The desire to connect with alumni and their families has been heavy on my heart and mind over the last week. The recent increase of restrictions on social gatherings and meetings, while helping stop the spread of COVID-19, poses a unique set of challenges for recovering families.
We must be responsible and practice social isolation, but we do not have the luxury to disconnect. The disease of addiction loves isolation and we must be diligent and hold each other accountable to maintain regular and consistent communication. I am challenging you to take care of yourselves and continue to think about others.
Reach out to those who you know or anticipate might be struggling, especially people in your network who are new in recovery or rebounding from a relapse. Then reach out to people who can also support you during this time so that you have opportunities to talk about how you are doing.
Consider these options as well:
- Use a free resource such as FreeConferenceCall.com or Webex.com to gather members from your home group into a meeting
- Joining an existing online meeting - there are thousands available
- Pick up the phone and calling me or your Alumni and Family Coordinator -
we are always here for you - Call your sponsor and sponsees daily - we can’t keep it if we don’t give it away
- Facetime with someone in your recovery network - technology is our friend right now
As you know, campus visits, all in-person Caron events, meetings, fellowship groups and support groups have been suspended or postponed and we will continually assess and communicate any updates as we go.
However, It’s vitally important for you to keep these relationships alive and flourishing. The opposite of addiction is not abstinence; it’s connection. And all we have is a daily reprieve.
In a lot of ways, people in recovery are uniquely equipped to manage crisis situations. We have a toolbox full of tools from treatment and beyond:
- We have coping skills.
- We have support systems.
- We’ve dug deep into our hearts and minds to understand our true selves on a deeper level.
- We know our triggers and our stumbling blocks.
- And – perhaps most importantly - we’ve been through much worse.
Amid the evolving health situation, I encourage you to use this time for your personal development. You’ll be uncomfortable – I know that I am. But if we’re not uncomfortable, we’re not growing. Let’s use this slow-down period as a chance to take care of ourselves and others.
And finally - if you’re not ok, we’re here to help. Our Alumni and Family Coordinators are only a phone call or email away; and if you or someone you know needs immediate assistance, call our Admissions line at 800-678-2332. This line is open 24 hours per day and staffed with caring, trained Caron specialists, not computers or outsourced labor.
I’m sharing a list of resources below I hope you find valuable – everything from reading suggestions to online groups to who to call if you need help. I look forward to connecting with many of you virtually over the next few weeks!
