You Are Missing Out on Support: Addiction in Isolation

You Are Missing Out on Support: Addiction in Isolation

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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.

Connect GMC at info@ginmanconsulting.com

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

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.

Email us at info@ginmanconsulting.com

(Guest Blogger Traylan Wilturner) Resting During a Pandemic

Resting During a Pandemic

      Image courtesy of Unsplash            

As we all know the COVID-19 has made its debut all around the world. This virus has caused sore throats and high fevers in more than 400 thousand people leading to over 20 thousand deaths. This more than enough information to cause panic. Although there’s yet to be a cure, there has been more than 100 thousand recoveries from the virus. (These numbers are available on worldometers.info) Are these odds enough to give a sense of relief and calm the rest of the population during what seems like a very scary time?

Just Breathe and Quarantine

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-Don’t stress. Becoming ill is often something that’s out of our control, but we do have control over our hygiene. Washing our hands should already be part of our natural duties. Do you really keep track of how often you do? Sure after using the restroom or touching something disgusting. Maybe this task should be done more often especially during a world spread virus attack. If practicing good hygiene is already a part of your routine then why stress it?

-Social Distancing. I’m sure we’ve all been told to stay at home, try not to be in public when not necessary and to keep at least a 6 feet distance from others. Not only will these very important steps help you with avoiding this virus, but also allows you some “Me Time”. So basically this is the perfect time for you to avoid whatever drama and sickness others shall bring!

-Social Media. What else is there to do while stuck at home? Turning to Instagram, Facebook and Twitter may add a lot more stress to the situation than you may realize. These outlets are full of fake news, nasty opinions and scare stories. If you need information or updates on what’s happening what an accredited news broadcast. If you need entertainment to feed you boredom try exercising, reading a book or even that “to do list” you haven’t had time to get to.

Don’t allow this pandemic to stress you.

Embrace it.

Believe you can handle it.

Believe that you will be ok.

-Maria Shriver

Do Not Fear The Inevitable!