You may be feeling isolated and stressed during the COVID-19 pandemic, but support is available for you as you continue to work through your recovery. Orders to stay at home and maintain social distances from others may leave you feeling alone and anxious. However, connecting in the time of coronavirus is possible and there are a number of options for finding support for your mental and physical health.
Staying Healthy
The main thing you need to focus on during this time is staying healthy. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have provided support on their website, in the form of helpful guidance and advice for remaining safe from the virus. In addiction treatment, especially, it is critical that you remain physically healthy and safe from potential infection. CDC’s recommended precautions you can take to protect yourself include:
- Washing your hands thoroughly and often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer.
- Stay home as much as possible and avoid contact with people who are sick.
- When you do need to go out in public, for groceries or for work, maintain social distances of at least six feet from other people.
- Use a cloth face cover over your mouth and nose when around others.
- Thoroughly clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, especially your kitchen countertops and sink after you bring home your groceries.
Behavioral Health Support
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) supports you and your efforts to maintain your behavioral and mental health during these challenging times. They have published a tip sheet, “Tips for Social Distancing, Quarantine, And Isolation During an Infectious Disease Outbreak,” that describes feelings and thoughts you may have during and after social distancing, quarantine, and isolation. It also suggests ways for you to care for your behavioral health during these experiences and provides resources for more help during the time of coronavirus.
Staying Connected with Friends and Family
Support is available to you through these organizations and websites during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as through your own connections with friends and family. Take advantage of technology to stay in touch with those who are a positive influence on your addiction recovery and who have supported you throughout your treatment. While connecting in the time of coronavirus takes a little different approach, you can find support through phone calls, video chats, and online platforms such as Zoom and Skype.
Support for Coping with Isolation
AARP provides practical advice on ways to stay connected and maintain mental and emotional health that will prove beneficial to people of all ages. In an interview with Val Walker, an expert on coping with isolation, AARP answers many common questions and provides guidance on avoiding feelings of isolation, staying connected with friends, avoiding feeling anxious, and remaining engaged with others. Walker emphasizes that finding support and connecting in the time of coronavirus is critical for your continued well-being.
Virtual Support Groups
When you need to connect with others who are experiencing addiction treatment in the time of coronavirus, you can also take advantage of technology for finding support. Many support groups are shifting to online meetings for people like you who need that support now, perhaps now more than ever. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) provides a list of virtual support groups, including links for online Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, Cocaine Anonymous, and other group meetings.
Telehealth for Continued Support
Finding support through your addiction treatment program is particularly important for your recovery. Connecting in the time of coronavirus may be challenging but many healthcare providers are turning to technology as well. Telehealth options are typically available for reducing your exposure to COVID-19 while still receiving the care you need. Confidential, secure telehealth options enable you to connect with your treatment provider while keeping everyone safe and healthy.
Connect with Recovery Without Walls for Addiction Treatment During COVID-19
At Recovery Without Walls, we continue to support you as you work through your addiction recovery during the COVID-19 pandemic. We will open for specific appointments and our providers work remotely to provide care and answer questions via phone, video conference, and email. Throughout the time of coronavirus and beyond, we will continue to focus on evidence-informed research, exceptional psychotherapy, nutritional support, and integrative healing methods designed to treat your whole body. Contact us today to learn how we can help you.