05/07/2020
The mental health and addiction struggle is real, and a growing threat during these times. Take care, colleagues, friends, and clients.
Restrict human contact. Flatten the curve. Whatever your opinion is regarding the economic shutdown, there can’t be any true debate about the value and reasonableness of taking precautions like donning a mask or social distancing. For many, these are minor inconveniences designed to protect our community, particularly our vulnerable populations.
But for some, particularly those in recovery, social distancing is more than a minor inconvenience. It can be deadly. Why? Because social distancing interferes with so many of the structures in place that are designed to help those suffering from the disease of addiction. And while social distancing helps to stop the spread of the coronavirus, another vulnerable population is cut off from the crucial in person social support they need.
We know the triggers and warn against them - HALT. Don’t get hungry, angry, lonely or tired. Yet loneliness abounds during this unprecedented time. Social distancing limits folks in recovery from the variety and abundance of in-person meetings that were previously and readily available. That further limits the critical peer support gained from these connections. And while there are certainly a number of virtual resources that have cropped up during this time, the lack of human contact and face-to-face interaction is certainly a challenge. This challenge is worse for people fighting addiction, particularly those who also suffer from depression.
Can’t relate? Ask yourself whether you’ve increased your alcohol or ni****ne or food consumption during this time of isolation and stress? Have you kept completely to your healthy routine? Most of us will admit we’ve struggled. Many have made poor choices to deal with the stress of isolation. For those in recovery, a poor choice can be a last choice. Because people in recovery are particularly at risk of relapse and overdose.
So what can we do? The Centers For Disease Control (CDC) has a webpage that discusses this concern and provides contact information for their Disaster Distress Helpline. (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/managing-stress-anxiety.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fprepare%2Fmanaging-stress-anxiety.html)
The CDC also provides tips for those struggling, such as: taking breaks from watching, reading or listening to the news (including social media!), taking care of your body through stretching and healthy eating and regular exercise, taking time to unwind and get outdoors and to connect in whatever way you can with others, whether it’s a socially distanced walk or by virtual means.
The National Institute of Mental Health also addressed this concern and gave some excellent resources for those who are struggling (https://www.nimh.nih.gov/about/director/messages/2020/coping-with-coronavirus-managing-stress-fear-and-anxiety.shtml). Most importantly, they note that social distancing does not have to be social isolation.
Finally, SAMHSA has a comprehensive list of virtual recovery resources (https://www.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/virtual-recovery-resources.pdf). Check it out for assistance during this tough time.
If you’re supporting someone in recovery, the NADCP National Association of Drug Court Professionals has information for treatment courts and professionals to use during this tough time (https://www.nadcp.org/covid-19-resources/).
Most importantly, check on your people. Reach out. We need each other - now more than ever. Turning Point Tank is available for virtual visits for those struggling with addiction. Send him a message!
RIP Tracey. I will add you to the list of my brave drug court folks whose light was extinguished too early. It never gets easier. Memory eternal. ❤️
Candice 6/25/2016
CJ 4/17/2017
Ricky 9/11/2017
Zachary 10/17/2017
Nick 11/18/2018
Jimmy 1/3/2020
Tracey 5/6/2020
