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Staying Home and Staying Sober

May 27, 2020

Whether you have been in recovery for a decade or more or you are newly sober, you know that choosing sobriety is a daily decision that requires a strong support system, preparation, and personal awareness.

With the restrictions brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, people in recovery may be finding themselves feeling alone or disconnected as they continue to maintain their sobriety. At South Hill Recovery Project, we understand that a major change in routine like this can bring upon stress and anxiety for those in recovery. We have put together a few tips on how you can stay connected and maintain your sobriety during this pandemic.

Put together a plan to stay connected.

Take the time to write down a schedule for calling your sponsor, friends, and family to check-in. Provide them with a copy so they can help you remain accountable. With their support, even if it is a short phone call, you will feel more connected to people, especially if you live alone.

Keep your usual triggers in mind, but be aware of new ones too.

With many stores and public areas shut down and social distancing restrictions in place, you may experience cravings, thoughts, and relapse more easily. As you adjust to spending more time at home, you may also experience new triggers. Spending extended periods of time alone can be a trigger for some people, so it is best to find ways to stay safely connected.

You may feel the urge to drink or use drugs while watching a new show, reading a new book, or listening to certain music. It Is important to stop when these thoughts happen and try to work out why you are thinking this way and find a way to redirect your attention elsewhere.

Enjoy your routines, and embrace healthy distractions.

Although your regular routine has been interrupted, you can create some simple routines to follow. You can eat your meals at the same time every day, take a walk at the same time, or keep up a consistent bedtime routine.

If you experience thoughts of drinking or using drugs, you can try to redirect that energy into a healthy distraction such as exercise, drawing, trying a new recipe, or journaling. You may also consider using Skype, Google Hangouts, or Zoom to connect with friends and family for a virtual game night.

Utilize online recovery resources.

With social distancing guidelines in place, many in-person 12-step and other recovery meetings have been suspended. Fortunately, there are a variety of online meeting resources so you can attend a virtual meeting. A quick Google search will yield a variety of results, including Virtual NA Meetings, Secular AA Meeting, and The Token Shop Online AA Meetings.

Contact Professionals for Addiction Recovery

If you are still struggling with thoughts about using or you have relapsed, you can reach out to South Hills Recovery Project for immediate assistance with addiction treatment in South Hills. At South Hills Recovery Project, we are currently providing telemedicine and are taking new patients.

The team at South Hills Recovery Project is here for you! Contact us today if you have any questions.

Dr. Clark
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