When COVID-19 quarantine and self-medicators collide…
Many in recovery believe that addiction is a disease of isolation.* During this extraordinary and unavoidable interruption of life, recovery is even more challenging and requires many different (and new) resources to get by, along with self-reflection and gratitude for what is working.
Our current state of quarantine may intensify the cravings to self-medicate. This includes both substance addictions (overusing alcohol, drugs, prescription pills, etc.) and process addictions (overspending, compulsive sex, over-exercise, etc) to numb painful feelings. In addition, quarantine has become a barrier for people in recovery to attend in-person support groups like AA or NA which provide fellowship, community, and source of consistent emotional support. Deprived of external connection and accountably, it challenges our impulse control and may make slips more possible when no one is watching. While this is a difficult time to achieve or maintain sobriety, we have the opportunity to adapt to virtual resources to get us through.
During this time of physical isolation, you are not emotionally alone. If you or a loved one is struggling, please know there is help out there. Below are several available telephonic and digital resources:
Recovery Support:
- AA Virtual Meetings
- Al-Anon Virtual Meetings
- NA Virtual Meetings
- OA Virtual Meetings
- ACA Virtual Meetings
- SLAA Virtual Meetings
- SAMHSA’s National Helpline – 1-800-662-HELP (4357) a confidential, free, 24/hour service for individuals facing substance use disorder
Mindfulness Tools:
Podcasts:
- The Bubble Hour: invites listeners to share their stories of recovery from alcohol addiction.
- Busy Living Sober: inspiration to learn and live a sober lifestyle without shame.
- The Addicted Mind: understanding addiction, its impact and the latest treatment options available.
We are here for you at The Inner Stage. We are continuing to offer virtual sessions by appointment via Zoom and telephone. Please contact Valerie at valerie@theinnerstage.com or (917) 572-8114, or contact Rebecca at rebecca@theinnerstage.com or (646) 470-0638 to schedule an appointment. I wish you and your loved ones continued safety and strength.
– Valerie Simon, LCSW, TEP
* https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/a-tale-of-two-epidemics-when-covid-19-and-opioid-addiction-collide-2020042019569
© 2020 Valerie Simon, LCSW, TEP