It is never easy to get sober. Now, the novel coronavirus outbreak has made things more complicated.
Sorting through the fear and panic of a global health crisis is challenging. When addicts and alcoholics get sober, they already face several challenges and barriers to living life without drugs. Add to this recipe social distancing, prolonged isolation, and possibly being stuck inside with toxic family members. You’ll get an even more intense challenge.
However, getting sober during the novel coronavirus is possible! If anything, it requires more determination and the willingness to adapt to a virtual world.
Whether you’re currently sober or interested in getting sober, technology can complement your personal growth efforts during the COVID-19 outbreak. Read on to find out more!
Online Support Groups
During COVID-19, recovering addicts and alcoholics are determined to recover and stay healed. Yes, most in-person addiction recovery meetings and 12-step support groups are being canceled in most areas. However, some support groups are adapting instead.
For example, Alcoholics Anonymous recently announced their choice to transition from in-person meetings to online meetings to protect people in recovery
By transitioning from in-person meetings to online meetings, addicts can safely social distance themselves while also receiving the vital help of other people in recovery.
Social Media Recovery Support Pages
Platforms like Instagram and Facebook may not be famous for offering the most recovery-related content. But if you search adamantly enough, you’ll find addiction support and recovery-related accounts to help you through this tough time.
Hotel California by the Sea, for example, offers an Instagram page to help addicts and alcoholics in recovery. While scrolling through Instagram on your phone, make sure to seek out recovery-related pages.
Some pages offer inspiring stories of other people in recovery. In contrast, other accounts share wise quotes meant to help addicts and alcoholics sort through the ups and downs of life. Either way, these accounts are a great and healthy way to spend time on social media during self-quarantine.
Zoom Support Groups
Zoom meetings, Facetime conversations, and other digital platforms allow addicts to maintain their vital connection with a strong support network of friends and family.
Like-minded peers are vital to helping an addict or alcoholic recover from substance abuse. With zoom support groups for depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions (including addiction), people continue receiving the help they need – virtually!
Online Therapy
Online therapy exists for people in need of addiction and mental health services. For example, on the Talk Space platform, thousands of therapists work to help people struggling with mental health conditions work through trauma, overcome negative thought patterns, and recover from substance use disorders.
Many therapists offer Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and more. All these types of mental health counseling can help people with substance use disorders either stop using drugs or stay sober.
Crisis Text Lines
If you or a loved one is suffering from substance abuse and mental health conditions, remember that there are emergency hotlines if there is a crisis at hand.
Alcoholics Anonymous and other 12-step support groups, such as Narcotics Anonymous, also offer round-the-clock hotlines. For example, the Seattle AA hotline is available 24/7 for addicts and alcoholics who need immediate assistance and support.
Inpatient Addiction Treatment Can Help
Although inpatient addiction treatment during the COVID-19 crisis seems risky, it’s arguably riskier to stay addicted to drugs or alcohol. An addict or alcoholic suffering from addiction is at a higher risk of contracting the novel coronavirus. Not only this, but someone with a substance use disorder is also more likely to suffer from coinciding health issues that could make the COVID-19 pandemic worse if they do contract it.
For example, those who smoke heroin and other drugs are at higher risk for contracting pneumonia and other lung conditions. Alcoholics are more likely to suffer from a suppressed immune system. People who do drugs and drink alcohol are also at higher risk of having heart problems.
When To Seek Inpatient Treatment
If digital support groups, Facetime with supportive family members, and online therapy isn’t enough, it may be time to seek inpatient addiction treatment.
Or, perhaps you don’t have access to addiction support groups online or phone to talk to a therapist. In these cases, again, it might be best to contact an inpatient treatment center. Last, if you need physical detoxification services to help you withdraw from drugs or alcohol, it may be smart to contact an inpatient treatment center.
Hotel California by the Sea offers detoxification services, inpatient residential treatment, and outpatient treatment for substance use disorders during COVID-19. Find out more what we’re doing to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus in our very own facility here.
If you or a loved one is suffering from addiction, contact our admission specialists at Hotel California by the Sea today. We’re ready and willing to answer any questions that may arise during the COVID-19 outbreak. Seeking support for an addiction is a courageous choice. Don’t let the coronavirus stop you from achieving long-lasting recovery.