6 WAYS TO COPE WITH ISOLATION (SELF QUARANTINE) AS A RECOVERING ADDICT

COPING WITH ISOLATION (SELF QUARANTINE) AS A RECOVERING ADDICT

In these times of COVID-19 outbreak, quarantine is the best prognosis to keeping the spread of the virus low. We must all do our part to keep ourselves and others safe. While this is unprecedented, we can use this opportunity to grow as a community. Self isolation in a small space can feel suffocating leading to bigger issues. How do you play your role while keeping your sanity especially as a recovering addict?

1

See the bigger picture and set the expectation to meet goals

Even with a pandemic on the rise, we still have goals and those goals shouldn’t and don’t have to change. This pandemic will pass and life will return to normal. In the meantime, keep sight of your recovery goals. Those milestones are still important and valid. Remember why you set those goals and why recovery is paramount. Hold yourself accountable to your goals at all times. The journey of recovery isn’t without its challenges and this self quarantine is just another.

2

Stay busy and keep your mind active

This may be difficult if you aren’t afforded the luxury of working from home during this time. The saying goes “An idle mind is the devil’s playground.” Battling addiction is a mental exercise so be sure to keep your mind active in this fight. The reality is that you will likely never have this amount of time to yourself again. So use it well! Start the new project you never had time for, read a book, journal and do some self-reflecting, join an online community, make a playlist of songs you love and try cooking new recipes. You don’t have to do it all but pick a few things you’re likely to enjoy and try it.

3

Keep your body active too

This is perhaps the healthiest habit you can pick up during this self-quarantine. Exercise is a known stress reducer. There are numerous articles linking benefits of exercise and addiction recovery. While most of the world is in various levels of lockdown, most U.S. quarantine orders allow for outdoor exercise (hiking, running, walking, bicycling) as long as social distancing is practiced. The fact of the matter is exercise releases endorphins and endorphins make us feel good. Not to mention the other several health benefits and good it’ll do for your summer bod!

4

Keep your home and surroundings clean and clutter-free

Cluttered space will lead to a cluttered mind. Since your home is now your weekday and weekend location, it’s time to curate a space you like. Clean up and organize. Make sure things are comfortable and accessible. 

5

Keep channels of healthy communication open

Self quarantine doesn’t mean lack of communication. We are in a unique age of social media that keep us well informed on loved ones. While it’s not advisable to stay glued to your phone, tv, and email, it is important to stay connected during a time like this. However, be mindful of who/what you choose to be connected to. Communication with family and friends who are aware and support your recovery journey should continue. Avoid communicating with people and things that remind you of your addiction.

6

Do things to help others and keep spirits up

Humor, memes, jokes and the “just checking on you” texts go a long way in coping with self isolation. So smile in solidarity at your neighbor while taking a walk, send a text to a friend, make that facetime call to family, and re-post that hilarious meme. It’ll do us all alot of good.

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Steadyhand Recovery is an Addiction treatment Clinic offering rehab services in the greater Philadelphia area to help those with opioid dependencies master their addictions and change their life’s narrative for the better. Call now to speak with one of our addiction specialist and start your road to recovery today.