How COVID has Affected Addiction Recovery

Dealing with recovery was difficult, even before the COVID-19 pandemic upended our lives. Trying to find the strength to remain sober became 1,000 times more difficult. The bonds you form with others during recovery become critical to staying clean. Contact limitations make it harder to get the personal support needed during addiction recovery and COVID. Despite the difficulties, people have found ways to continue the recovery process as the world adjusted to a new way of living. Contact Serenity House Detox & Recovery Florida today at 866.294.5306 to learn more about the treatment options available.

Connecting in New Ways

In-person meetings were a critical aspect of most people’s recovery support systems before COVID-19. In order to contain the spread of the virus, many programs switched to virtual options like video and phone conferences. Even with promising vaccine candidates becoming more available to the public, many groups still don’t feel comfortable switching back to in-person gatherings.

Not having the ability to speak with someone face-to-face can heighten your feelings of anxiety. That, along with feelings of depression and hopelessness, can have negative impacts on your mental state. You’re dealing with worry about remaining sober along with concerns about giving in to your temptations because of your enforced isolation.

It’s easy to see how the combination of factors might push people toward a relapse during COVID and addiction recovery. That’s why it’s essential to take advantage of any connection available, even if it isn’t ideal. Texts and phone calls can’t replace a warm hug or seeing people smile in person, but they can break up your periods of loneliness.

Open up to others about what you’re feeling. Chances are, they’re experiencing the same thing. Telling others about your inner emotions can clue them in on whether you’re close to a crisis point. It’s something you may not recognize unless others hear the struggle come through in your voice. That encouragement can be vital in helping you find effective treatment options before you relapse.

Dealing With the Reality of Relapse

Despite your best efforts, the isolation can become too much. If you end up giving in to your demons, try to avoid self-recriminations. Push past any feelings of shame or embarrassment and let someone know what happened. Don’t let the desire to hide the reemergence of your illness lock you into a cycle of secretive substance abuse.

Relapse is possible in anyone, even those who remained sober for years before the onset of the COVID pandemic. You may hear from people who haven’t touched drugs or alcohol in years but struggled in isolation. Please give them the support you would want for yourself. Let them know there’s still reason to hope and that you will remain by their side as they work back toward recovery.

Try to avoid using language that might seem to blame the person for their illness. Talk with them about seeking additional support, like addiction treatment. Encourage your friend or loved one to get help quickly before they succumb further to the effects of isolation.

Look For Treatment at Serenity House Detox & Recovery Florida

Even if you haven’t yet relapsed, you may slide back into problematic addiction behaviors. Contact a doctor or addiction specialist and explain what’s happening. Give them all the details so they can have the information needed to give you the best advice. Listen to their recommendations and do what you can to follow through on them.

If they recommend you go back to treatment, look for places capable of providing a safe atmosphere. They should follow all updated COVID protocols to protect the safety of clients and staff. Serenity House Detox & Recovery Florida makes sure clients get the help they need while keeping them protected from COVID and other outside dangers. We offer a range of treatment options, including: