There is no question that the world and its citizens are going through some of the most troubled times in living memory. For those in recovery from addiction, such times can be particularly stressful and difficult. Where can we turn to for support and inspiration to find a light in the darkness? There are many places. Online video counseling and therapy, support groups, sponsors, family, sometimes, even Twitter.
Here are a few Twitter words of wisdom that have caught our eye over the past few weeks…
Vic Vela is an American radio personality and the host of “Back from Broken,” a powerful podcast about addiction and recovery. There is no better time than now to be reminded of the need for empathy. In dealing with the loss of hundreds of thousands of lives, the loss of livelihood for even more around the world, the mental health struggles brought about by stress and isolation, and those triggered to relapse by their struggles in these trying times, it’s crucial for all of us to remember that empathy, compassion, and caring for one another are often the best medicines available to us.
One of the most important lessons we can apply in dealing with the virus and addiction is to look inward and seek to understand and grow with our emotional responses. Missing, or even losing, friends and family members is a cause for sorrow. But rather than trying to run from this pain, we must explore it, “sit with it,” and let it become a part of our lives. Hard times need not limit us, they can help us grow if we open ourselves up and confront them fearlessly and honestly. Dr. Gabor Mate is one of our favourite thinkers on the subjects of addiction and mental health, and his call for us to embrace and understand our pain as a way to avoid becoming traumatized is both wise and timely.
Johann Hari, like Dr.Mate, has spent years offering challenging, refreshing, and original ideas on the subjects of addiction and mental health. The Covid crisis has shown us just how fragile the materialistic system that underpins modern life truly is. A microscopic virus has upended the international economy, and demonstrated that many of the things we take for granted in life can disappear in an instant. While this can certainly cause anxiety and fear, it can also teach us a great deal about life, if we’re willing to learn. Status and wealth are fickle, but a meaningful life built on the principles of love, compassion, and service to others will be a cause of happiness, security, and fulfillment in even the most trying of times.
This is an incredibly timely message. As the world pours resources into the search for a vaccine, we are once again reminded that addictions research, medicine, and treatment all suffer from chronic under-funding caused by the stigma which continues to surround the addicted. Our governments’ reactions to the opioid epidemic stand in stark contrast to COVID-19. They have moved painfully slowly to curtail the most deadly effects of addiction, spent precious little money on researching promising treatments like ibogaine, and allowed unscrupulous drug companies to rake in record profits as the most vulnerable communities suffered. As we rebuild our societies and medical systems in the wake of the virus, it’s time to end the stigma surrounding addiction and take care of those in need. It’s heartening to see the medical establishment begin to get on board.
We’ve written before about SMART Recovery, and explored the comparison between its model of peer support and traditional 12 Step groups. This tweet is an excellent example of their Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) informed model for dealing with life. By focusing on the actions that you can take to maintain your physical and mental health, and trying to let go of anxieties fueled by uncontrollable outside forces, you can greatly improve your sense of well-being. Try to be mindful of your thoughts, and pro-active in doing all you can to safeguard your own health, rather than agonizing over every single thing you hear on the news and social media. Obsessing over what you can’t do right now isn’t going to help you live your best life. Doing all you can to maintain your recovery will.
For those in lockdown, it’s easy to slip into a pattern of increased substance use. For those who have recently relapsed, your old, counter-productive methods of dealing with stress, anxiety, fear, and trauma may seem especially alluring at this moment. But this quick message is a good reminder that drugs and alcohol aren’t the only things capable of making you feel good during this dark period. They are simply creating detrimental changes in your brain’s system of dopamine production and reception that are leading you down the dangerous road toward addiction. If you’re interested in learning about how ibogaine therapy can reverse these changes, click here.
“Nothing, to my way of thinking, is a better proof of a well ordered mind than a man’s ability to stop just where he is and pass some time in his own company.” — #Seneca, #LettersFromaStoic #Stoicism
— TheAurelian (@HouseAurelius) May 23, 2020
This ancient quote can offer us all a bit of wisdom that will help us to thrive under quarantine. Whether you take pleasure in your own company while practicing mindfulness, doing yoga, journalling, or quietly reflecting on life and nature, gaining comfort with your self and your thoughts is an essential component of recovery. The desire to escape one’s own pain, past trauma, automatic thoughts, guilt, or sense of isolation are all forces that drive substance abuse. The ability to settle into yourself, and find peace in your own company can make an immense difference in the ability to lead a happy and fulfilled life. Many of us have a great deal of time on our hands in the current moment. Sit down with yourself and explore your own thoughts, dreams, and ideas about life.
The most important thing we can tell anyone who is struggling in recovery or contemplating a sober lifestyle is that life is better on the other side of addiction. Happiness, health, joy, connection and purpose are all possible, no matter how far away they seem at this moment. If you’re having a hard time right now, make sure that you put aside a few minutes each day to reflect on the benefits that can be gained from living without substances of abuse. Make time for the moments that can change your life. And if you feel you need our help on this journey, get in touch with Tabula Rasa Retreat today!
For further information visit www.tabularasaretreat.com or call PT +351 965 751 649 UK +44 7961 355 530