Fortunately, there are also numerous resources available to help people who are in recovery from drug and alcohol addiction to maintain their wellness during this time. Gwinnett residents and those in neighboring communities are encouraged to take advantage of the following resources recommended by our local nonprofit, Navigate Recovery Gwinnett.
Stay Physically Distant But Well-Connected
While intentional isolation is appropriate and needed to combat the virus, it doesn’t have to come at the sacrifice of your sense of social connection to others.
“Recovery always works best in community,” said Farley Barge, executive director of Navigate Recovery. “We know that this time period may put an added strain on people who are working to maintain their recovery, but there are many ways to counteract that. In fact, we see our community coming together in brand new ways to make sure everyone feels supported.”
As much as possible, stay in tune with your mental and physical health, and reach out even when you’re doing well. Your voice or virtual presence could make all the difference for another person today.
Talk Directly to a Recovery Coach
There’s nothing like a direct person-to-person connection to help you stay on track and talk through any difficulties you may be experiencing on your recovery journey.
Navigate Recovery has certified recovery coaches standing by to guide you through this new challenge. Remote coaching by phone opens up a vital communication channel if you are seeking encouragement or help in maintaining your recovery efforts. Coaches can also follow up to check in on your recovery progress and provide more resources, as needed.
Coaches are available to talk Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. EST. Call (678) 743-1808 and enter Ext. 101 when you hear the voice prompt. Don’t hesitate to call.
Attend Virtual Recovery Meetings
For many people, recovery meetings are a lifeline and a hallmark of their daily routines. That doesn’t have to change, even though meetings are now taking place in a virtual format. Scheduled meetings help provide structure to your day, which is beneficial for maintaining a sense of normalcy as you shelter at home.
Navigate Recovery offers virtual meetings twice daily, Monday through Saturday, at noon and 7:30 p.m. Visit navigaterecoverygwinnett.org to find the link to connect. The meetings are “All Recovery,” meaning they are open to all who struggle with addiction, are affected by addiction, or support the recovery lifestyle.
“All Recovery meetings are intended to offer a time and place for people with experience with addiction and recovery to come together and learn from each other,” said Barge. “Navigate Recovery supports all pathways to recovery, which means all members of the recovery community are welcomed to this meeting and the format is meant to be very open.”
Access Additional Resources
Navigate Recovery is also compiling a list of additional meetings available through outside organizations that may be useful for your recovery needs. Visit navigaterecoverygwinnett.org to view the list.
Lastly, faith communities have also moved their services online. Tuning in can be another way to connect to a greater sense of purpose, meaning, and comfort. Contact Navigate Recovery if you need a recommendation for a local church providing online services.
Rest assured that you are not alone. These are stressful times, and it’s normal to feel a heightened sense of uncertainty or anxiety. Use these resources and stick to healthy coping mechanisms to maintain your wellbeing during this temporary season.
