With the new variant, Omicron, dropping just weeks before 2022, it’s no surprise that we may see COVID-19 restrictions carry on into this new year. These restrictions affect everybody, and while they may be massively inconvenient, most people are aware of their utilitarian intention. As a provider of intervention services DC, we know that those in recovery will be struggling as much as ever. For someone who has struggled with addiction, staying in recovery is the most important thing they can do.

The road to recovery is paved with challenges that can lead straight back to whatever you were addicted to in the first place. While the initial relief of relapse is rich, if you’ve opted for recovery then eventually you’ll return to the same point that leads you to seek recovery in the first place. Finding ways to keep yourself focused on your goals and intentions is imperative for keeping on track, especially during the holiday season as we enter our third year of a global pandemic.

Here is some advice to those of you who have started your path to recovery and are now struggling as we enter 2022 shoulder-to-shoulder with COVID-19.

Mind your Mind

The internet has made it easier than ever to share both facts and thoughts, and so we now have a proliferation of mostly irrelevant information being shown to us on a moment-by-moment basis. While the daily news has served some purpose in modern life, our obsession with knowing what’s happening on every corner of the globe has taken us away from the only time and place that ever matters: here and now.

Cut Back on Negative News

If you’re in recovery then chances are you’ve experienced some degree of depression and/or anxiety which, when triggered, often leads to the desire for escape through substance. Most mainstream media outlets share a lot of information that isn’t just unnecessary to hear or see but can also be incredibly upsetting or distressing.

Cutting back on the amount of mainstream news you watch can help you to feel more secure and stable in your daily life.

Find Positive Media to Consume

Cutting the news out of your daily life may leave a gap that needs filling, thankfully there is plenty of wholesome material out there which can amplify your life. Instead of finding another negative to fill that hole, try finding positive media which simply makes you happier and more hopeful.

Such things as:

• Podcasts about your hobbies or interests
• Inspirational videos on YouTube or other platforms
•  Apps that promote mental, emotional, or spiritual health

By taking on board more positive influences you may find yourself less stressed and thus less craving.

Spend More Time with or Talking to Friends and Family

This might seem a bit obvious, but it’s something many people have been hindered in over the last few years, and isolation can quickly become normal. Feelings of isolation can often lead to feeling depressed or anxious, which again are triggers for most people in recovery. A big reason why support groups are popular in our community is because having a healthy social life is key to staying in recovery.

If you can’t spend more physical time with friends or family, try to find other ways to communicate more regularly such as via social media or even through video games.

Become Who You Are

This famous quote by Nietzsche reminds us that we are actively becoming who we desire to be. This is just as important in daily life as it is in recovery, and certain steps can help you stay focused on that higher self while on that journey.

Know Who You Were

Whether you’ve come across this blog after having received help from our intervention services DC, or some other means, it can be helpful to occasionally reflect on that self you are trying to change. Of course, this should be done after having received adequate counseling to ensure you are able to consider your past self objectively.

Know Who You Want to Be

A typical part of recovery is identifying who you want to become, post-addiction. This can be represented by a visualization of a physically healthier self, or simply some virtues you which to personify. As with looking at your past self, considering your future self is best after having received adequate counseling.

Stay in Recovery with Recovery Care Partner

We hope this this article has given you some helpful guidance on staying in recovery this year and going forward. If you or a loved one is currently struggling with addiction, check out our website or contact us to learn more about how we can help. If you know someone who is struggling with addiction, check out our addiction services DC or contact us today to speak with a specialist.

Remember that while the road to recovery is difficult, there are countless people out there who have achieved it and are now living happily for it.