Isolation doesn’t have to mean disconnection: Recovery and coronavirus
The strict new measures announced by the government are crucial as we protect the vulnerable, combat the spread of coronavirus and, ultimately, save lives. Yet, this extraordinary moment presents a unique challenge to those in recovery.
Like coronavirus, addiction is a life-stopping condition. It does not recognise borders, barriers or unprecedented events but, unlike coronavirus, thrives in isolation. Recovery from addiction is initiated and sustained through connection and community. Now that almost all travel and contact outside the home has stopped, people who are in the grip of addiction, or in different stages of recovery from addiction, will need to think differently about who they can turn to for help in order for them to start or maintain their recovery.
Whilst Clouds House remains open for life-saving treatment, Action on Addiction is building a series of articles to support people in recovery or living with addiction during the coronavirus outbreak. We also encourage connection and community through our social media channels.
This article is about maintaining recovery at a time when isolation has become the norm and traditional forms of support including aftercare meetings and fellowships have been compromised.
Michael Rawlinson, Treatment Consultant at Clouds House, offers some advice on ways of staying safe and connected during these challenging times. This list is not exhaustive but it’s a helpful start.
1. Don’t read, listen to or watch the news constantly. It could keep you in a permanent state of anxiety.
2. Turn phone or computer news alerts off. Each ping can trigger a fight or flight response that will keep you anxious.
3. Try making video calls instead of phone calls. Never underestimate the value of seeing eyes and faces.
4. Talk don’t text. Sentiment can get lost in translation or misinterpreted.
5. Try out as many online meetings as possible.
6. Set aside at least an hour a day to make outreach calls - maybe at the time you would normally be attending a physical 12 Step meeting.
7. Be of service. Think of ways in which you can help others during these difficult times. It will keep your mind off yourself.
8. Try to spend time meditating. Even if you haven’t done it before. Start with 10 minutes. There are plenty of apps like CALM and Headspace that can help you. In fact, CALM have put together a page of free resources.
9. Connect with your 12-step programme by reading the literature or listening to 12 Step shares online. Recovery Radio is a good place to start. Look up extracts from the books/literature that are referred to.
10. Take the opportunity to do written step work and set up a phone or online meeting with your sponsor to share it.
11. Care for your immediate environment and ensure that this is in good order as this will impact positively on your mental health.
12. Try to maintain a sense of ‘normality’ in terms of structuring their day with clear beginnings and endings to tasks and events. Don’t stay in your pyjamas no matter how tempting it seems.
Maintaining your recovery
If you or a family member is struggling with relapse or can no longer cope with being in the grip of addiction, do not delay seeking help. Our team at Clouds House can support you and we remain open for our life-saving addictions treatment.
Online 12 step fellowship meetings can be a good temporary replacement for those held in person. They provide an opportunity to widen your recovery connections; online meetings take place all over the world with a huge diversity of attendance. Due to international time differences, it’s possible to find an online meeting at most times of day or night. Many groups have moved online and are informing members by word of mouth. You may want to enquire locally within your community to see what online support is available. For people without the necessary IT equipment, advice lines are still a sure link to immediate support and continue to operate.
There is no doubt that the current situation poses unique challenges to recovery communities, but there are many unique solutions. Please join us on our social media channels and let us know your thoughts, ideas, suggestions, and tell us what you are doing to manage your recovery at this unprecedented time.
Above all, please stay safe and follow NHS guidelines.
* Please remember that many online meetings will enable your phone, tablet or computer’s camera. If you are concerned for your anonymity, make sure you disable your camera. If you are worried about your IP address being visible, you could always use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) which will disguise your IP address. Be careful about clicking links – always make sure you where the links will lead. And always be sure of your personal safety. Never give your personal phone number, address, cash, bank or credit card details.
