The Coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, creates the perfect storm for individuals suffering from addiction. Social distancing and quarantine measures have affected everyone’s lives for weeks now, and are slated to continue for at least another month. Luckily, if you are proactive enough, you can make the best of this situation and stay ahead of your triggers. Keep reading for the most common problems people in recovery face relating to COVID-19 and managing your triggers.
COVID-19 and Managing Your Triggers: Feelings of Isolation
One of the most common triggers among people in recovery, especially right now during COVID-19, is feelings of isolation. Feeling too alone can create a fast track to relapse, and while we are all confined to the safety of our homes, these feelings can escalate quicker than normal.
- Keep up with social media. Luckily, there are millions of people around the world who feel the same way as you. There are endless memes, funny videos, and relatable content on social media that have to do with the quarantine and feeling lonely, so put a smile on your face and share them with your friends.
- Set video dates. Just because you won’t be able to physically see friends or family for another month or so doesn’t mean you can’t still hang out with them! Set weekly video hangouts with friends and family where everyone can put on a movie together, eat dinner at the same time, or play virtual games.
- Keep up with your telehealth. Therapists are doing their best to be as accessible as possible right now and, while telehealth isn’t the preferred method of having intimate and emotional therapy sessions, they are still extremely helpful right now while you need it the most. This goes the same for your virtual recovery meetings!
Too Much Change Too Quickly
You are used to your routine – Wake up, go to the gym, shower, stop by your favorite coffee spot, head to work, eat lunch at your favorite local eatery, head home and wrap up the day by seeing friends after work. Suddenly, everything has changed. The gym is closed, your favorite spots are doing takeout only, you’ve either been laid off or are working from home, and you can’t physically hang out your friends right now. Too much change too quickly can be triggering for many people in recovery, but instead of dwelling on it, you can make the best of it.
- Make a new routine. Set a time to wake up every day, go for a walk, shower and get ready even though you’re not going anywhere, and set work hours for yourself if you’re working from home.
- Set a daily and weekly goal. Setting a goal for yourself to accomplish will make you feel productive at the end of every day, even if it’s as small as doing a load of laundry or as big as a full-on spring cleaning.
- Work in self-care every day. You’ve got nothing but time for it! Practice meditation skills, try leveling up with your yoga, take a long bath, light a candle, or watch some funny movies. Spend some time every day doing something that relaxes you and helps you unwind, even though you have been home all day.
Falling into Unhealthy Habits
While stuck at home and left to your own devices, it can be very easy to fall into some very unhealthy habits. Sleeping in, not showering, eating unhealthily, and not staying active are rather easy to do these days. While there’s nothing wrong with taking some fun advantage of this home time and being lazy every once in a while, it is important to focus on not making it the norm. Staying on an unhealthy track for too long can lead you to relapse.
- Go easy on takeout orders and remember to cook at home as often as possible
- The gym being closed isn’t an excuse! Get outside and go on a secluded walk or do some at-home workouts to get your sweat on and lower your stress levels
- Pick days and time to take advantage of laziness, such as Sundays only
About Seasons in Malibu
COVID-19 is presenting the perfect storm for individuals who suffer from addiction and, while you might be trying your best to manage your triggers, it might become too overwhelming for some. If you find yourself struggling during this time or have relapsed, give us a call. We are here for you and can help you through this time.
