The opposite of addiction isn’t just sobriety, it’s connection.
The Isolation Effect
For those of you in recovery already, you may have heard this before: The opposite of addiction isn’t just sobriety, it’s connection. Linking up with other like-minded individuals is how we survive. While others with a more stable background may do just fine in isolation, those in recovery were either once good at connecting and became isolated due to substance use issues, or they were never taught how to properly connect with others to begin with. During normal times, meetings lay the groundwork for individuals in recovery to connect in person. Meetings are already scheduled for a set time day and night, every week throughout the year, rain or shine, holiday or no holiday. This connection has been severed to some degree during the pandemic. Thankfully, there are online meetings — and many are certainly taking advantage of them — but the experience isn’t quite the same. For some, this setback has triggered a relapse; others have been forced to face their demons and consider recovery for the first time. Isolation is a significant enemy, and it’s deeply important to stay connected with peers and supportive loved ones in any healthy way we can.Coronavirus Addiction Stats
Here’s how COVID-19 has affected addiction and suicide rates:- A study published by the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) showed an increase in overdose deaths, the highest taking place in May 2020, almost double the rate of the previous two years.
- Data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in June 2020 showed an over 13% increase in substance use due to the pandemic.
- The CDC also reported an increase in overdose deaths since COVID started, according to their provisional drug overdose death count.
- The Overdose Detection Mapping Application Program (ODMAP) reveals a nearly 18% increase in probable overdoses after the first round of stay-at-home orders.
- Data from the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report states that pure opioid overdoses are rare, indicating other powerful drugs are normally involved with reported opioid-related overdoses.
- Alcohol and marijuana sales have increased in 2020, according to Nielsen.com.
How to Cope During COVID-19
The good news about the pandemic is that it’s forced us all to learn to cope with our mental health in new and innovative ways we may not have considered otherwise. Did any of us even know what Zoom was before COVID? Would we have considered online therapy pre-pandemic? Here are some ways to cope this year:- Connect online. Zoom meetings, G-Chat, support groups, alumni meet-ups, FaceTime, and sponsor calls are all fantastic ways to connect via the web or phone.
- Get those endorphins. While 30 minutes a day is recommended, any exercise is better than none. If you live in a cold area, try online yoga, aerobics, or martial arts.
- Protect your sleep. Lack of sleep affects your blood pressure and stress levels. Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, and say no to caffeine in the PM.
- Mindfulness. Meditation or prayer for 15-20 minutes twice a day can do wonders for your mind. There are a number of apps that can help you out, like Headspace.
- Therapy. Thousands of mental health professionals have switched to online sessions at discounted rates. Find one in your state that fits your schedule!