How to Avoid Relapse During the Quarantine
Even if you have hobbies to do or Netflix series to check out, boredom during the quarantine is inevitable. There are going to be days where your hobby doesn’t seem interesting or you feel like you’ve reached the end of Netflix.
For many, boredom is a path that can lead to relapse.
Gone are the weekly AA meetings, chatting with a few friends at your local Starbucks, or even visiting the family. Those were all things that helped keep you sober.
Even with states reopening, large meetings or simply meeting others is still discouraged.
The temptation to relapse may be stronger than ever and you might feel left out without any of your normal resources. So the question is, how do you avoid a relapse during the quarantine?
Schedule Your Day
How do you schedule your day when Monday, Thursday, and Saturday may all look the same?
It’s about finding new healthy habits or hobbies and plugging them in your time slots throughout the day.
What exactly is a healthy habit? That depends on you and what you want to do. Here is a quick list of free activities that you can find online or do in your house to keep you busy and occupied:
Writing a blog
Writing a story/book
Home fitness
Learning how to draw
Cooking new dishes
Reading
Reviewing movies and series
Taking online courses to expand your skillset
Chances are, you can find an online community that works with your new hobby to help keep you busy and entertained.
Be Mindful of Triggers
Everyone has their own set of triggers, but those in danger of relapse need to be acutely aware of what those triggers are.
For many, isolation is a huge trigger in itself. For others, it may be stress, anxiety, family issues, uncertainty, traumatic memories, or something completely different entirely.
While you may not be able to prevent those triggers, being aware of them is the first step into protecting yourself from those negative moments.
Make Use of the Internet
We’ve touched on this a few times in the past, but just because you can’t attend meetings doesn’t mean you have to stop going to meetings.
There are almost limitless online resources to help keep you connected.
Multiple video chat programs such as Skype, FaceTime, and Zoom are all available and free to use. There’s a big difference in swapping a few text messages per day and seeing someone face to face over a webcam.
Of course, nothing can replace human interaction, but utilizing these tools is an excellent way to stay connected over time.
Find a Way to Stay Accountable
Perhaps you consider yourself disciplined and someone who exhibits a great sense of self-control.
But, it’s always great to have an accountability partner. In this sense, you’re both working to keep the other person accountable.
Add a daily check-in with this person by phone, video calling, texting, or whatever your preferred method of communication is. It doesn’t have to be a detailed talk that lasts hours, a quick five-minute chat and check-in are perfect.
By keeping these items in mind, you can avoid relapse during the quarantine and emerge sober and healthy.
If you find yourself having cravings or noticing patterns that may lead to relapse, make sure you reach out and get help.
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