If there’s one thing we’ve all had an abundance of these past two months, it’s time. Following social distancing, orders have meant more time at home and less at work or on the go. For some people, extra downtime is a challenge as it can open the door to bad habits, such as substance abuse. With commitment and creativity, you can think of ways for how to fill your time sober in quarantine.
Putting the emphasis on sobriety at this time is crucial. Worry fills the air, and as stresses rise, so too does the inclination to put out the fires with drugs or alcohol. It can quickly lead you down the road into a cycle of substance abuse and dependence.
Keeping busy is one way to conquer the demons of substance abuse. If you determine how to fill your time sober in quarantine, you will emerge from the pandemic stronger, healthier, and happier.
How to Fill Your Time Sober in Quarantine
Of course, saying it and doing it are two different things. Figuring out how to fill your time sober in quarantine isn’t the easiest task, but it can be done, with the support of loved ones, and, if necessary, the staff of recovery centers such as Right Step Houston
The first and most important step in maintaining sobriety is making sure to take care of yourself — mentally and physically. Some other good steps to follow include:
- Connect with family and friends – using technology such as social media or teleconference tools such as Zoom.
- Serve others. Look for ways you can safely volunteer to help others, such as a food bank.
- Seek out addiction support groups. Some of these may have moved online.
- Seek support through the church. Some groups may also be meeting online.
- Adopt a pet
- Keep a journal
- Lose yourself in music
Loneliness and Substance Abuse
Researchers have documented a connection between loneliness and substance abuse — multiple times. For instance, a 2014 study in the Journal of High Risk Behaviors and Addiction found statistically significant differences in loneliness, measured in emotional, social, romantic, and familial terms, between people with substance abuse disorders, and those without.
That’s why it’s important to understand how to fill your time sober in quarantine. Taking better care of yourself can go a long way to keeping your sobriety in check. Addiction experts offer specific suggestions, including:
- Turn off the news
- If you have a sponsor, schedule regular check-ins
- Get outside to see nature more
- Exercise regularly
- Get a good night’s rest
- Eat well
- Stay connected through technology (video conference calls)
Getting Treated
It’s possible that as the pandemic has unfolded, sobriety has slipped away. That’s where recovery centers such as Right Step Houston come in. Right Step offers the treatment and counseling programs to get your life back on track. Here’s an overview of what to expect:
- Initial assessment, where doctors learn about you and your history with drugs or alcohol
- Development of a comprehensive treatment plan
- Detox, to flush the drugs and alcohol out of your system under the supervision of a doctor
- Counseling, either individually or in group sessions
- Aftercare, to guard against relapse
There is no shame in asking for help. Right Step Houston and our sister centers employ the clinical experts to help you restore stability.
Addressing Your Needs
COVID-19 is the biggest challenge of our lives. For all of us, the temptation is high to go down the wrong road. It’s a good time to review ideas for how to fill your time sober in quarantine. You don’t have to struggle with sobriety alone, even at a time of isolation. The counselors and clinicians at Right Step Houston are here to assist. We provide a full range of treatment programs, including inpatient drug treatment centers, outpatient drug treatment centers, and prescription drug addiction treatment programs. Call a counselor today at 1.844.768.0169 for an initial consultation.