You might have heard it before, but many people believe that the key to addiction recovery is connection. And it’s a notion that you were living. Well, at least until the full weight of the coronavirus (COVID-19) hit. Your normal ways to connect have been replaced with stay-at-home orders, social distancing and quarantines.
Right now, we’re all feeling more isolated and cut off. The problem is that for anyone in addiction recovery, it poses a risk for relapse. Without being able to attend in-person meetings and connect with others, you might be at a loss about how you’re going to keep your recovery on track.
But just because COVID-19 has made your life and recovery more isolated, doesn’t mean it has to stay that way. Whether you’re in quarantine or practicing social distancing, there are still opportunities to forge meaningful connections with people who know what you’re going through.
5 Tips for Addiction Recovery During Quarantine and COVID-19
1. Join Online Group Meetings
When you’re in addiction recovery, group meetings are often the foundation for the healing process. But COVID-19 and self-quarantine have shut down many in-person meetings for substance abuse. Luckily, we live in a time where technology makes it easier to connect.
In the Rooms is an online addiction recovery community. They host a wide variety of online group meetings so you can stay connected during COVID-19. Talking with others in recovery will also help you manage the extra wave of anxiety you might be feeling in quarantine. For a little extra support, online group meetings give you the opportunity to create a more structured schedule for your days.
2. Practice Gratitude
There’s no question that COVID-19 has disrupted regular routines throughout the country. For people in addiction recovery, that means spending more time alone. And being alone is a scary thought. After all, it’s natural to be afraid of the negative thoughts and behaviors gaining momentum.
But there is a silver lining to the extra time you have on your own. It’s the perfect opportunity to practice gratitude. And the good news is that getting started is easy. Take a minute and think about aspects of your life that you’re grateful for. No matter how small, reminding yourself to look on the bright side can do wonders.
3. Find a New Hobby or Passion
COVID-19 has brought its fair share of changes to daily life. And one of those changes is having more time to yourself. The truth is, it’s the perfect time to start a new hobby. From starting a garden to reading about a topic that interests you, hobbies are a great way to get out of your own head.
Learning a new hobby or skill is very similar to recovery. As you progress, you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment that adds value to your life. Plus, boredom is one of the main causes of relapse. So, diving into a new hobby will keep you busy and help stop destructive thoughts from gaining traction.
4. Talk and Stay Connected
When you’re isolated or in quarantine, it’s easy to stay in their own world. But connection is important, especially if you’re in addiction recovery. A great place to start is to set up a schedule with family and friends. The structure can help bring a balance to your recovery during these stressful times.
But what if you need to talk and can’t get a hold of anyone you know? Well, the unprecedented COVID-19 situation is inspiring people to get creative. Quarantine Chat is a project that was started to help people stay connected. If you’re feeling isolated or lonely, you’ll be matched with another person to talk to. It’s important to note that it’s a service for friendly conversations, so don’t expect medical advice.
5. Stay Active and Exercise
With gyms and fitness centers closed across the country, it’s easy to slip into the habit of not exercising. But if you’re in quarantine or self-isolating, you can still get active. The need for at-home workouts has never been more in demand. As a result, there are plenty of people creating guides, videos and training routines for you to explore.
From yoga to Tai Chi and high intensity interval training (HIIT), you’ll be able to create your own personalized workout regimen. Regular exercise will also help you cope with any stress or anxiety you might be feeling.
No Matter Where You Are, There’s a Path to Lasting Recovery
Fountain Hills Recovery offers luxury addiction treatment in Arizona. We know that recovery isn’t an easy process to go through – especially given how most of us are more isolated because of COVID-19. But if you’ve relapsed or are worried about your addiction recovery, we’re here to support you.
Even though it might feel like it’s true, the path to lasting recovery does not have to be a lonesome one. At Fountain Hills Recovery, we take a personalized approach to addiction treatment. We’ll take the time to understand your unique challenges and personalize a treatment and recovery program that can target your unique needs.
If you think you need rehab, you do. Don’t let the anxiety and stress caused by COVID-19 stop you from getting lifesaving treatment. We’re all in this together and there’s no shame in accepting a helping hand. Contact our expert team today to get started on your journey to lasting recovery.
