What Better Time Than Now?

Are you currently struggling with alcohol or substance use? While the coronavirus pandemic has put a pause on many aspects of life, it doesn’t have to keep you from going away to treatment and receiving the support you need. When it comes to reaching out for help, it is normal to be on the fence and wonder, “Is this the right time?” All the craziness and uncertainty going on in the world right now may lead you to believe that waiting for normalcy to return is best. In reality, there is no better time than now to take control of your life. There are a lot of people who are scared right now, for a multitude of reasons. There is a lot of uncertainty in our daily lives, and this can cause fear and anxiety. As someone in recovery, I know one thing is certain: getting help sooner rather than later is always best, making this the perfect time for a change. So, let’s break down the many reasons why now is the right time to address your addiction.

You Have Time to Do the Research

We’re all spending more time at home than ever, so why not take advantage of that extra time? During this pandemic, quarantine, time of social distancing, or whatever you want to call it, do some research. Call different treatment centers and find out what they offer. Ask about their accreditations, their programs, the support they’ll offer you once you’ve completed treatment. Doing research will help you better determine what is important to you and what treatment centers match your needs. You may never get the time to do such in-depth research on the subject again, so don’t let this opportunity go to waste.

You Will Be in a Clean and Safe Environment

Right now, it is particularly important that those suffering from addiction seek treatment. Because COVID-19 has negative effects on the respiratory system, people who smoke tobacco, e-cigarettes, marijuana, and other substances which have had a negative impact on their lung health are at greater risk. Those who suffer from alcoholism have put extra stress on their heart, making it more difficult for them to fight off a virus. Going to detox or a residential program is therefore one of the safest places to be right now. Not only will you be away from your substance of choice, but you will also be in a safe, clean environment. Imagine being in a place that maintains health codes for physical and mental well-being? At treatment centers such as Mountainside, strict hygiene procedures and proper health precautions are followed daily to protect all clients and staff. By going to treatment now, you protect yourself physically from the virus while addressing your addiction and working to repair the effect it has had on your mind and body.

You Will Be Away from Triggers and Learn Healthy Coping Mechanisms

All the news about the virus is scary and unsettling. Stress is at an all-time high for many, whether it’s brought on by someone you live with, your physical environment, working from home or losing your job, or even the inability to spend time outdoors. If you’re isolating at home, avoiding stress and triggers can be challenging. One thought I’ve had during all of this is that I worry about those who are still struggling and still using right now. A lot of the distractions of everyday life are gone, and those individuals might be using more than normal. This could make it more difficult for them to come out of that metaphorical hole they are in. Going to treatment now could be the catalyst to lasting change. This could be the opportunity you have been waiting for. Not only does treatment provide you with the guidance and support to get sober in a trigger-free environment, but it equips you with coping mechanisms to deal with the uncertainty that this virus has brought upon us.

Treatment has always been a chance to step away from the risks of being in an unhealthy environment and a step toward a healthy, happy future. But now, more than ever, treatment is a beacon of hope. Right now, when people need it most, what better gift can you give yourself and your family to ease all the anxiety surrounding your substance or alcohol use?