Experiencing a global pandemic presents many hardships most of us have never experienced. Seemingly overnight, the COVID-19 pandemic created massive shifts in both our work and personal lives. On top of the normal stress and anxiety that many of us are facing, managing addiction and work during the pandemic is an added challenge.
Addictive substances are often used as a coping mechanism to alleviate the added stress we are experiencing. For those living with addiction, taxing times like these can lead to even more alcohol or drug use. If you are struggling and living in isolation, seek professional help. Managing addiction and work during a pandemic can be less challenging with the assistance of an addiction treatment center, like Soledad House. In the meantime, this blog post provides options for addiction treatment during the pandemic.
Managing Stress of Addiction and Work During the Pandemic
It is normal to experience stress and anxiety as the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic persists. As we have been stuck in quarantine and isolation, people have turned alcohol and drug use into a joke of how they are coping during these unprecedented times.
For instance, social media is filled with posts and memes of people binge drinking morning and night. Unfortunately, these types of posts can be triggering for people who are struggling to manage addiction and work during the pandemic.
There are healthier ways to cope with these types of emotions than relying on drugs or alcohol. Our women’s rehab program in California recommends activities such as:
- Going on a walk
- Taking up a new hobby such as baking or knitting
- Reading a book
- Spending time with friends and family
If these activities do not help with lowering stress from addiction and work during the pandemic, consider scheduling a video call with a therapist.
Follow a Consistent Schedule as Before COVID-19
Managing addiction and work during the pandemic is a struggle for people who quickly experienced a change in their daily routines. Spending weeks in quarantine can make it seem like there is no concept of time.
Think back to your life before COVID-19. What routines were helpful to you that did not involve abusive substances? By developing a consistent schedule, your mind will be focused on achieving these tasks. If the pandemic has caused changes in your old schedule, such as going into the office every day, create a new plan to fill this void.
It can help to plan your day or week out in hour increments. For example, coordinate a schedule for when you plan to exercise, eat meals, work, etc. Don’t forget to add time for self-care and productive hobbies. As you complete these activities, check them off your schedule. Doing so adds a feeling of accomplishment to your day.
Seeking Professional Help for Addiction and Work During the Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic has likely caused additional difficulties for those who are new to recovery or are currently battling with addiction. If you are struggling to manage addiction and work during the pandemic, please consider seeking professional help.
Finding addiction treatment during the pandemic in CA is possible. For example, Soledad House currently offers women’s addiction treatment programs such as:
- Individual therapy sessions
- Group therapy sessions
- Exercise therapy
- Onsite and offsite 12-step meetings
- Relapse prevention education
Our mission is for our clients to achieve physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual healing. A global pandemic should not get in the way of you living a long and healthy life.
Overcome Addiction During the Pandemic with Soledad House
2020 has presented many challenges for people across the world. Although we are living in a time where isolation is recommended, you do not have to manage addiction and work during the pandemic alone. Soledad House provides various programs to help with addiction treatment during the pandemic in CA. To learn more about Soledad House, call us at 866.314.3222 today.
The Soledad House is San Diego′s premier recovery program emphasizing relapse prevention addiction treatment for women suffering from drug and alcohol addiction. We are a court approved state licensed facility located at the edge of La Jolla on beautiful Mount Soledad. Learn More