Currently it’s estimated that 20% of the worlds population is under lockdown as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. Churches and other places of worship are closed, gatherings of more that 10 people in South Africa are prohibited and recreational visits are not allowed. This leaves those in recovery isolated and unsure of what to do.
Something that was emphasised in my early recovery was the importance of a home group and connecting with others in recovery. A home group is a meeting I attended religiously, I was of service at this meeting and connected with the members of that meeting. This gave me a feeling of being part of a community, a group of people who understood what I had been through and were able to guide me on the path out of hopelessness. Addiction is a disease that thrives in isolation, recovery thrives through connection.
The current world situation means that those in recovery are not able to connect as they used to. We are unable to physically attend meetings, unable to sit across from a sponsor and do step work, unable to socialise with friends in recovery. As a result there is a feeling of disconnection. We are currently unable to do the things that we were told would keep us clean. I have heard many say, “when this is all over I can focus on my recovery.”
The reality is, that this attitude is not realistic. There is uncertainty as to how long this pandemic will last and what the new normal will look like. Relapse, overdose and death are real for those who are not actively working a recovery program. Waiting is not an option.
The worldwide fellowships of AA and NA have had to adapt to the current world situation to ensure that those looking for recovery can find it. Previously underused technology has become the primary way of keeping addicts and alcoholics connected. Meetings have moved online using various platforms such as Zoom and Skype.
There are currently 1000’s of meetings taking place all over the world at all hours of the day. The ability to connect has become so much easier. At anytime of the day I am able to connect with addicts all over the world. I am able to join meetings I would never physically have been able to attend. Theses platforms allow for the community to maintain their recovery and for new people to find recovery.
The sponsor – sponsee relationship has also had to move online, the means to be taken through the steps is there – via email, WhatsApp and the meeting platforms. A process that was previously reserved for long distance sponsorship and prisons can work for everyone in these times.
The “normal” way of doing recovery from addiction is no longer possible. But we live in a time where connection has become so much easier when I embrace what is available to me – technology. The ability to connect is there and recovery is still possible.
If you believe you have a problem and need help, please follow the links below and join the community.
https://www.aasouthafrica.org.za/Meetings.aspx
Brett Fortune. Addiction Counsellor.
