It’s difficult enough to treat addiction on a normal basis, but even more so challenging today because of the COVI-19 pandemic. You may have been able to stay sober because of regular treatments and the support of a facility, but the local quarantine and lockdown procedures may be hampering that effort.
Maintaining sobriety entails continual care in order to prevent relapses—without a good support system, there is a high chance of falling back into addiction. Just because you can’t get out of the house doesn’t mean you can’t stay sober. Now, more than ever, you need all the help you can get in order to stay sober.
To help your continual addiction treatment, here are four tips to stay sober throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
Maintain communication with your support group
With everyone staying home to avoid the perils of the pandemic, chances are that you’re not alone in your struggles—your support group is facing the same struggle as you are. Try contacting them to set-up e-meetings or just to check-in; that small connection will help you keep strong through these tough times.
Failing that, your family and friends will all be there to support you along the way. A frequent call or text message will be good for your mental health, especially if you live alone. They, in turn, can help keep your addiction in check.
Develop a healthy routine
A good routine can help keep your mind away from the temptation of getting back to the habit. Stick to a certain time for eating, sleeping, and house chores—that way, you can channel your energy toward something productive while staying sober.
At lull times, redirect your attention towards a hobby or interest of yours. Redirecting your focus and energy towards a healthy distraction can be very therapeutic, pushing away the boredom while simultaneously staving away the addiction pangs. If you don’t have any hobbies in mind, then now is the best time to start learning a new one.
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Take it one moment at a time
The world is a crazy place right now, and it can be terrifying to think about. At times like these, however, it’s best to take it one step at a time. Because there’s nothing much to do, it’s easy to dwell on past mistakes or worry about the future—in these moments, it’s easy to relapse back into addiction.
It will help to be mindful and stay in the moment. Take on step at a time to keep living, this will help push away the anxiety and panic that can consume you. Be aware of your thoughts and triggers, and watch out for new ones—this is the best way to fight the addiction pangs and maintain sobriety.
Utilize online recovery tools and services
Just because there are social distancing measures does not mean you can’t seek the addiction treatment you need to keep on track. The use of technology in medicine has pushed for the development of online tools and services for addiction treatment. You can utilize online 12-step programs and e-meetings for that feeling of interaction to stave the addiction.
If things get worse, give a call to an addiction treatment center, many professionals have come to provide virtual care for their patients. This way, you can easily find the professional help you need to combat addiction.
If you’re looking for an addiction treatment in Santa Ana but don’t know where to find one, then get in touch with us today. At the American Addiction Institute of Mind & Medicine, we provide a customized Intensive Out Patient program to patients struggling with drug or alcohol addiction all over Orange County, CA.