The Struggles of Sobriety and Recovery in 2020
We’ve reached the middle of December. Whether you’ve come to terms with it or not, we’re quickly closing in on the end of another year. I know I’m not alone in feeling like it’s still April or May. The time has passed both slower than seems possible and faster than I can comprehend. It’s been a complete whirlwind of a year.
I also know I’m not alone when I say this has been the hardest year of my life. As a person in active recovery from alcohol and drug addiction, it’s been a huge challenge to make it through sober. I was a walking miracle before but getting through 2020 without turning to any substances only proves how true that is.
When shelter-in-place orders first came around during March, jokes about drinking the days away made their rounds. At-home happy hours on Zoom kept the “quarantinis” flowing as those in recovery worked to hang onto their days, months, or years. Anxiety has been at an all-time high for everyone but staying sober seemed to sharpen the nervousness.
Addiction experts worried about the impact of isolation on both addicts and “normies” alike. Statistics gathered throughout the year confirmed their concerns. 2020 placed an incredible amount of pressure on people from all walks of life. Those in recovery felt a particularly acute sense of stress that still has yet to subside.
Substance Abuse Statistics in 2020
Researchers conducted dozens of studies from the time that isolation orders were put into place. A tracking poll from the Kaiser Family Foundation collected data on the negative impacts of COVID-19. Of those surveyed in March of 2020, 12% reported increases in alcohol or substance use, usually as a result of loneliness, worry, and stress.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released another report in June on the same concerns. Again, 13% of people surveyed reported either starting substance use or increasing their existing use. Additionally, 31% reported symptoms of anxiety or depression and 11% had seriously considered suicide.
Recent research also reveals that individuals with substance use disorders are more susceptible to contracting COVID-19. If there wasn’t enough reason to put down the substances before, active alcohol and drug use put you more at risk for catching the coronavirus.
Not only are people with substance problems at greater risk, but they’re also more likely to experience adverse outcomes. They’re more at risk of needing hospitalization after contracting COVID-19 than those who don’t use substances.
Staying Sober Despite it All
The experts weren’t the only ones concerned when shelter-in-place started up. Everyone in the recovery community expressed their fears about staying sober while isolated. 12-step meetings that were a central part of the sobriety of millions quickly closed their doors. Zoom meetings stepped in to take their place but came with an uncomfortable adjustment period.
Social support is a crucial part of maintaining addiction recovery. It helps me stay sober when I’m able to help other people. The limited opportunities to help people this year have challenged my recovery more than ever before. I’m grateful for the people I do get to work with who keep me connected with my life’s purpose and work.
Despite the incredible challenges this year has put us through, I know we can stay sober. Recovery is possible for all of us, even in the moments when it feels like you can’t stand another second. Learning to adapt is vital for long-term recovery and that’s exactly what this year has encouraged me to do.
The impacts of COVID-19 are far from over but you don’t have to let that derail your recovery. I understand the struggles of sobriety which means you’re not alone in this journey. We’re walking through this year together, no matter how far apart we might be, one day at a time.
Whether this is your first attempt to get sober or you’ve lost count of the number of times you tried (like me), please reach out by email. Let’s get a conversation started today: jake@emergerecovery.org
