A lot has been written about the pandemic’s negative effect on people in recovery. This is important to discuss; addiction rates have spiked during COVID-19. But it’s also true that as things reopen, we sober folks may face new challenges.
Staying Home Sometimes Meant Less Triggers
I know several people who got sober during COVID-19. Each of them said that in some ways, doing so during a pandemic made it easier. When I got sober in 2015, making it through each day was all I had energy to focus on; I imagined quitting during COVID was extra stressful. But most said staying home instead of being around people who were drinking or using drugs made a difference.
Now, as more of the US population is vaccinated, we might be around people who are using substances. Whether it’s at bars open at greater capacity or in vaccinated friends’ homes, we might have to get used (or become reaccustomed) to staying sober among people who are decidedly not.
Adjusting to Company with Beer in Their Hand
It has made a big difference for me to make sure I have a non-alcoholic beverage. When everyone else is holding a drink, it can be uncomfortable to have nothing.
I’ve also found paying attention to my feelings important, especially when I was first going out sober. If you are fixated on drinking or using, it might be time to leave. It can take time to recognize the signs that this might happen. Maybe you begin feeling tense; maybe you lose focus. It’s okay if you don’t know yet. Your only job right now is to pay attention.
Adjusting to Change
As the world slowly enters this new phase, we are learning to cope with another big change. Even if it feels hopeful, change is always hard. It can be overwhelming and scary. In this case, we’re still not clear exactly how life will look.
Adapting to upended routines and big life changes is a good skill to have for recovery. If you have some sober time under your belt, you already have practice. If you’re new to sobriety, this year in COVID likely gave you some of these tools. If you got sober during the pandemic, you’ve practiced making a big life change while the world changed around you.
Coping with this new world sober can feel intimidating; remember that there’s no rush for you to adjust. You just made it through a very hard year. It might take time to process. In the meantime, you don’t have to do everything you did before all at once. Step back from events if you need to. There will always be others.
If you are struggling with a substance use or mental health disorder, there is help and hope. TruHealing Centers offers high-quality treatment for mental health disorders and addiction in facilities across the country. Our staff—many of whom are in recovery themselves—will help you get and stay sober. Call an admissions specialist at 410-593-0005.