The COVID-19 pandemic changed the direction of our lives in the blink of an eye. It has left us with an escalating set of worries. At the same time, we are trying to figure out a new normal in coping with isolation during coronavirus. The scary thing is that for some of us, coping with isolation during the coronavirus may lead us down the wrong path – choosing to medicate through drugs or alcohol. That can send you into a dark cycle. But you can find a way out, and Right Step Hill Country can help.
Being isolated means we must figure out how to process a fearsome set of concerns such as a deep recession, the prospect of being out of work, getting ill, all by ourselves. In literal terms, we’ve been grounded and restricted from seeing friends or family.
Isolation as a Source of Stress
Some people can handle being alone just fine, but for others, it increases anxiety. And as we have learned, anxiety is both emotional and physiological, prompting responses such as increases in blood sugar, blood pressure, heartbeat.
Isolation leads to stress. And what we know is that stress can lead to, and deepen substance abuse. Traumatic events can make it worse. For example, in the aftermath of 9/11, researchers found increases in substance abuse among New York residents.
So the isolation we are experiencing during the time of the COVID-19 pandemic can be – but doesn’t have to be – a stepping stone to problems with substance abuse. If this is something that concerns you, reach out to our mental health treatment center. Our counselors and our programs can help support you during this trying period.
Coping with Isolation During Coronavirus
There are many steps you can take in coping with isolation during coronavirus that can reinforce your ability to stay mentally and physically healthy. At this time, we can make technology our friend. We can communicate with anyone we want, at any time, through almost any means, at the click of a mouse.
Human connection is the key to coping with isolation during coronavirus. Reach out to friends, to family, to co-workers for that personal connection. You can also try a few of these tips for emotional health from the Centers for Disease Control to help break the hold isolation has on you:
- Enjoy nature
- Limit exposure to news
- Eat well
- Practice meditation
- Reach out to mentors or sponsors
- Reach out to others through online church groups
How Substance Abuse Looks
Maybe your efforts at coping with isolation have already taken you in the wrong direction. You’re worried that you potentially may have taken steps toward substance abuse. It’s understandable because this is a stressful time and you are human. Here are some signs to look for that might indicate it’s time to make the call to our outpatient rehab center:
- Acting unusually uninhibited
- Onset of paranoia or suspicion
- Bloodshot or glassy eyes
- Aggressiveness, argumentative
- Restlessness, overloaded with energy
Call for Help
We’ve all been handed a situation that’s out of our control. While we’d like to say we can master anything – sometimes it’s just not the case. If your coping with isolation during coronavirus has led to an abuse of drugs or drinking, Right Step Hill Country has the resources to help. Don’t go through this alone. Our clinical team has the experience and we have the programs to help bring you back to sobriety. We provide a full range of addiction treatment programs, including an inpatient rehab center, intensive outpatient program, and prescription drug addiction treatment programs. Call us at 1.844.675.1628 for an initial consultation.