucial time that if made good use of, can be life-changing. Here’s how to use it wisely.
- Stick To A Routine
The most crucial aspect of achieving long-term sobriety is sticking to a healthy and effective schedule. While undergoing addiction treatment, you had a fixed schedule that was designed to make you follow a healthy lifestyle. This should exactly be your first step of staying sober during these trying times.
Having a healthy routine can help you introspect areas of improvement while also benefiting your body in many ways. Create a schedule that includes exercise, good sleep cycle, healthy and nutritious meals, and productive leisure time management. Follow this routine every day despite your inner self yelling no and you will see the change.
- Join Online Communities
Every addiction treatment program has group sessions included in their regime, you know why? Because nothing’s more motivating than listening to people who have had the same level of struggle as you. Seeing them overcome their challenges fuels inspiration and confidence that you can do it too.
The pandemic has made it impossible to arrange group gatherings now but thanks to modern technology! You can browse the internet to find some good online communities dedicated specifically for people in recovery. Join their meetings and daily/weekly catch-ups. Talking it out in front of fellow people will ease your mind.
- Friends and Family
Governments around the world have imposed nationwide lockdowns which have forced the people to stay inside their homes. For addicts, being isolated is the worst thing they can experience in recovery. It can bring back past memories associated with substance abuse and redevelop the dependence on the drug.
Thus, it becomes crucial to remain connected with your friends and family more than ever. Think you are missing someone? Pick up the phone and talk to them. Not only does this make you feel good, but it also makes the person you talk to feel great. Remember, the pandemic has affected everyone’s mental state. By keeping in touch with your family and friends, you are not only helping yourself but also supporting them in these difficult times.
- Entertainment Is The Key
In addition to self-isolation, boredom is yet another factor that may trigger an urge to consume again. When you have nothing to do, your mind will distract and crave the thing that you worked so hard to get rid of. Why? Because triggers like these are very common during recovery. So what should be done?
Keep yourself entertained. Moreover, do we even need to mention how many options you have to do this? Binge watch a series, play games with your friends, invest your time in learning a musical instrument, write something, or maybe watch that movie your friends have been telling for so long. The point is, keep your brain entertained and distracted at the same time. It’s the most fun way to push relapsing-like thoughts away.
- Media Is A Big NO
We are in a time where situations are pretty self-explanatory and we know how the world is facing the wrath of a pandemic. Constantly rising infected cases and death tolls have already induced a stressful environment at our homes making us worry about the current situation.
However, seemingly endless statistics and reports on the pandemic is exhausting. News channels, social media, newspapers, everything is focusing on the pandemic. Too much exposure to these media can affect your mental health. Even psychologists suggest that constant exposure to such distressing news can be harmful. Set a suitable time when you will consume validated news about the condition and that’s it.
- Help Is Just A Call Away
If you are managing yourself well during this uncertain phase, it is still possible to feel low at times. Emotional imbalances are a normal part of addiction recovery and patients may experience overwhelming feelings during this period.
However, consulting a professional is the best way to get through such highs and lows of your life. Reach out to your therapist or consult a new one the moment you feel past memories are taking over your mind. They can talk and even prescribe medications if and when required.
Conclusion
COVID-19 has severely impacted everyone around the world. Millions are infected by this virus and tens of thousands of people have lost their lives. The current situation has called for an increased focus on mental health worldwide as it is stressful for everyone. For addicts, the need to have a healthy mind is more important than ever. Keeping a healthy schedule and maintaining a positive approach towards life can still help them fight this battle against addiction.
