Multiple states have begun to relax and expire stay-at-home mandates put in place amid the coronavirus pandemic, including many that house Recovery Unplugged treatment facilities. While this is welcome news for business owners, as well as people with cabin fever, too much hair and a need for human connection, the uncertainty around returning to a world that’s admittedly still very sick can trigger a variety of anxieties and fears, especially for people in recovery. The good news is that you can use the tools and coping techniques you learned in treatment to manage these stresses and, anxieties and fear triggers.
Recovery Unplugged’s Jordan Guthrie has returned with another vlog to share her fears and concerns about returning to life after quarantine, and offer some insights about using recovery-based practices to ease the transition process. Jordan shares many of our fears about getting sick and infecting our loved ones. But she also voices concerns about her ability to seamlessly maintain her recovery during the transition. Watch the video to learn how she plans to cope.
Recovery Unplugged also caught up with other alumni to discuss their fears and how they plan to cope. One of the more resonant insights came from Tiffany Z., who, like so many in and out of recovery, has a healthy and understandable fear of the unknown: “The unknown has always scared me but I have a relationship today with a higher power, and that helps me not be as afraid. I take the precautions seriously. Right now I’m only working part time, but it’s a start. I’m easing back into everyday life and that’s the best way for me to go about it. Most importantly I stay in gratitude and I don’t pick up.”
Post-Quarantine Struggles within the Recovery Community
Stability and routine are cornerstones of the recovery process, especially in the early stages. With coronavirus disrupting virtually every area of life, it’s normal to feel vulnerable and worry about things like:
Keeping Your Job
The ability to earn, take care of yourself and build a life are integral to peace of mind and moving forward. With so many in recovery working in fields that have been affected by the coronavirus, it’s natural to be scared of the instability of joblessness. Just realize that everyone is going through it and that you’re resilient enough to adapt.
Staying Healthy
Continued medical care is critical for people in recovery, whether it’s getting help for withdrawal symptoms, accessing maintenance medications or anything else. With coronavirus temporarily closing medical offices, it’s easy to have a lapse in your care routine. Check to see if your doctor is offering telehealth services to stay in touch to get the medical care you need.
Staying Positive
There’s a lot negativity out there right now. People are dying, businesses are closing and it’s admittedly hard to stay optimistic. We can combat this negativity by practicing mindfulness, leaning on our support system and doing what we can to be of service to others. The important thing is to do what we can for other people, but understand that we can’t control everything.
You’re Stronger than Your Fear
Recovery Unplugged wants to remind you that whether you’re new or experienced in recovery, it’s natural and healthy to fear uncertainty. We also want you to know that you’re stronger than any struggles you’re having, and that you have the power to overcome them. Coronavirus has tested all of us in every conceivable way. As we prepare to readjust, it’s important to remember who we are, what we’ve learned and what we’ve accomplished. If you or your loved one are struggling, or have experienced a setback, contact us immediately so you can get back on track. You don’t have to lose to this…or anything else.
