The COVID-19 pandemic has been in full swing since March, and as it seems social health guidelines and local business regulations are changing at the drop of a dime, it is important to keep your sobriety a priority during these sensitive and uncertain times. Even if you have held strong in your sobriety up until now, keep reading for our best tips on avoiding relapse during COVID.
Tip #1 for Avoiding Relapse During COVID: Support is Key
As you know, support from friends and family is the most important part of the recovery process. Whether you have been in recovery for a year or for ten, being surrounded by your support system every day is essential.
- Stay accountable. Keep accountable to someone, whether that is your meeting group, sponsor, family member, or friend. Check-in every day and make sure you’re being honest about your feelings.
- Keep utilizing digital technology. By now, you are well-versed in all that Zoom and Skype have to offer. Keep on keeping up with your friends near and far — it is much more fun than just a simple phone call to text!
- Consider expanding your bubble. Consider expanding your bubble with friends and family who are on the same page as you as far as quarantine and social health measures. That way, you can have a small group to get together with or celebrate important events with.
Tip #2: Watch your H.A.L.T.!
Losing control of your H.A.L.T. will get you on the fast track to relapse, so keeping this in check is one of the best ways of avoiding relapse during COVID.
Remember not to become too:
- Hungry. Poor nutrition can spiral you into further bad habits. Make sure you’re keeping up with a good, healthy diet — although there is nothing wrong with indulging here and there. Just remember to fuel your body correctly to keep stress levels low and energy levels up.
- Angry. Becoming too angry or irritable is a sign that relapse is impending. If you’re finding yourself in some intense mood swings, keep yourself in check by practicing self-care and getting your stress levels down before it turns into relapse.
- Lonely. Isolation is the enemy of recovery. Refer to tip #1 and lean on your support system.
- Tired. Tiredness can quickly translate into laziness and general lethargy, which can put you on the fast track to relapse. Combat this by staying busy and practicing your self-care.
Tip #3: Determine What You’re in Control Of
Individuals in recovery thrive on routine, preparation, and predictability in their lives. However, 2020 has been anything but these things. As such, it is important to sit down and determine what you’re in control of as a way of avoiding relapse during COVID.
Remember that you are in control of:
- Your day. Even though you’re likely spending most of your time at home, you can still structure your day and be productive. What time you wake up and go to bed, what goals you set and complete, and what your work and off-time hours are can all be controlled by you.
- Your future plan. If you are having financial issues or have lost your job due to COVID, you are in control of your future plan. Have you brushed up your resume yet? What are some hobbies that you can turn into money-makers? Start hitting the ground running and see what path life will take you down.
- Your short term and long term goals. Setting goals is important in making you feel like a productive person, even if you’re spending most of your time at home. Set small goals, such as cooking a new recipe, and big goals, such as completely redecorating your bedroom, for an instant morale boost.
About Seasons in Malibu
While there are many things you can do to make sure you’re avoiding relapse during COVID, sometimes there are bumps in the road. If you or a loved one has relapsed and is looking for somewhere to turn, give us a call. Our facility is open and able to help you through this time so that you can come out of 2020 living your best life.
Treatment at Seasons in Malibu is systemic, integrative and client-centered. Our philosophy is grounded in the understanding that in order for the client to heal, the entire system needs the opportunity to heal along with them. The pressure to “fix” the client can become overwhelming and unrealistic if we do not examine the underlying issues, dynamics and environmental influences that might be contributing to substance abuse or ongoing mental health issues. Whenever practical, we try to include close loved ones in sessions and in the entire process of recovering from addiction and/or addressing mental health issues.
It is a priority for us that our life-changing drug and alcohol treatment be available to the people who need it. We are fully familiar with how much strength and courage it takes to pick up the phone and ask for help. Our counselors are invested in your well-being and are ready around-the-clock to guide you or a trusted friend or family member through the initial steps of overcoming drug or alcohol addiction.
With our superior team of clinicians, we are able to succinctly pinpoint those areas of focus which will give the client the most advanced opportunity for success. Our approach towards healing is collaborative, comprehensive and committed.
For more information, visit seasonsmalibu.com
