Over the past year or more, you have survived a global pandemic in which millions of people lost their lives, and hundreds of millions were sick. This pandemic impacted the world economy and left millions out of work. There was also a lot of political and social unrest in the United States. These factors have contributed to record numbers of people using substances and being affected by mental health issues, many for the first time.
As the numbers of people infected by COVID-19 go down, and businesses reopen, and more people are going back to work, the process of healing begins. Also beginning to heal are some of the most extreme divides causing unrest. With a world in healing, it is also a great time for you to heal. Substance abuse does not need to become your “new normal.”
Side Effects of a Global Pandemic
As if a global pandemic wasn’t bad enough, there have been so many side effects. Physically, the world has been limited as to how much people can move and how many places people may go. Many people’s incomes have been impacted, which may have impacted their living situation and their access to food. Alternatively, people have eaten too much food because staying at home means constant access to food. The same is true for alcohol or drugs; some people have used substances because they were bored and didn’t have anything else to do.
The many side effects of COVID-19 have all come into focus now that the world is beginning to heal. For those able to go back to work, getting back to a normal schedule helps the healing process. The ability to go back to the gyms, go outside, and move and participate in sports again is one aspect of healing. Finding the discipline to eat a healthy diet, with better access to healthy foods, can help heal as well. Some may be able to stop using substances, but others may need help to quit.
When Stress Leads to Substance Abuse
While some people started day drinking or using other substances just because they could, for others, the substance use began or increased due to stress. When substances are used due to stress, you may not be as aware of how much or how often you are using the substances. By using drugs or alcohol in response to stress, your body is more likely to develop a dependency or an addiction.
Society has cultivated a lot of stigma surrounding substance abuse, which in turn can cultivate more guilt and shame. It is common for people to use substances in response to stress; however, it is not something to be ashamed of. Now more than ever, due to COVID-19, there are record numbers of people who have developed dependencies or addictions to substances due to stress. Now it is time to heal.
Coping with Depression or Anxiety and Substance Abuse
Another reason that many people develop substance abuse is due to trying to cope with anxiety, depression, or another mental illness. This is commonly referred to as “self-medicating” because the use of substances is a response to symptoms of depression or anxiety. Unfortunately, 2020 saw large increases in the number of people suffering from depression and anxiety concurrently. Negative stigma about mental health can make it difficult for some to even recognize or acknowledge that they are experiencing anxiety or depression. By adding substance abuse to depression or anxiety, a co-occurring diagnosis is developed. The good news is that both anxiety and depression are treatable when treated together. Substance abuse is also treatable. Substance abuse treatment works best when the co-occurring mental health issues are treated as well.
Time for Healing
As the world heals from the impacts of COVID-19, isn’t it time that you found healing, too? Healing from substance abuse is going to be important for you to be able to work, find independence, and thrive again. In order to enjoy family and social activities, you will want to find help for any possible co-occurring diagnosis so that your mental health or substance use does not interfere with your relationships. As people are getting back to normal activities again, it is important that you give yourself the best chances to participate.
There is no shame in asking for help for your substance abuse or mental health diagnoses. After the past year, more people than ever are suffering. You can be a part of the new trend: the trend of healing.
The global pandemic hit everyone hard. Whether it was physical health, economic impact, social or political unrest, or substance or mental health, everyone has suffered in at least one way, if not more. If the stress impacted your life through substance abuse or a co-occurring diagnosis, then Rancho Milagro Recovery can help you to heal. Our Temecula, California ranch features a compassionate staff of people who understand and know how to help you. We have rescue animals that offer compassion and healing as well. We are here to help you heal, whether it is substance abuse alone or a co-occurring disorder such as depression or anxiety. With the world in healing, it is time for you to heal, too. Let us help you unmask your substance abuse and find your own “new normal” again. Don’t let the pandemic keep you trapped in substance abuse for one more day. Call us at (951) 526-4582 to find out more about our treatment program.