For most people suffering from a substance use disorder (SUD), isolation and loneliness are at the core of addiction. COVID-19, quarantining, and social distancing has made it much harder for people with SUDs to stay connected in the world of recovery. In fact, many may be at higher risk for relapse. Most in-person recovery meetings have closed (with a few opening recently), and many people are experiencing “Zoom burnout” from online meetings.
In celebration of National Recovery Month this month, now is the perfect time to take action to reinvigorate your recovery, protect yourself from relapse, and get reconnected to the recovery community.
Reconnect with Others in Recovery
No matter how isolated or lonely you may feel, know this: There is always hope. And hope can be found in reconnecting with others. The first step in reconnecting is as simple as picking up the phone. Sometimes, when a person is caught in the grip of isolation and loneliness, this is harder than one may expect. The only way to start calling is to make yourself do it! When was the last time you reached out to another person in recovery just to talk? Chances are they may be feeling exactly like you during these trying times. Who knows – you may end up helping them just as much as they help you.
The importance of people in the recovery community supporting one another knows no bounds. Talking to another person with a SUD can help ease your isolation—not to mention theirs. Remember, you share a bond with others in recovery because people with SUDs all walk a similar path.
Start by making a list of people you know in recovery who may be feeling like you and dial their numbers. Rebuild your support network if you haven’t been staying in touch with others. You’ll feel better for it and so will they.
Reconnect to Online Recovery Meetings
Has your online recovery meeting attendance dropped off? Experiencing “Zoom burnout” or missing being able to connect with others during in-person meetings?
For now, the pandemic has limited the choices people with SUDs have to foster a healthy recovery, but everyone must work with what is available. As humans, we are social beings and social support helps us feel better. Getting in the rooms and sharing how you feel will make a huge difference in fighting loneliness and isolation.
If you’ve stopped attending online recovery support meetings, National Recovery Month 2020 is a great time to reverse that. Recommit to your recovery now! One way to keep online meetings fresh is to mix it up by trying new meetings through other recovery outlets.
Of course there are 12-step recovery Zoom meetings sponsored by Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA), both of which have listings of online meetings—but add some new outlets to meetings you can attend also. In the Rooms itself offers 130 weekly meetings for people recovering from SUDs and related issues. Another outlet is Facebook, where Recovery Centers of America hosts a variety of recovery themed meetings on the Facebook platform and via WebEx that may be accessed by going to our Facebook events page.
Whatever your preference may be for online meetings, trying new venues could help if you feel your current meeting selection has left you wanting more. Sometimes variety is the spice of life. What’s most important during these times is to guard your recovery—and that means attending meetings, whether virtually or in person. Don’t let isolation and loneliness keep you a prisoner. Recommit to your recovery today in honor of National Recovery Month 2020.
Recovery Centers of America is Here for You
It’s been tough for everyone in 2020, but especially for those suffering from a SUD. If you’ve relapsed, been thinking about entering treatment, or have a loved one that would benefit from inpatient or outpatient treatment, Recovery Centers of America is here for you, 24/7. If you’re struggling or need help, call any time at 1-800-RECOVERY.
