With Coronavirus Spreading Around the Globe, Mental and Physical Health is Imperative
The Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has governments across the world calling for “social distancing” and a multi-week quarantine in many cases. For people in sobriety, this may be difficult. Isolation can be a trigger for those suffering from a substance use disorder. It is important that if you are in sobriety and struggling with anxiety or depression related to the pandemic, you seek help. In some instances, treatment centers have many options for getting help. You can call a medical health professional or sponsor to help you through this difficult time.
For some people, maintaining sobriety requires attendance at an in-person meeting. If you must attend an event with other people, please remember to heed warnings of health department professionals. This means washing your hands frequently, not touching your face and remaining six feet away from others. Avoid handshakes and hugs at in-person meetings. Many groups provide hand sanitizer and have upped their cleaning policies.
Many treatment centers and recovery centers offer online meetings. Alcoholics Anonymous offers live online meetings and In the Rooms offers a variety of meetings for those in recovery, seeking help and those supporting people in recovery.
The most important thing is to be honest with yourself. If you are struggling, get help. If you are in recovery, follow the advice of your support team. If you believe that you have an unhealthy relationship with alcohol or drugs, seek treatment immediately. These are unprecedented times that can leave anyone uneasy. There is help available no matter what your situation.