Experts remind people in recovery to practice self-care and stay connected with technology
April 1 2020 – It is often said that addiction is a disease of isolation, and since COVID-19 precautions have suspended many 12-step program meetings throughout the country and social distancing recommendations have been put in place, Origins Behavioral Healthcare is offering tips for those in recovery to stay connected and practice self-care..jpg)
“As COVID-19 safety protocols continue to increase, those individuals in recovery will need access to support and social contact on which they depend,” said Dr. John Dyben, Chief Clinical Officer for Origins Behavioral Healthcare. “In these unprecedented times of social darkness and isolation, it’s critical for people in recovery to find new and creative ways of staying engaged with their sponsors, family members and others who are in recovery. At Origins, we are increasing the number of webinars and online meetings for our alumni and patient community and I host a weekly Podcast that anyone in the community can tune in and listen to. We also know that many 12-step programs are taking advantage of technology and hosting meetings online. I really encourage those seeking a meeting to keep looking – they are out there; they’re just in a different format.”
Origins Behavioral HealthCare is a licensed provider of gender- and age-specific residential substance use disorder treatment and continuing care services for adult men, adult women, and older adults. Their mission is to provide a clear path to a life of healing and restoration. With corporate headquarters in Dallas, the company’s innovative programs comprise a comprehensive continuum of care for the treatment of alcoholism, addiction, and co-occurring disorders. Origins’ premier residential and intensive outpatient campuses are located in carefully selected locations around the United States, including Hanley Center at Origins in West Palm Beach, Dallas and South Padre Island, Texas.
Dr. Dyben also suggests the following tips for those in recovery during the current health crisis:
•Daily meditation
•Use technology to stay connected with friends and family
•Share your feelings with someone – don’t stay in the dark
•Keep a gratitude journal
•Start a new hobby that feeds your soul
•Self-care is important – stay active, eat healthy and get enough sleep
•Be of service to others – call and check on an elderly neighbor or family member for example
•Get some fresh air – even with social distancing, go for a walk around the block or sit outside
Origins Behavioral Healthcare’s podcast entitled “Something More,” hosted by Dr. Dyben, is available to anyone. Episodes air every Friday on https://anchor.fm/somethingmore. The next episode will discuss the current COVID-19 pandemic and how to cope “in times of social darkness.” Kacy Ritter, Senior Director of Marketing and Alumni at Origins Behavioral Healthcare, will be the guest.
“It’s more important than ever that we all take things one day at a time, especially when things are changing moment by moment,” continued Dr. Dyben. “I continue to underscore with people that this is a temporary situation, and we are all looking forward to better times around the corner. In the meantime, following the tips above will make those difficult times seem a lot easier.”
To learn more about Origins Behavioral HealthCare and its programming in West Palm Beach, FL, please visit https://www.hanleycenter.org/ and https://www.headwatersorigins.com/. To learn more about its South Padre Island, TX, programs, please visit Origins Recovery Center’s Texas programming for men at www.originstexas.com and Hannah’s House Texas programming for women at www.hannahshouse.com. Please follow us on Facebook @originsrecoverycenters and on LinkedIn.
