The realities of the COVID-19 pandemic have left many in addiction treatment looking for tips to help them navigate this period. Due to the virus, lockdown rules have been put into effect. As a result, social and treatment structures that are in place to help those in addiction recovery are currently defunct. Now more than ever, we must find new ways to survive. Not just survive, but remain on the path to addiction treatment.

For those who have undergone addiction treatment in Vancouver, there is a plus. There are inherent similarities between the COVID-19 lockdown and a stint in rehab. Social distancing and restricted movement are applicable in both situations. This means that there are some addiction treatment tips that can prove useful over the course of the lockdown.

Right now, we are having to grapple with the implications of the loss of structure due to the coronavirus. For people in addiction recovery in Vancouver, it means that they can’t get access to the same level of treatment they are used to getting. Essentially, rehab means conforming to a new structure that helps you function better. As a result, the things you learn during addiction treatment can be useful in the middle of a pandemic.

Over the course of this blog, we will explore proven tips that can help you acclimatize to the new “normal” during the course of this pandemic. Even if you can’t get addiction treatment services at a Vancouver centre near you, you can follow these tested and proven survival tips. Keep reading to learn more!

COVID-19: Survival Tips for Those in Addiction Treatment

If you are in the middle of addiction recovery, time away from your regular routine can lead to unwanted mental and social complications. These tips will help you create a new normal for yourself. Start your journey to distancing yourself from the chaos out there.

Create some level of structure for yourself

As human beings, we thrive on routine and a tested structure. Although the pandemic has thrown our daily schedules off course, you can take things into your hand. Perhaps you can’t attend school anymore. Or maybe you now work from home. It doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have a routine.

Create a routine for yourself that encompasses all aspects of self-care. Your routine should cater to your physical, emotional, mental and spiritual well-being. Most addiction services experts near you will recommend activities such as yoga, exercising, scheduled calls with loved ones etc.

Have a lights-out policy

Without consistent wake-up and “go-to-bed” times, the quality of your sleep may deteriorate. Most people don’t realize it. However, sleep is important to ensure the body’s restorative process. Additionally, it contributes to your overall mental and emotional well-being.

If you’re getting addiction treatment, it is important to do all you can to preserve your mental and emotional energy. The first step to doing that is having a consistent bedtime routine. Make sure you get 8 hours of sleep around roughly the same time every day.

Make your bed every day

It may not sound like it, but making your bed is a top survival tip for those in addiction treatment. Everyone knows that the addiction recovery process is a journey. During this journey, worries are triggers that can cause a relapse. Something as simple as an unmade bed can cause a thread to unravel mentally. 

There are different studies that point to a calm environment as contributing to the overall mental health of most people. Additionally, making your bed should be the first task of the day. It’s a symbolic gesture that can create a positive momentum that you can carry to other tasks for the day. 

Take some time to the meditate

Most people view meditation as a feminine discipline. If you are getting addiction treatment in Vancouver, or anywhere else, you shouldn’t take this view. You see, morning meditation is the perfect medium to deal with stress, uncertainty and feelings of anxiety. 

In addition to the above benefits, meditation can help you change the way your brain thinks — for the better. Sitting in silence and reviewing your thoughts patterns can help you witness thoughts without reacting negatively to them. Over time, you will be able to separate actions and impulses, making better decisions that will boost your sobriety.

Pay attention to the little things

The mind is perhaps the most powerful part of your body. For those in addiction treatment, it can be a double-edged sword. This is why our list of tips to help you stay the addiction treatment part during the pandemic includes controlling your mind. 

Instead of dwelling on past mistakes and an uncertain future, focus on the little things around you. This will help make sure that you stay in the present. You can try this easy technique. Whenever you feel overwhelmed, focus on:

• 5 things you can see
• 4 things you can feel 
• 3 things you can hear around you 
• 2 things you can smell 
• 1 thing you can taste 

 

Doing this will help you refocus your thoughts, staying grounded and in the moment!

Related article: Addiction Treatment Centres in Vancouver: Are They Prepared To Handle The COVID-19 Outbreak

Limit the use of your phone 

It may be unrealistic to limit the amount of time you spend using your phone. For sure, we live in a digital age where most people need laptops and phones to complete daily tasks. However, you can also consider the quality of information that you are getting through your devices.

Ask yourself if now is the best time to spend hours on social media. For instance, now isn’t the time to see that your exes are “doing better” than you. Neither is it the best time to soak in information with “end of the world” vibes. Cut down on screen time. Only take in positive information.

Take daily walks outdoors 

One of the top tips that we recommend for people in addiction treatment is to take daily walks. In spite of the pandemic, your new structure should focus on your physical, emotional and spiritual well-being. Walking is one of the simplest ways to give your body some much-needed movement. The best part is that you can do it even with social distancing rules. A brisk walk outdoors for half an hour every day can get your heart pumping the right way. Also, the time spent outdoors will help you escape the feelings of being caged.

Write down your feelings

Most addiction treatment experts recommend journaling as a coping mechanism and for good reason too. Pesky, anxious feelings are always going to come up. However, journaling gives you an avenue to access these feelings without any negative results. In fact, it is perhaps the cheapest self-care tip to help those in addiction treatment survive during the pandemic. 

You don’t have to write 3 pages every day. Simply take the time to reflect on important events from each day. You can also write out your negative feelings, filtering the reality from the nuances of an overwhelmed mind. That’s how you survive during a pandemic!

Let’s Help You

The tips outlined above can help you cope better as someone in addiction recovery. However, it’s just the tip of the iceberg. There are other parts to addiction recovery that can only be accessed by experts. That’s why Addiction Healing Centre is here.

As one of the leading providers of addiction treatment services in Vancouver, we have taken extra steps to remain open and provide safe services. Our friendly experts can chart a treatment course that will be effective and functional in spite of social distancing rules. Call Inspire Change Addiction Rehab in Vancouver for addiction treatment programs. Call 888 508 9802 to speak to any of our experts today! We are available 24/7.