The COVID-19 pandemic has become more severe in the United States. People inside and out of the rooms of recovery are living through an unprecedented event requiring physical and mental health vigilance. Men and women in addiction recovery have to double their efforts to maintain their sobriety.Anxiety and vulnerability are feelings everyone in recovery is experiencing right now. The fact that 16,736 people have died across the country and 467,184 Americans are infected is cause for significant concern.Since our last article, the public health crisis in Colorado has worsened. At that time, 216 Coloradans had died from complications due to COVID-19. Now, there are 6,202 confirmed cases throughout the state. Fortunately, thanks to social distancing measures and stay at home orders, only ten more people have succumbed to the coronavirus since we last wrote. While each life is priceless, the death toll would be much higher if it were not for the actions taken in recent weeks.No longer being able to meet with one’s support group in-person presents problems for those in early recovery and people with years of sobriety alike. Thankfully, you have resources that you can rely on for keeping your recovery intact while protecting your health.Reminding yourself that you are not alone in this will mitigate the risk of feeling lonely, even if you are sheltering in place. Your phone and computer are your portal to the addiction recovery community.
Alcoholics Anonymous World Services has made some essential notices relevant to the COVID-19 pandemic. AAWS offers suggestions and resources to help people maintain their program. It’s worth noting that some in-person meetings are still happening across the country. Meetinghouses are able to continue hosting groups while strictly adhering to guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). While attending groups may be an option for many people, for those with pre-existing health conditions and compromised immune systems it could be a risky gamble. We pointed out a couple of weeks ago that some groups are now meeting online via video conferencing platforms like Zoom, Skype, and Google Hangouts.A website was launched that connects people to online AA meetings seven days a week. Even though AAWS has not endorsed the site, it’s certainly worth checking out. Attending meetings is a vital component of maintaining your recovery. If you cannot leave the house, then it’s critical that you look to alternative methods for connecting with your peers. In addition to calling your sponsor and other members of your support network, online meetings of recovery can be a valuable resource.In other news, AAWS is still fulfilling literature orders over the phone (212-870-3312), by email, and through the online store. Sadly, we have to report that the 2020 International Convention in Detroit, Michigan, has been canceled because of the ongoing public health crisis.
Those who require assistance for addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders will be pleased to learn that help is available. Alcohol and substance use disorders are deadly diseases that must be treated to bring about recovery. NorthStar Transitions is open for all levels of care, and we are strictly following COVID-19 guidelines from the CDC. Our team of addiction recovery professionals now provide intensive outpatient (IOP) and outpatient services online. Please contact us today to learn more about our services and to begin the healing process.
