For many people, community and social support is an essential part of recovery from substance abuse. With current social distancing and higher stress levels, continued social connectedness to maintain recovery is critically important. What can you do when your regular support networks shut down to stop the spread of COVID-19? The recovery community has reacted quickly to create ways people can find support, demonstrating love and concern for each other during this stressful time. Remember: You are not alone, and countless others know exactly what you’re going through.There are many approaches to recovery and we have done our best to list some of the main resources. Here are several places to get started.
12 Step Meetings
If you are already involved in 12 Step Recovery, check with your local Intergroup office to see if your regular meetings have a direct link for on-line connection. That is the best way to ensure you can attend, especially if a password is required.Below are some of the direct links to Wisconsin groups and national/international as well.
Virtual Supports for Substance Abuse, Mental Illness, General Mental Health
For folx in recovery from behavioral health challenges that may or may not include substance abuse, the following includes some additional resources:
We Connect Recovery: Provides daily online recovery groups for those with substance use and mental illness
The National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI) HelpLine: Coronavirus Information and Resources Guide
Unity Recovery + WEconnect + Alano Club: Provides daily virtual meeting for those in recovery and for their family members
In the Rooms: A global recovery community that’s been offering alternatives to face-to-face meetings for years. You can join avariety of group meetings, from AA to meditation, several times a day.
There are many paths to recovery, and below is a list of additional substance abuse resources:
LifeRing Secular Recovery: This organization’s philosophy is that “there are as many ways to live free of drugs and alcohol as there are stories of successful sober people.”
Self-Management and Recovery Training (SMART) Recovery offers a global community of mutual-support groups, forums including a chat room and message board:
Soberistas: Provides a women-identified-only international online recovery community
Reddit Recovery: Offers a virtual hang out and support