Keeping Up with Your 12-Step Program in the Face of COVID-19
Today, it seems that many people’s days are measured by coffee and alcohol. The COVID-19 pandemic has left many Americans drinking more than ever, and alcohol sales are up by more than 50 percent year over year by this time in 2019. “Quaratininis” are the go-to drink of choice, and day drinking is on the rise. It’s become a joke on television and social media alike.
But alcoholism is not a joke, and especially not for people in recovery. If you’re working on your 12 Steps, this healthcare crisis has thrown a heavy wrench into your plans. But hope is not lost, and you do not have to let COVID-19 turn you back on your journey toward long-lasting sobriety. Here are some ideas to get you through this rough patch.
Stay connected.
The 12-Step program incorporates two very important aspects of recovery, which are reliance on a higher power and social support. It’s been argued for many years – AA was founded in 1935 – about which of these was more important for people in recovery. The truth is that, for many, they are equal. Unfortunately, during times of self-isolation and stay-at-home orders, social support is much more challenging to come by.
Instead of sitting around wishing that you had your network, you can use services like Zoom and GoToMeeting to stay connected to your group. You can initiate one-on-one chats with your sponsor or join/host night or midday meetings.
Focus on physical health.
Alcoholism is a disease of the mind that affects the body as well. Fortunately, what you do with your body can help you conquer addiction. Rapper-turned-actor Marshall Mathers, better known as Eminem, has been outspoken for more than a decade about how he used exercise to replace a drug habit.
While you may not have the financial resources to take it to an extreme like Mathers, you can build for yourself a home gym in the garage or a spare bedroom with exercise equipment to provide stress relief for mind and body alike. To assemble a home gym for a full-body workout, HomeAdvisor suggests focusing on pieces that help you incorporate weight and strength training, flexibility, core training, and cardio. This might include anything from a treadmill to free weights.
Eat foods that make you feel good inside.
Another component of wellness, whether you are in recovery or not, is nutrition. Make a grocery list each week and then shop for foods that improve the way you feel. You don’t necessarily have to focus on calories, but know that things like fresh produce, lean proteins, and whole grains are easier on the stomach and are much better for you than processed, pre-packaged meals. Whole grains, in particular, may help offset things like obesity and hypertension, both of which may be associated with alcoholism.
If you don’t want to leave the house to physically grocery shop, you can turn to options such as Costco, which offers same-day delivery on orders of $35 or more. You may even be able to find lighter options and deli-created meals to help you stick to a healthy eating plan.
Care for yourself.
Social connections, exercise, and eating well are all excellent ways to practice self-care. However, during times of great stress – and a pandemic certainly qualifies – you’ll need to pay careful attention to how you engage with yourself. Urban Balance says to limit your news/media consumption and to seek professional help if you experience depression or anxiety. Remember, therapists have adapted to the current climate, and many now offer online counseling.
Being in recovery is difficult. Being in recovery in the middle of an unprecedented global emergency is exponentially more so. But you are clear of mind and strong of will. You can get through this, and you will come out on the other end with a proud heart and your sobriety intact. But remember, you don’t have to do it alone. Do not be afraid to reach out when you need support, and know that how you treat yourself now can shape the future.
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