Virtual Recovery Support Groups Keep You Connected Despite Social Distancing


Virtual Recovery Support Groups Keep You Connected Despite Social Distancing

While the nation and much of the world battles the uncertainty of the COVID-19 crisis, closer to home those in recovery are battling inner uncertainties -- how will we deal with existing health problems and more importantly, how do we cope with the social isolation that is expected of us right now when the #1 rule of recovery is NOT to isolate? Virtual recovery support groups represent one of several measures that Pocket Rehab and many treatment professionals nationwide are implementing to help those in recovery stay connected despite social distancing regulations and the uncertainty that comes with the Coronavirus.

 

COVID-19 Conditions Threaten Recovery

 

Historically, addiction thrives on the vulnerabilities that we struggle with. Things like job loss, loss of a loved one or family member, and poor health are widely known factors that could derail recovery even in circumstances that are otherwise “ideal.” COVID-19 threatens to derail people in recovery as pressures are placed on everyday interactions reducing access to medications, support, healthcare and even jobs. Where a community of recovery would thrive on supportive group involvement, in-person social networking, and ongoing therapeutic interactions, the recovery community is currently facing the exact opposite.

 

But there is hope!

 

Virtual Recovery Support Groups Offer Hope

 

In a time of uncertainty and when facing a sense of almost imminent failure, virtual recovery support groups offer a glimmer of hope in an otherwise sad and dangerously uncertain world. Pocket Rehab is offering in-app virtual recovery support groups to help members stay connected from their smartphones, tablets or similarly connected mobile devices. Despite the recommended CDC social distancing guidelines that have been set, and many in-person support groups having been canceled or discontinued as a result, Apps like Pocket Rehab have found a way to fill the void to allow members to remain actively involved in recovery support groups that pave the way to continued sobriety and healing.

 

12-step programs such as AA and NA are offering virtual support to members online and via scheduled Zoom meetings that are taking place daily. If you’re accustomed to spending time in an in-person group, a virtual support group may represent the next best thing for you while the coronavirus pandemic plays out in the rest of the world.

 

Virtual recovery support groups provide:

 

  • A place for those in recovery to connect, communicate and support one another.

  • Face-to-face meetings via in-app cameras and smartphone camera use that is similar to in-person connections--but safer.

  • Real time recovery support that is available around the clock from all corners of the world.

  • An opportunity for members to connect with others from all over the world.

  • Anonymity for those who may not want to actually connect with those in their immediate local community.

  • Ongoing support in between in-person interactions, phone calls with sponsors or friends, and therapy or other forms of recovery assistance. 

 

 

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Staying Sober Despite Social Distancing

 

Despite the rules or requirements of social distancing, we recommend you take the following measures to help stay sober during this challenging time:

 

  • Continue to do your part in following your recovery plan. We realize that you may have to make many modifications to your current recovery plan and, as creatures of habit, change can be scary--especially in a time of such uncertainty. But, change is good--try to stay positive!

  • Remember, this too shall pass!  Emotions can get the best of us, especially if we are unprepared for them or not thinking rationally about the role our current environment plays in the emotional state we are in. Don’t let your emotions get the best of you. Breathe and try to relax.

  • Remember the coping skills that you learned early on in your recovery. Avoid activities that make you feel disconnected and aim for activities that help you to feel supported. This may include things like making more frequent Facetime calls to a sober companion or support advocate, spending more time in the recovery community within Pocket Rehab or similar mobile versions of support, and attending Zoom-style support groups that allow you to see some familiar faces (and some not so familiar) that are equally interested in facilitating a recovery community that is conducive to healing.

  • Activate the social support of mobile connections in communities online. Staying connected with your community via FaceTime, Duo, Skype, Pocket Rehab, and various other forms of communication networks may be all you have right now--so you might as well make the best of it!

  • Identify emergency support options -- the Pocket Rehab Lifeline provides one option for you to immediately get support from your recovery community. Additional options for emergency support may include your therapist, sponsor, or healthcare provider. We hope you don’t find yourself in need of emergency support, but if the need does arise, it is important to have a plan in place.

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Where to Find Virtual Recovery Support Groups

 

In addition to the support groups and zoom meetings that are provided daily with Pocket Rehab, those in recovery may benefit from a diversified portfolio of support offerings much like would be provided if the world were not currently struggling with the COVID-19 outbreak. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, staying socially connected continues to be critically important in recovery despite the need to remain socially distant and to self-quarantine. As such, many options exist when it comes to virtual recovery support groups and resources. If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction to drugs or alcohol, or is in recovery, consider any of the following virtual support options available to assist you:

 

 

If you are looking for additional support options available virtually, check the Pocket Rehab app daily for new offerings. Around the clock support is available for the recovery community within the app which features more than 100K members. And, for emergency situations where immediate support is necessary, the My Lifeline support button will connect you with immediate recovery support no matter what time of the day or night it is.

 

COVID-19 is creating barriers and obstacles in our everyday routines and the way we live our lives, but it doesn’t have to make recovery any more difficult than it already is. Stay connected, share a virtual hug with someone in recovery, and get the help you need 24/7 for free right in the Pocket Rehab app--there’s no other community that is as prepared to give and receive support during this time -- in fact, at Pocket Rehab we were built to provide virtual recovery support!

Category: Pocket Rehab
Tags: pocket rehab, support groups, virtual support, online support, COVID-19, coronavirus, recovery support groups, recovery groups, recovery