State of Emergency
Georgia’s governor Brian Kemp recently declared a state of emergency and implemented many quarantine actions in the interest of public safety. At Willingway, we temporarily suspended family visitation and implemented other measures to ensure everyone’s wellbeing. As a country, we’ve been asked to practice social distancing: avoiding large gatherings, church, playdates, gyms, retail stores, and other activities that involve close contact with other people.
Unfortunately, staying at home might present a challenge for someone trying to manage alcohol or substance abuse disorder if they typically rely on face-to-face support with counselors, physicians, and support networks.
To help you navigate this time, we advise returning to your toolbox of coping skills–and exploring the many options for connecting with support groups, friends, and professionals online.
Finding Online Connection During the Quarantine
If you’re participating in individual counseling or a 12-Step program, make a point to stay in frequent touch with your therapist and sponsor. There are many online video options for this, including:
Some of these sites are free; others have free trials and staggered-pricing plans. Most are accessible through phones, tablets, or computers.
If you normally attend an in-person support group, such as a local 12-Step program or one of Willingway’s continuing care community groups, find out if there’s an online option for your meeting or if you can coordinate a video chat or calling circle among members.
Reach out to friends and family members through these services, too, or try free video options such as:
- WhatsApp on Android devices
- FaceTime on Apple devices
- Marco Polo or Snapchat
- Facebook Messenger and Instagram Live Video, which you can use with anyone you’re friends with who also uses these services
Even virtually, face-to-face conversations are still more beneficial for building empathy through eye contact and human interaction. Try something like sharing dinner together online to reduce feelings of isolation.
Explore Online Support Groups
There are hundreds of online support groups that provide connection for people during challenging times. Whether you’re trying to maintain your routines during recovery, dealing with complications as a caregiver, unable to schedule an appointment with your therapist right away due to their workload, or need additional support because of emotional or mental health issues, an online group might provide solace until your usual networks are back in place.
We don’t extend an endorsement of any particular service or program—we’re just providing a list of resources to consider. Ask your therapist or sponsor for additional recommendations.
- 7 Cups of Tea
- AA meetings online and speaker tapes
- Anxiety and Depression Association of America
- Daily Strength
- Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance
- In the Rooms
- LifeChurch
- Open to Hope
- SMART Recovery
- Support Groups Central
- Talkspace
Let Us Help
The Willingway family wants to offer our sincere support and encouragement during this time. Turn to us on our Facebook page or in the CaredFor app, review our blog posts for helpful resources, or contact us directly if you or a loved one needs guidance for inpatient rehabilitation or outpatient services.
