3 Helpful Ways to Prevent Drug Relapse During COVID-19

At the beginning of 2020, everyone’s lives were turned upside down by the pandemic. The coronavirus outbreak caused individuals all over the world to self-isolate to minimize the risk of virus exposure and transmission, leaving many to be cooped up inside their homes for months. This type of situation is especially challenging for those who are trying to maintain sobriety.

If you are trying to maintain control of your addictive behavior, this time of uncertainty can put you through a true test of your willpower. More effort needs to be taken because self-isolation can create different temptations that may distract you from remaining sober. To help you prevent drug relapse during the pandemic, try some of the tips below:

Reach Out to Loved Ones For Support

The guidelines of social distancing can mean you are spending extended amounts of time away from your friends, family, and other trusted people in your life. While the lack of face-to-face interaction is frustrating for many, there are various ways to stay in contact with your strong support system thanks to modern technology.

You and your loved ones can take advantage of video conferencing apps, social media websites, and other digital platforms to have virtual conversations and get-togethers. Something as simple as a phone call or text message to someone in your support circle can help you stay in touch and receive the encouragement and community connection that you need to continue your journey with sobriety.

Stick to Your Routine

With so many unknowns in the world at the moment, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed due to the influx of stressful information causing panic, fear, and anxiety. Establishing and maintaining a daily routine provides you with a degree of structure throughout your day, which can give you a sense of purpose and can be helpful as you are working through your process of drug recovery.

Start simple. Some tasks you may want to consider incorporating into your new daily routine are those that you have full control over and give you an immediate sense of power and accomplishment. Such tasks include making your bed every morning, eating a healthy breakfast, working out, and walking your dog. These types of activities can be a helpful way to give yourself direction so that you may have an easier time remaining sober.

Maintain a Healthy Diet and Exercise

Caring for your overall health and wellness can be challenging during the best of times. However, this becomes especially true while self-isolating since many gyms and fitness centers are closed and boredom can lead you to eat more than you should. To fuel a healthy mindset and a strong body that can fight off illness and help you remain sober, it’s best to maintain a balanced diet and exercise regularly.

Boost your immune system by adding foods to your diet packed with nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that your body needs, such as fruit, vegetables, eggs, and shellfish. To reduce your stress and anxiety, consume fatty fish that are rich in magnesium and Omega-2 fatty acids and take part in stress-reducing activities such as yoga and journaling.

Similarly, regular exercise can give you an overall happier and more fulfilled sense of life as it releases natural chemicals in your brain called endorphins which alter your mood for the better. Explore different exercises to find what you enjoy and can do right in the comfort of your home. This strengthens your immune system, supports positive emotions, improves your quality of sleep, and prevents weight gain.

Find Support for Your Journey at Inner Voyage Recovery

Staying sober can be challenging during the best of times, but during this troubling and tumultuous period, you may find yourself struggling in your journey more often. By finding healthy and beneficial ways to cope with the added stress and anxiety and trying out the tips mentioned above, you can overcome your temptations and successfully prevent a drug relapse from occurring because of the circumstances caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

If you have not yet started your journey to full recovery from drug addiction and would like professional care and support, choose Inner Voyage Recovery, an Atlanta addiction treatment center. We offer tailor-made treatment plans for patients in and around the metro Atlanta area including Woodstock, Kennesaw, Marietta, Canton, and Acworth. Reach out to us today to learn more about how we can help you get back to living the life you deserve! (470) 523-4606