Staying Connected to the Recovery Community Amid COVID Surges

The COVID-19 pandemic changed the lives of many people struggling with addiction. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “Over 81,000 drug overdose deaths occurred in the United States in the 12 months ending in May 2020, the highest number of overdose deaths ever recorded in a 12-month period.” 

For those who have achieved and maintained sobriety through the pandemic, it may be challenging to stay connected amid COVID surges. New stay-at-home orders, increased need for isolation due to exposure, and more can leave those in recovery feeling alone. Luckily, Hawaii Island Recovery, one of the leading rehab centers in Hawaii, is here for you to help you find support in recovery that meets your comfort level and keeps you safe.

12-Step meetings are crucial for many people in recovery. The fellowship of 12-Step groups can provide you with a sense of community by hearing the stories of people going through the same challenges as you. However, when the pandemic hit, many in-person recovery meetings were suspended or moved online. The loss of in-person meetings made many people feel even more alone in their sobriety challenges. 

Luckily, most 12-Step meetings have begun to open up again. However, you may still be wary of attending in person. In order to reap the benefits of in-person meetings and connection with those in recovery, determine what would help you feel comfortable attending in person. You may choose to social distance, not hug (a common practice in 12-Step programs), and wear a facial covering. 

Treatment has been disrupted for many due to COVID surges. If your treatment stay was incomplete, or you are looking for outpatient treatment to continue your recovery journey, Hawaii Island Recovery is still offering in-person therapy sessions. We can provide you with access to speak to a therapist about your worries and continue with medication management if necessary. Telehealth therapy is also available whenever possible. If you are afraid to leave your home and want to maintain social distance, telehealth therapy allows you to have therapy sessions through video chat. 

The pandemic may cause you to be with your family more than usual. If you are out of work, this means you may have home responsibilities to take care of, online meetings to attend, and a need to take care of the kids. Being stuck at home can quickly lead to feeling like you never have a moment alone. If you are suffering stress with family and home obligations and need a release, you may feel like you need to cope with drugs or alcohol. Communicate your needs, wishes, and expectations with your partner instead of engaging in unhealthy habits. Talk to the people in your home about finding a room in the house where you can have your alone time and set boundaries. 

The pandemic has caused millions of people a tremendous amount of stress about the uncertainty of the world. This stress, combined with a barrage of bad news about surges, deaths, and new state orders, can cause you to think about turning back to substance abuse to feel some relief. However, instead of turning to substances to cope, you can practice stress-relieving activities.

Some stress-relieving activities can be to go for a walk or a jog outside. You can also engage in deep breathing to allow your breathing rate to go back to normal. There are plenty of guided meditation apps you can download or videos to see. You can also look through your streaming services and see if there is a funny show or movie to watch. Laughter can be the best medicine during confusing times like these.

Hawaii Island Recovery cares about your safety. While our center has a clear understanding of the dangers of addiction, we also understand the health consequences of the COVID-19 virus. At our facility, we have safety protocols that will allow you to visit our center for continuing care services and still feel safe, such as:

There is never a reason to stop engaging in your recovery, including being in a pandemic. Contact Hawaii Island Recovery, and we can help show you the way toward maintaining recovery while staying safe.

The pandemic changed the lives of many people in recovery from drug or alcohol addiction. Triggers from stress, being at home, and more have led many people to feel the need to engage in substance abuse again. The lack of access to people has also left many people feeling alone when a connection with others is a vital aspect to maintaining recovery. Luckily, at Hawaii Island Recovery, we can show you how to cope with the pandemic and any stressors that come with it. Located in Kailua, Hawaii, we can provide you with the tools necessary to maintain your recovery. Our continuing care program includes around-the-clock staff who follow CDC COVID-19 guidelines. We can provide you with the connection you crave along with family support, life skills education, 12-Step meetings and fellowship, and more. To learn more about how our Hawaii drug and alcohol treatment center can help you maintain recovery amid COVID-19, call (866) 390-5070 today.