How to be There for a Loved One in Recovery During Social Distancing
The coronavirus is quickly spreading, and leaders all over the country are urging us to practice self-quarantine and social distancing measures in an effort to slow the curve of the spread of the virus. While social distancing does not mean social isolating, it is important for us to stay home and take extra precautions while in public. These measures are what is best for humanity, however, they can create an inconvenience for many people. This is especially true for individuals in recovery who rely on support and not becoming too lonely or bored in their daily lives. If you have a loved one in recovery during social distancing, learn ways you still can be there for them.
How to Safely Practice Social Distancing
First, it is important to know how to safely practice social distancing. According to CNN, major components of safe social distancing include:
- Keeping a distance of at least 6ft between yourself and others
- Avoiding public transportation, if possible
- Thoroughly washing or sanitizing goods purchased at grocery stores
- Avoiding unnecessary travel
- Avoid going to the doctor or dentist unless absolutely medically necessary
- Stop hosting playdates with children or hangouts with friends at your home, or going to other playdates and hangouts
- Avoiding public playgrounds and facilities such as public restrooms, gyms, and sport courts
- Distancing yourself from healthcare workers
- Avoid visiting elderly family members
- Staying home as much as possible
Check in with Your Loved One
One of the best and easiest things you can do to be there for a loved one in recovery during social distancing is to check in with them often. This can include phone calls, texts and more, but you can also take checking in to the next level. Some ideas include video chats, daily uplifting messages, and using social media to your advantage.
Schedule Time to Video Chat
A popular trend right now during social distancing is to have video chat hangouts with family and friends. Programs like Zoom, Facetime, and Google Hangout allow you to conference with multiple people at once. Some ideas for video chat hangouts include:
- Everyone putting on a movie at the same time and discussing thoughts and reactions throughout
- Ordering pizza, takeout, or cooking food at the same time to have “dinner” together
- Hosting a group yoga session or at-home workout
Send Daily Uplifting Messages
Everyone loves waking up to a good morning text and starting their day with a smile or good laugh. Spend some time searching Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest for uplifting content you can send your loved one, including:
- Motivational messages to start the day, whether about working out or getting things done
- Adorable videos or photos of their favorite animal, such as puppies or penguins
- Sending a positive news article to focus on, rather than more COVID-19 news
- A simple gif or emoji of a smile or wave
Use Social Media
Speaking of searching social media for great content, you can use social media to your advantage right now during social distancing. Not only for yourself, but also as a way to be there for your loved one in recovery.
A huge trend in social media right now is tagging friends to compete in challenges, such as the 10 push up challenge or the “See a Dog, Send a Dog” challenge. Tag your friends in these so that they are motivated to participate and do something healthy while social distancing at home.
In addition, there are a wealth of funny memes, videos, and jokes related to the coronavirus and social distancing in an effort to make light of the unusual situation we are all in. If you feel your loved one can relate to some, tag them!
Help Your Loved One with Goods and Things to Do
One of the simplest ways you can be there for a loved one in recovery during social distancing is to help them. If you find that they are stressed out about their food supply or are running low on a certain item, help them alleviate this stress by sharing any extra you may have or doing some shopping for them. Social distancing tip: Make sure you simply leave these goods on their doorstep and do your best to sanitize them.
You can also help your loved one with things to do. This can include going on a secluded social distancing walk with them, staying 6 feet apart. You can also offer to join them in an online workout class, a virtual cooking class, or start playing some online games with them for some friendly competition.
About Cliffside Malibu
One of the most important parts for individuals in recovery is making sure that they are not too isolated, bored, or stressed, which can trigger a relapse. However, during these uncertain times and social distancing measures, it can be difficult to avoid these feelings. Doing your best to be there for your loved one in recovery during social distancing is important to help avoid a relapse, but if you find that they have relapsed, make sure you give us a call.
Since no two addictions are the same, we develop individualized treatment plans for every client at Cliffside Malibu. We are committed to providing evidence-based treatment through a continuum of care model across a range of levels of care, including medically supervised detox, residential treatment, day treatment, and outpatient services. Our program includes family therapy and holistic therapy, as well. Whether an individual is suffering from substance abuse and/or alcohol addiction, our programs are structured to create a supportive environment where healing can begin.
In addition to world-class treatment, Cliffside Malibu offers luxury accommodations, a serene environment, five-star dining, and plentiful amenities. We understand that addiction treatment is a rigorous process. Therefore, we provide for your comfort and relaxation at every turn, allowing you to rejuvenate, and meet the demands of treatment with your greatest energy and attention.
For more information on Cliffside Malibu, visit cliffsidemalibu.com