Unseen Enemy. One of the biggest challenges in the life of everyone in recovery is to do battle with things that we cannot see. Just because we can’t see them doesn’t mean they don’t have the potential of having a great impact. The impact these things have can redirect the course of our life in a very negative way. This is the potential for the coronavirus with respect to people who are in recovery. Combating substance-abuse in the best of times is a challenge. Since the social changes that have become mandated because of COVID-19 its added an extra element of challenge. This is certainly contributing to the reason many people are relapsing. If they aren’t relapsing they most certainly are finding it difficult if not impossible to get sober for the first time. Much of our freedom and gatherings have been affected by the social distancing and restrictions because of this virus. Many people of recovery have been left very isolated, if not alone altogether. Isolation and loneliness can create a deep and dark despair that could very well be the catalyst for a person relapsing.
One of the saving grace is through this time have been the Zoom meetings and utilizing other social media platforms that makes reaching out possible. Having said that, one on one or group events can have so much more power for an individual. Because we are designed to be social losing that component can make personal recovery even more challenging. Those of us who have been around for a while don’t feel the impact in the same way as a newcomer. We have learned to live clean and sober in circumstances where we would find ourselves lacking. We appreciate the social side of things, but we don’t rely on it as a foundational source to our recovery. So, what can a person do to help overcome the obstacle of lacking social interaction that COVID-19 has presented.
Here are a few things that I would suggest to help that person along the way.
- Deepen your relationship with your Higher Power
- Find people on various social media platforms with quality recovery
- Continue to work the program that has gotten you this far
- Be fearless when it comes to sharing your concerns or fears
- Find people who have the same concerns as you
- Use the time to explore the recovery process and explore different paths that lead to the same goal
- Help others who may be struggle in areas you have overcome
When we make a commitment to these types of positive behaviors, we not only come through the experience we come through the experience even stronger and more capable. COVID-19 is a challenge we all to deal with, but let’s make it an opportunity not an obstacle. Unseen Enemy.
Robert Pardon
Robert is the Recovery Guy. Getting clean and sober on April 25, 1986 has given me the insight and practical skill set to not only stay sober, but to also re-invent myself to the person I always wanted to become. Showing others how to do this is my life goal.
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