5 Ways to Help Your Family Recover from SUD During a Pandemic

The Covid-19 pandemic has put a lot of stress in everyone and one of the most affected are those in recovery from substance use disorder.

This has also put in added stress on family and friends who are trying their best to support them. How do you help your family recover?

Substance use disorder or any other kinds of addiction is a “disease of isolation”, according to Dr. Marvin Seppala, chief medical officer at the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation. In this time of pandemic which requires people to isolate themselves to be protected from the virus, those with SUD become increasingly at risk.

For the safety and health of individuals with SUD and their families, it is very important that treatment centers and recovery programs adhere to the infection control protocols,  thuse reducing their accessibility.

Individuals with SUD also suffer from chronic illnesses such as heart, liver and kidney diseases, diabetes and hypertension, and are considered at risk for developing Covid19.

Social distancing poses a unique problem for people with SUD and in their journey to recovery because it limits connection. This is going to be an extra challenging time for people with SUD because an important part of the recovery process is social support.

But hope is not lost as there are ways to help your family recovery from SUD in this time of a pandemic. Remember that you can help them best by helping yourself first.

1. Follow the government’s guidelines on safety measures to prevent the spread of the virus.

Whichever state you are living in, the state and the federal government have  provided precautionary measures to help keep you and your family safe. These guidelines are created for the good and safety of everybody. As mentioned above, individuals suffering from SUD usually have underlying health issues which put them at risk for contracting the virus.

2. Find a BALM Coach to walk with you through these challenges.

The internet is our greatest gift at this time. Social distancing may be important to save lives right now, but connecting with others is easier than ever, sans the physical touch. BALM coaches work online to serve clients. You can call us at 1-888-998-2256 to connect with a BALM coach and move through your own BALM family recovery.

3. Reach out and connect more with the important people in your life.

This pandemic has brought everyone a lot of emotions. Because of the sudden shift in our daily lives like restrictions of movement, many felt a lot of negative emotions. People usually define themselves according to the job that they do. Without their jobs or titles, many feel like they have lost their sense of identity. People felt fearful, anxious and worried about the uncertainty of life at the moment. This may be the most important time to connect with our loved ones, especially those suffering from SUDs as they could feel more isolated than ever.

4. Help them be productive and keep substances away.

Being productive keeps the mind busy. Isolation can destroy everything that they’ve worked hard for in regards to the individual with SUD and the family’s recovery journey. Keep all substances out of the house and make a list of things that can be done inside the house. Learning something new like how to play an instrument or other creative projects can help a lot in keeping the mind occupied. Physical activities such as yoga or working out at home can also help a lot in keeping your loved ones from relapse.

5. Ask for help from a BALM Family Recovery Life Coach

A lot of times, we skip asking for help because it makes us look weak. The days ahead are uncertain and we may find ourselves in a situation that has never happened before. Contact the BALM Institute to connect with a BALM coach at 1-888-998-2256. Joining a family recovery program will provide the necessary information and support needed especially in a time like this.

The BALM® Family Recovery Education Program

The BALM® Family Recovery Education program is a one year program using the Be A Loving Mirror (BALM®) Method of Family Recovery. This powerful program includes instructions and practices which increases the family member’s inner peace and improves communication that often helps a loved one to choose recovery.

We believe that by helping the family, the struggling loved one has a better chance of attaining and maintaining recovery.

Learn more about The BALM® Family Recovery Program (BALM Comprehensive) here.

Call 1-888-998-BALM (2256) to inquire.