Getting Sober During COVID-19
Some say, “What a tough time to get sober”. The question we ask is, “Is any time an easy time to get sober?”
Addiction creates absolute chaos in every area of the life of an addict. Usually, the addict has criminal activity going on. The addict has issues within their family relationships. Jobs are lost. Places to live have been forfeited.
Anytime the addict is getting sober, they are in the middle of a crisis. All that COVID-19 has done is create more hurdles to jump through to get the help that is needed to save their life. This is a life-and-death errand that we are on. The addict has lost all hope and has no more solutions for their life. It is up to us, at SLO Recovery Center, to provide the addict with a way out of addiction through the hurdles of COVID-19 and support them in getting sober.
COVID-19 is a major issue, and we don’t want to minimize the devastation that it has caused in our great country. The total number of deaths from COVID-19 is 81,289 up to the point that you read this article. In 2019, it is estimated that 157,029 people died from drug overdoses and alcohol-related incidents. Both are devastating, but drug and alcohol-related deaths have decreased by 2.7% as a result of drug/alcohol and mental health treatment, showing the critical importance of getting sober.
Life is about calculated risks. The disease of addiction is one of isolation. Addiction is only increasing due to the restrictions that have been placed on society as a whole. The addict has a higher chance of dying from addiction than COVID-19 at the crisis point in their life when they know they need help. The window of opportunity is small for the addict when they ask for help and make the critical decision of getting sober.
Take action on getting sober now
Starting treatment marks a crucial beginning as it provides the necessary structure for new individuals seeking sobriety to feel secure. Feeling safe is key for them to address past traumas. Structure helps them establish a daily routine, reducing anxiety and the urge to escape. Being away from substances enables them to gradually boost their self-esteem through the process of getting sober.
At SLO Recovery Center, we have implemented all social distancing guidelines to continue group sessions and one-on-one therapy, ensuring a clean environment to prevent virus transmission. Everyone, including patients and staff, adheres to safety protocols like wearing masks and using hand sanitizer. We believe in taking calculated risks to save the lives of individuals at high risk of addiction-related harm and provide a safe space for getting sober.
Engaging with recovery communities, such as the 12-step program, proves to be a valuable resource for maintaining long-term sobriety. These communities offer a sense of fellowship with like-minded individuals on the journey to sobriety, fostering a sense of belonging. By participating in these communities and offering support to fellow members, individuals find purpose in their sober lives. These communities offer a structured approach to sustaining long-term sobriety and getting sober successfully.
The 12-step community has taken a hit as well by COVID-19. They have taken action to help those who are struggling with addiction. The meetings have all been moved to Zoom, which is an online service. These meetings range from 2-1000 members. Addicts can connect with others. They can ask for help. Members of these communities are willing to help anyone who is struggling.
Addiction is difficult to overcome. COVID-19 has made it more of a challenge to get clean and sober. The front lines of both diseases are here to save lives. We on the addiction front line, believe that no matter what, we will jump in the firing line to help an addict recover. We will continue to fight for the lives of addicts who want help. We will continue to fight active addiction despite COVID-19.
What are you willing to do?
Perspective is a choice, that you can change with the help of others. Is it worth the calculated risk to recover?