When Covid-19 held the world in its grip, it became clearer every day: the need for recovery coaches was real and immediate. Sales of alcoholic beverages skyrocketed once stay-at-home orders were imposed. At first I suspected that the spike was largely due to less alcohol being consumed in restaurants, but even adjusting for that, the percentages are frightening. Furthermore, think about it: many more people were drinking at home. When you are at a restaurant you generally keep pace with other drinkers, and you make a conscious and audible choice each time you “order another”. Not so much with that bottle at home. I have a friend in recovery who often says “Alcohol doesn’t kill alcoholics, isolation does.” My own experience nearly proved that. As the consequences in my life increased, this perennial party girl turned inward and started self-medicating. At home. Who was going to judge my consumption there? And better yet, no danger of drinking and driving.
Another disturbing statistic appeared closely on the heels of the spike in alcohol sales. A study of 21 million Americans showed an alarming jump of 34% in sales of anti-anxiety medications in 2020. Most of these medications were in the class of benzodiazepines such as Valium, Xanax and Klonopin. These medications have dangerous side effects and should never be prescribed for long term use. They can be deadly when combined with alcohol, and withdrawal can be excruciating if not impossible. The main side effect of benzo withdrawal is major depression and it becomes a vicious and rapacious cycle. Ultimately there can be permanent damage to brain function. Benzos thankfully weren’t part of my story but I watched this happen to someone I loved and he will never be the same.
Experienced and compassionate recovery coaches helped remove the barriers to recovery that the pandemic erected. It’s no wonder many of us were experiencing worry, fear, anxiety and loneliness, but medicating with alcohol and drugs can quickly lead to or exacerbate substance abuse disorder. A recovery coach can help you explore and implement healthy tools and coping mechanisms. Support, accountability, structure, a wellness plan and scheduled breaks for fun, relaxation and self-care are all part of a coaching plan. A recovery coach is your ally, advocate, resource broker, motivator, lifestyle consultant, companion and more.
The after-effects of the Pandemic will haunt some of us forever. But it doesn't take a killer virus to bring on a state of anxiety or fear. Worry can cripple our motivation to engage with others. Even people who seem social and engaged can be tortured by loneliness.
Isolation can be dangerous but it doesn’t have to be deadly, and with the right support, solitude can inspire beauty, serenity and creativity.
Comments