The world is in the middle of experiencing a bout of helplessness. It’s fair to say that, globally, we feel overwhelmed and fearful. However, it’s important to remember this is a feeling that can be shifted and surrendered. Upon surrendering, we are brought back into the moment. Here, we can accurately see what’s in front of us and handle it with the best attitude possible. Preventing relapse during the COVID-19 pandemic can only be done with this mindset.
Tips For Preventing Relapse During the COVID-19 Pandemic
ShatterProof states, “COVID-19 is posing an immediate and longer-term threat to the health of the country, but especially to those with addiction. Not only from the virus itself but also from the consequences of physical distancing on access to necessary treatment and recovery resources. We should anticipate potential relapses and dangerously reduced access to addiction treatment for those actively using who are ready to seek care for the first time.” [1]
We are in a period of adjustment, but that doesn’t mean those in recovery or seeking recovery are without options. Although the change came abruptly and without a proper plan in place, it is an excellent opportunity to adapt to a telehealth model. Telehealth is simply a way to provide long-distance support to those in recovery or seeking sobriety.
Virtual Recovery
During these uncertain times, a strong community of specialists has come together to create safe spaces for those in recovery in a virtual sphere. Some therapists have begun holding virtual sessions for new and existing patients.
Some of the virtual sessions offer:
- One-on-one virtual therapy
- Virtual meetings with the doctor
- Many different forms of virtual group meetings
- Phone calls with therapists and others in recovery
- Telemedicine is also available when necessary
Meeting virtually isn’t as impactful as an in-person meeting, but desperate times call for some creativity. Be sure to call Ocean Hills Recovery and ask about a possible virtual meeting or therapy session. We are here to make life in recovery as painless as possible during this time.
Alternative Therapy Options
It is usually recommended for those in recovery to have a routine they can stick to as well as be social. However, COVID-19 has put a strain on both of these ideals. In addition to virtual meetings, there are a few other options to help create a temporary routine and keep you on a path of recovery.
Some alternative therapeutic options to consider during this time include:
- Facetiming family members regularly: Keeping in touch with loved ones during this time is a great way to maintain an optimistic perspective.
- Meditation: Relaxing the mind of all thoughts for twenty minutes a day does wonder for maintaining strong mental health to maintain a life of recovery.
- Get outside: There are endless nature spots you can visit to keep you occupied that don’t require any social contact. Just because we have to be socially distant, doesn’t mean we have to stay inside! Get outside and enjoy nature (from a safe distance of others) and get your blood pumping.
- Exercise: You don’t have to exercise alone during this time, either. Start a virtual workout group with friends and family. Whether you work out at home or outside in nature, it doesn’t matter if you all do the same workout or not.
Human interaction is the best medicine for those in recovery. With a little adjustment, there are still ways for us to be socially distant and maintain that human interaction.
Fighting the Odds: Contact Ocean Hills Recovery Today
California is a beautiful state with cliff-lined beaches, the Sierra Nevada Mountains, and the Redwood Forest. This is a state people come to experience fantastic weather and be in good company, but it’s also a state struggling with addiction. During this world-wide pandemic, many are encouraged to take part in alternative options to maintain a life of recovery.
In 2017, California had the lowest prescribing rate in the country for opioids with 39.5 prescriptions for every 100 persons, but there were still 2,199 opioid overdose deaths in California that year.[2] A staggering 400,000 people have died from opioids across the country since the turn of the century, a quarter of which died in the last six years alone from Fentanyl.[3]
Ocean Hills Recovery, located in sunny California, provides individuals with the tools they need to beat their addiction once and for all. Our staff wants to work with you to help keep the lines of communication open during a time when you may feel isolated.
This is a scary time for many people. But relapse is not inevitable. For help on preventing relapse during the COVID-19 Pandemic, reach out to a trusted professional at Ocean Hills Recovery today.
SOURCES:
[1] https://www.shatterproof.org/why-covid-19-perfect-storm-addiction-world
[2] https://www.drugabuse.gov/drugs-abuse/opioids/opioid-summaries-by-state/california-opioid-summary
[3] http://www.lamag.com/citythinkblog/rehab-centers-coronavirus/
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