How To Prepare For A Lockdown When In Addiction Recovery
April 14, 2020 - Life in Recovery - 0 Comments
The recent Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic is affecting millions of people all around the world. To contain the pandemic, governments are issuing stay at home orders, which means non-essential businesses, schools, and public activities will have to be shut down for a period of time. People will be encouraged to work from home and only go out for their essential needs.
If you are living in a city or state where there are confirmed cases of Covid-19 and evidence of local community transmission, there will be a possibility that a stay at home order will also be issued in your area. It is then important to prepare for this event, especially if you are in addiction recovery to ensure your health and safety.
Here are some recommendations that could help you prepare in case of a lockdown, mass quarantine, or stay at home order.
Stock up on food and essentials
Because you will be advised not to go out as much, stocking up for essentials is very important. When you go grocery shopping, it will be cheaper to buy wholesale but avoid hoarding items. Only shop for what you need but make sure the items will last two weeks to a month. The fewer trips you make to the supermarket, the better.
When shopping for food, focus on healthful items to help you boost your immune system. Instead of spending your money on junk food and sweets, use the bulk of your budget to shop for healthy foods with a long shelf or storage life. Many people use the excuse that healthy food spoils easily but the reality is, there are many nutritious options that you can store. Some examples include the following;
- Canned or frozen meats
- Canned or frozen veggies/fruits (beans, tomatoes, greens, peas, spinach, berries, olives)
- Whole grains (oats, lentils quinoa, popcorn, brown rice, whole-wheat pasta,
- Dark chocolate, coffee, tea
- Canned coconut milk
- Protein powders
- Powdered milk
- Honey
- Nuts and nut butter
Aside from food, you also have to stock up on household essentials like soap, shampoo, toothpaste, laundry detergent, alcohol, toilet paper, cleaning materials, light bulbs, batteries, etc. Again, it is important not to hoard items. Only buy what you need for the month.
Make sure your medications are in order
If you are taking any medications to aid you in your addiction recovery, make sure that you speak to your doctor in advance on how to get your prescriptions in order. While pharmacies will likely remain open, it is best to ensure that you will not run out and what your other options are in case you cannot get a refill.
Clear out alcohol and drugs in your house
If you are in addiction recovery, you should not be having any drugs or alcohol inside your home in the first place, however, now is as good time as any to double-check and clean out your cupboards for that hidden bottle of whiskey or that anniversary champagne. Clear out your medicine cabinet of expired medicines as well. When you’re going to be stuck inside the house, you don’t need to be tempted to drink alcohol or use old drugs.
Contact your sponsor, counselor, and support group in advance
It is very important to stay connected with your support group even when you’re staying at home. Since in-person AA meetings and other similar addiction recovery meetings have been halted, for now, it is best to check with your group if they will be conducting online meeting sessions. If you are meeting with a therapist regularly, you can also schedule online sessions in advance.
You can also check out Facebook Groups and the AA Intergroup website for a list of virtual recovery meetings that you can join. While you’re at it, it will also be useful to list down emergency contact numbers or put these numbers on your speed dial.
Plan out activities
One of the biggest enemies during addiction recovery is boredom. This is what causes many people in recovery to relapse. Just because you can’t go out, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy yourself. Take a few minutes to list down all the things you’ve been meaning to do or explore but never had the time to. If you’re running out of ideas, here is a list of things you can do sober. Many of the items on this list are things you can do even while you’re inside the house.
If you or a loved one is struggling with substance abuse, help is available.
Contact Lighthouse Treatment Center today.
