Long before our nation felt the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, our elected leaders were dealing with a different epidemic – the widespread problems caused by drug and alcohol addiction. For example, nearly 130 people a day die of an accidental opioid overdose, and in 2018, almost 70% of the 67,367 overdose deaths in 2018 involved an opioid. As of this writing, addiction has claimed significantly more American lives than COVID-19. Support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous have been essential in helping many people achieve sustained recovery and learn to live a life of sobriety. However, the shape of the support network many recovering addicts rely on has changed in the wake of coronavirus, due to the ban on large gatherings. What can you do if you miss the camaraderie and understanding you’ve found in group meetings?

Find Online Meetings

Millions of Americans who attend 12-step groups as part of their sober support network have successfully transitioned from in-person to online meetings. If it feels like a challenge for you to adjust, remember that the experts have told us social distancing is one of the best ways to help stop the spread of coronavirus. When you are self-isolating to protect yourself and others from illness, you may start to feel lonely and anxious – a dangerous combination for anyone at risk of a relapse. Have your recovery sponsor on speed dial, so you know there’s someone available to talk with if you are starting to spiral out of control.

Listen to a Podcast

There are plenty of podcasts for, by and about recovering addicts. If you find you need additional motivation to pursue your sobriety in these challenging times, try one of these podcasts.

• The Addicted Mind Podcast helps listeners understand what causes the cycle of addiction and provides insight into the latest research on effective treatment options. They also explore life in recovery from a variety of perspectives.
• That Sober Guy is a podcast hosted by a recovering alcoholic named Shane. He uses his platform to interview a mix of celebrities and everyday people who have faced the challenges of addiction. This show helps inspire people to live a healthy life in sobriety.
• The Breaking Free podcast discusses a wide range of topics associated with addiction recovery, including trauma, boundaries and unhealthy relationships.

Try Online Therapy

Telehealth is a relatively recent trend that allows health professionals to interact with their patients from a distance. Therapy is one aspect of health care that has successfully moved online. If you are practicing self-distancing, but still want to work on your mental and emotional well-being, online therapy can benefit you. You can leave messages for your counselor to let them know what’s on your mind, and they’ll respond with healthy coping strategies you can use to feel better. Online therapy can also be more convenient and affordable than traditional face-to-face counseling.

Find Your Supportive Sober Environment

At Segue Recovery Support, we provide transitional living for people who have completed an addiction treatment program and need additional structure and discipline to help them avoid a relapse. To learn more about the resources we offer for preserving your hard-won sobriety, contact us today.