i haven't been on this site for almost 10 years now, under another name i no longer have access to, but wanted to hop on and say that i am still sober to this day. i thought a lot about this site over the years. specifically about those going through the process of getting clean during such a trying time where COVID exists in the world. hoping everyone is doing alright.
Good question! I just hit my 8-year mark and one thing that occurred to me was how horribly bad it would have been to chase pills during COVID. Not only would it have been tough (but not impossible) to come up with a "cover story" as to why I was going out for an hour 1-2 times per week, but I could see sources drying up, having to go to more risky sources, having to go to doctors offices, etc. It would have been stressful on top of the regular stress everyone is feeling from the crisis. And it would have put me in a position to be more likely to get infected, not least of which because I just took stupid chances when I was actively addicted. I work from home and my main hobbies are swimming and golf, and I am allowed to do both during COVID, so things are really pretty good for me. I worry about a lot of the other folks out there who don't have it so good and try to help however I can. I think the hardest part is not knowing if or when things will go back to normal. If we could put an end-date on everything, I think it would be easier. But we really don't have that yet. What I told me kids is this: These are tough times. The best you can do is conduct yourself in a way that when you look back on this in ten years, you can be proud of how you behaved and what you did.
WAYYYYY to optimistic!!!! lmao
Yes, it has been quite the year for both addiction and for any challenges related to mental wellbeing! All the things that already predispose some to self isolation are now being compounded by forced isolation and fear of human interaction. I'm wondering if people are adapting to different ways to work recovery, though. I personally haven't been going to meetings because the Zoom medium just isn't right for me. It's weird, awkward, and just overall not right. However, I've been working with my doctors, therapist, and other support team to maintain sobriety. It's working for me, but may not be a great recipe for everyone. I'd be curious to know what others are doing too! And yeah, this forum and the addiction social forum used to be pretty active. I'm not sure why they've quieted down so much over the past couple years. I'd like to think fewer people are struggling with addiction, but I'm guessing that's a bit too optimistic!