Facing Stress in Times of Change: Managing Addiction in a Time of a Pandemic
In a time of pandemic, everything seems strange and worrisome. You may be one of the many people isolated in your home, trying to figure out how you are going to make it through this without a job or the ability to visit with family and friends.
Are You Dealing with Addiction Too?
If you’re suffering from addiction, you may be finding it hard to access the drugs and alcohol you’re used to having. You may be at home with your family 24-hours a day, which is making it hard to hide your drug use. On top of that, you’re suddenly forced to face emotions and stress without your usual coping mechanism. It may feel impossible to get through the day.
Addiction During a Pandemic – Now Is the Time to Reach Out for Help
You are not alone. Many others are struggling with addiction and with the changes wrought by the pandemic. One potential benefit of the pandemic is that it may be giving you the time you need to get help. The pandemic is forcing you to face the reality of your addiction and giving you a chance to change it.
Our drug and alcohol treatment center in Louisiana is open and accepting clients. If you can’t go back to work for a while due to the pandemic, now may be the ideal time to enter into treatment. Getting clean and sober now will put you on the path to living the life you want to live. Take this time away from your normal routine to begin the work of healing.
If You’re Unable to Use, You May Need Detox Support
It’s not easy to detox at home, and often it is not possible to do so safely. If you’re feeling intense cravings and withdrawal symptoms, reach out to a detox treatment program. Getting yourself into detox will protect you as well as giving peace of mind to your loved ones. Detox generally takes a few days to a few weeks. Again, this may be the ideal time for you to step away and get into a detox program.
Find Treatment Through Virtual Methods
Another option for many people is to get virtual support. You may have been through addiction recovery therapy before but find yourself at risk of using right now. Why not set up a virtual session with your counselor or your mentor to talk about what you’re feeling? Even a simple phone call can help give you some support in this difficult time.
If you’re at risk for relapse, don’t wait to seek help. The stress of a pandemic like this could be too much to deal with on your own.
Coping with Stress: Simple Strategies to Manage the Anxiety of a Pandemic
Whether you are using or clean, there are several things you can do right now to manage some of the anxiety and stress you’re feeling. Try incorporating these things into your daily life.
- Step outside and get some Vitamin D therapy. Just being in nature can help to clear your mind and ease your negative thought processes. Focus on the sounds, smells, and views of nature each day.
- Consider meditation. Many people find this to be one of the best ways to reach an inner calmness even in the most challenging of storms. Find a form of meditation that’s right for you.
- Talk to people you trust about what’s happening. Discuss your thoughts and what you are struggling with right now. Or, just talk about things other than the pandemic. Sometimes, that emotional break is valuable.
- Do something new that’s interesting and enjoyable to you. You have some extra time, so why not try art? Why not write a song? You may want to learn something new or even start online courses. Put all of that nervous energy into learning something.
- Give yourself a break to heal. Drug and alcohol addiction is taxing on the body. If you’re not using now, then rest, eat healthy foods, and get exercise each day.
We Can Help Now
The pandemic will end. What you do about your addiction now, though, will determine what the future holds for you. We encourage you to find the help you need to make the decisions that will lead to health and well-being.
