HUNTSVILLE, Ala. —
If you’re working from home, or self-quarantining, you can find yourself with a lot of time on your hands.
That can be tough for those struggling with addiction.
For some, the idea of working from home can seem like a dream. But, for those who are struggling with addiction, it can quickly become a nightmare.
Pat Laney says, “There is that loneliness and there’s also that boredom. The lack of social interaction for some can be very tough.”
Laney is the Recovery Support Specialist with Partnership for a Drug-Free Community, a resource and advocacy center in Huntsville for those struggling with addiction.
He says social distancing and self-quarantining can be challenging for those in recovery. Many recovery meetings and support groups can no longer meet in person. Laney adds, “All of a sudden, that social interaction that many of them had is taken away from them.”
Partnership is offering online meetings in response to COVID-19.
It might also be a time when others begin to experiment with drugs and alcohol in the home.
Pat Laney tells us, “Anxiety and fear-- it’s not something that we humans deal with very well sometimes. And, yes some people will turn to drugs and alcohol to relieve that fear.”
Staff at Partnership for a Drug Free Community are working from home because of COVD-19. As someone who’s in long term recovery himself, Pat says he understands that it’s different. He adds, “We’re living in a very uncertain time… I mean, this is something that we’ve never experienced before.”
Working from home can be a challenge for anyone. Laney says they’re getting more calls than usual. And helping those who are struggling with addiction is still the #1 priority.
Pat Laney says,“We think we found a way where we can do assessments. We feel like our assessor is safe and we try to keep our clients safe to try to stop the spread of this virus.”
But there are resources available during this time. Partnership for A Drug Free Community is holding virtual group sessions online via Zoom for those who need support. You can find the link here. You can also connect with them via their Facebook page for more resources.
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, help is available.
Crisis Services North Alabama 256-716-1000 or 1-800-691-8426
Alabama Help for Opioid Addiction 24/7 Helpline 844-307-1760 courageforall.com