Wednesday, April 29, 2020

You Are Missing Out on Support: Addiction in Isolation


You Are Missing Out on Support: Addiction in Isolation

(Picture Courtesy of Unsplash)

COVID-19 has many in isolation from normal everyday activities. Life of freedom to move around and participate in events such as concerts, travel, movie theaters, doctor appointments and much more will never feel the same as before. Life as we know it now is very secluded.
Seclusion means that positive coping strategies for life stressors are hard to implement while in isolation. Addictions are a much easily accessible means to dealing with life stressors. Online resources to m a n a g i n g the stressors that cause addiction is best alternative to almost extinct daily activities.


 (Picture Courtesy of Unsplash)

If you have been living in isolation try various online resources for social interactions and activities.

#1 Peer Support
It’s always good to be able to connect to others who can relate to your addiction causing situation. Since face to face isn’t the healthiest option right now, try some online communities. There are a variety of AA or NA online support. Try some Facebook communities for positive support. Google search for a peer support group that fits your needs.

#2 Family Support
Sometimes more intimacy is desired to express any addictive stressors or concerns. It may not be a good idea to pop up at a relatives house because of COVID isolation. Use electronic resources such as Facetime, Zoom or Duo to connect face to face virtually.

#3 Therapeutic Support
Now more than ever, therapy is beneficial to help manage stressors that cause addictive behaviors. Therapy offices and clinics may be temporarily unavailable but telehealth has reached a new height for being the norm for therapy sessions.


Don’t let COVID isolation get the best of you and turn your life upside down.
Not having social interactions and activities can be a detrimental factor in the escalation of addictive behaviors.
Take a better route and connect virtually!



If you need direction or assistance on
making positive virtual connections,
GMC is here to guide you.


Wednesday, April 15, 2020

Uh-Oh! You Are Dealing With Triggers of Covid the Wrong Way





People who experience traumatic events sometimes find substance use as a way to deal with the situation. Drugs and/or alcohol furnish negative coping strategies in reaction to dramatic situations. Now with the horrific experience of COVID19, substance use may be the comforting shoulder for many. When dealing with a traumatic event, evaluate if you want a positive outcome or negative outcome. Choosing to use drugs to cope will normally result in negative consequences.


Positive Coping Strategies That Equal Positive Results

Distractors Alcohol and drugs are distractors but they keep you from living a healthy and prosperous life. Instead occupy your thoughts and time with positive distractors from reexperiencing trauma. Participate in exercising to your favorite song, cleaning an area of your house that is cluttered or declutter your mind by journaling, drawing or art work.

Interactors Being around positivity can brighten your mood and decrease thoughts of using substances such as drugs and alcohol. Spend time with a positive friend or family member via FaceTime or Duo or talk to your next best friend, AKA your pet.

Counselors Sometimes it takes a professional to change your perspective or outlook on a traumatic situation. Sometimes your feelings and emotions are private and you do not want to share with others who know you. Seek a therapist to confide in and get advice.

Remember… just because a situation yields a negative pathway does not mean your response to dealing with the situation has to be negative. Negative coping will only make negativity the continuing pattern.





Let’s talk about COVID19. Talking out ways to effectively handle trauma is the best option!
Schedule a session today at ginmanconsulting.setmore.com

For more information about how therapeutic techniques can help you.