Isolation And Addiction During COVID 19

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused many struggles for people when it comes to isolation. For many people, stay-at-home orders have been significantly difficult because they are not used to feeling isolated, causing them stress. For others, especially those who formerly had an addiction, isolation is an all-too-familiar feeling. This familiar feeling, however, may be a trigger to breaking your recovery.

Anyone who has had a serious addiction knows that addiction causes you to become isolated. The isolation may be from damaged relationships due to the addiction or choice because you did not want anyone to know what was going on. As the addiction continued, the isolation grew, and so did the feeling of despair for most people.

As most people discovered, despair can make people seek out things that feed their addiction while in drug rehab. Despair can make you feel that it is necessary to get high or get drunk because you don’t like feeling hopeless.

Remember What You Learned In The Addiction Recovery Center

One of the biggest parts of a successful stay at drug rehab is discovering the emotions that make you likely to relapse once you enter into recovery. For some, feeling lonely can trigger a relapse, and for others, it may be anger or frustration. Many people, however, struggle the most with isolation and despair.

If you find yourself facing these issues, think back to your sessions with your substance abuse counselor. Use the tips and tricks they have provided you to try to overcome the triggering event.

If the feelings are overwhelming, it may be wise to contact someone by phone or over the Internet so that you can have a one-on-one session with them and overcome that isolated feeling. Because of the pandemic, you can not enter into a group situation, but you can video call and speak with someone on the phone.

The most important thing to do is find a way to connect with someone, friend, family member, or therapist so that you can feel connected during these trying times.

What Happens If You Relapse During The Pandemic?

If you find that you have relapsed during the pandemic, take comfort in knowing that you are not alone. Many people who have been struggling with addiction and recovery have found the pandemic to be quite overwhelming, and they have had a relapse.

It’s okay

It does not matter if it was a minor relapse or a major relapse; you can still reenter recovery. Everyone can make a mistake; it is how you handle that mistake that matters the most.

If your relapse into substance abuse was severe, it might be necessary to reenter a substance abuse treatment facility again. This is not as uncommon as you may think, and it is not a bad thing. It takes time to enter into full recovery, and you must get the support where and when you need it most. Reentering a program shows that you have the determination and strength to overcome your addiction.

If your relapse was a one-time thing, you might need to speak with your substance abuse counselor to get the affirmations you need to get back and stay in recovery. Everyone can benefit from words of advice and encouragement.

Take Advantage Of Online Support Groups

Online support groups have become an essential part of substance abuse rehabilitation. The pandemic has changed how people seek out support groups and get the help they need to break their addiction or stay in recovery.

It may feel a little strange to interact with people in a group setting over the Internet, but it really is not much different. Everyone still has a chance to share their stories and provide support to others in the group.

As a bonus, using the Internet has also improved support group success. The Internet gives people instant access to groups, so when you need that support the most, you can get it instantly. You no longer have to wait for a local session to meet; you can go online and speak with any current meeting. This instant access has helped many people because it is so much like having the continual support you receive in a drug rehab setting.

In The End

The most important thing to remember is that this pandemic will not last forever. The feelings of isolation and despair will go away soon. Once it is over, you can go back to enjoying your new life in recovery.