It’s been about a year since COVID-19 hit landfall and started running rampant across our country. For many of us, that meant loss, grief, isolation, and many other life changes. For the average person, these events and changes may be easy to navigate, but for someone who is in recovery for addiction, this may be one of the most challenging times of their life. This is why you need to know how to avoid relapse during Covid.
One of the main consequences of the pandemic has been social isolation–and most of the population are feeling the effects of this.
COVID is Causing Addicts in Recovery to Relapse.
How do you stay connected to important, supportive people in your life when traveling is out of the equation, social distancing must happen, and when everyone is struggling with their own issues just trying to survive?
Isolation can cause individuals to feel lonely, anxious, and bored.
Being isolated from others during early recovery can have harmful mental health consequences. If you’re feeling alone and lack accountability during this difficult time, you may be more likely to relapse, and that is not what you want to do.
Are you one of the million people in this type of situation? Are you looking for creative ways to stay connected to those you love as well as your treatment team?
Staying Connected and Avoid Relapse During Covid
To help facilitate treatment and recovery efforts, many support groups, organizations, and treatment centers have shifted to an online model of providing services to help addicts avoid relapse during Covid. Through video chats, conference calls, live video meetings, and individual counseling sessions, people dealing with a substance use disorder can continue to get help while waiting for the social distancing orders to be lifted (Very Well Mind).
Here are specific ways to get you connected during the pandemic.
- Connecting with friends and family during regular scheduled times via Zoom.
- Have fun-themed Zoom parties or use an app to watch a movie or show together.
- Get involved in support groups (in-person or via Zoom).
- Engage in new hobbies and find others who are interested in similar things.
- Get outside in nature—hike, bike, run, swim, kayak, sports, etc.
- Join social media recovery groups.
- Keep scheduled appointments with your treatment team.
- Get a new pet.
- Host a virtual game night.
During the pandemic, we all need to think outside-the-box and get creative. To help avoid relapse during covid be proactive and have a list of activities you can do. Also make a list of friends or family you can contact when you are feeling the effects of isolation or anxiety. Don’t forget about your coping skills! There are many others going through the same thing–so you are not alone. Talk to your treatment team today about how they can best support you during this time.
Addiction Treatment in Denver
If you don’t have a treatment team and are looking into the process of treatment, contact Continuum Recovery Center of Colorado, where their highly-trained and compassionate treatment team of licensed therapists, doctors, nurses, and counselors take a 365-degree approach to treating your illness.
With medical and clinical support, education, and life-balance skills, we’ll help you understand the causes of your substance abuse progression. We will also help empower your recovery and well-being, and help you reclaim a life you love..
