Interventionist Don Sloane of Recovery Care Partner has worked with hundreds of people suffering from addiction, and even more families that have been impacted by substance use disorder. During this unprecedented time of COVID-19, Don offers some tips for those individuals and families dealing with addiction while also learning to navigate the new normal of social distancing and physical disconnection.
Don says…
“Escaping from Isolation
There is nothing worse than being stuck at home… unless it’s being stuck at home with someone in active addiction.
There is nothing worse than being stuck at home…unless it’s being stuck at home with someone new in recovery.
There is nothing worse than being stuck at home…unless it’s being stuck at home with yourself.
Today’s media is full of content about being stuck at home. Being isolated is a challenge, even in the healthiest of circumstances and even for the healthiest of families. But what about for those of us who are struggling with addiction? How is it to be stuck at home with that?
It’s awful. It’s confusing. It’s scary. It’s isolation within isolation.
But you can do it. 10% of Americans struggle with substance use disorder, and for every one of them, at least another few struggle by association. So at least 30% of the population is dealing with this. You are not alone. Here are some tips for how to survive.
Take Care of Yourself
Everyone should be paying extra care right now to sleep well, eat right, and move their bodies. It’s as important for your sanity as washing your hands is for your immunity.
But it’s even more important for those of us in the recovery world.
When you’re tired, over-sugared, under-nourished, and too still to blow off steam, you are not your best friend. Moreover, you have that much less energy to stay sober or to deal with someone who’s struggling. Be kind to yourself by taking care of yourself.
Reach Out
Though we would never have wanted this pandemic, it couldn’t have come at a better time technologically.
Just as we can connect virtually with our families, we can connect on-line with AA meetings, NA meetings, Al Anon meetings, and other family groups. Isolation is real, but it can also be relative.
Reach out. It will help you feel less isolated and will remind you that your fears and anxieties aren’t insurmountable – nor are you as alone as you might feel.
Seek Professional Support
Those of us at Recovery Care Partner have designed ways to work with all types of clients during this strange time. We, or some other support provider, can also help you.
If you are new in recovery, find an accountability partner. Firms like ours can help you engage 12-step programs, can provide sober coaching, and can arrange random testing to keep you true to your own best goals.
If you are a family member struggling to set boundaries, professionals can help you navigate that despite the complexities of physical isolation. Even though you might be confined with your addict, you don’t have to accept unacceptable behaviors. Emotional boundaries are even more important when the physical ones are harder to implement.
And if you were thinking about – or even in the midst of planning – an intervention, keep planning. We continue helping families ready themselves so that when stay-at-home orders are lifted, they’ll be ready to start an intervention immediately.
This is a complicated and scary time. And there is nothing worse than feeling trapped – in your own skin or with someone you love who is struggling.
But you are not alone. You will get through this.”
Don Sloane is the founder of Recovery Care Partner, a nationally recognized one-stop support system for recovery from alcoholism and addiction. Recovery Care Partner, based in Washington D.C., offers addiction recovery services in the form of pre-treatment consultations, interventions, post-treatment support, sober companionship, and sober transportation.
If you or someone you know needs help for addiction or co-occurring disorder issues, please give us a call. Maryland Addiction Recovery Center offers the most comprehensive dual diagnosis addiction treatment in the Mid-Atlantic area. If we aren’t the best fit for you or your loved one, we will take the necessary time to work with you to find a treatment center or provider that better fits your needs. Please give us a call at (410) 773-0500 or email our team at info@marylandaddictionrecovery.com. For more information on all of our drug addiction, alcohol addiction and co-occurring disorder services and recovery resources, please visit our web site at www.marylandaddictionrecovery.com.