Category: Narcotics Anonymous

The True History of Narcotics Anonymous

Since its establishment in 1935, Alcoholics Anonymous and its famous 12 steps have become ubiquitous with addiction treatment and recovery. It marked the tide of a new model of addiction. No longer was drug use and abuse a moral failing of the individuals afflicted, but a medical condition that was rooted in science and required treatment–not punishment–to fix. Despite this important shift in attitude, there was still a lingering stigma against drug users, especially those of the illegal or “hard” variety. Thus, Narcotics Anonymous was born.      

What Is Narcotics Anonymous and Why Was It Created?

Peer-based recovery groups offer support, advice, and a judgment-free space for addicted persons to overcome their addictions. Since Alcoholics Anonymous’ creation, it’s inspired dozens of other similar groups dedicated to other specific types of addictions such as gambling or eating. One of the most well-known, however, is another support group dedicated to substance addiction: Narcotics Anonymous. While it bears a number of similarities to its predecessor, NA was created with a specific intent for a very specific group of addicted persons, with modified literature to better meet the needs of those addicted to substances aside from alcohol.

The Origins of Narcotics Anonymous

In 1939 in Lexington, Kentucky, there was a doctor named Tom who struggled with alcohol addiction and later, a morphine addiction. A member of Alcoholics Anonymous, he found great success with the group for both addictions, and was one of the first instances where a person overcame a drug addiction through AA. Word spread quickly, and the influx of interest from other drug addicted persons made Tom realize the need for an approach that was specialized for other types of drug users, not just alcohol. 

Early NA Formation and Expansion

In 1947, with the permission and support of Alcoholics Anonymous, Tom and a handful of other Alcoholics Anonymous members who had other types of drug addiction established a new group called Addicts Anonymous. The group’s member base and reputation was rapidly expanding. By 1949, a second Addicts Anonymous chapter was created in New York City. It was with the creation of this second group where the name Narcotics Anonymous arose, in order to differentiate itself from the already well established AA of Alcoholics Anonymous. However, The formation of the chapter in California in 1953 is credited with being the year that Narcotics Anonymous was founded.

The Break

Why is it that the organization wasn’t considered to be founded until its Los Angeles group was created? In short, there was a splintering between the two organizations, namely because of the two different types of addictions. Alcohol addicts often opposed the presence and participation of drug addicts, and the leaders of AA took issue with the changes and lack of emphasis on alcohol in the new group’s modification of the traditions and steps. In 1953, Alcoholics Anonymous cemented the group’s unaligned interests by publishing their decision that AA was not a place for “narcotic or barbiturate” addicts.  

Without a shadow of a doubt that Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous were no longer bound under the same entity, Jimmy K., one of the founders of the first Narcotics Anonymous group in Los Angeles, was named as president of the now independent organization. A new purpose was issued, as well as the modified Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions. These changes led to one of the most distinctive differences between the two organizations. Whereas Alcoholics Anonymous was focused on specific substances (namely alcohol), Narcotics Anonymous’ identity was based around the overcoming of addiction itself–which was a term that was rarely used in AA. 

NA Logo Meaning & Symbolism

The Narcotics Anonymous logo is a square within a circle, sometimes with the letters “NA” featured boldly in the center. The outer circle is meant to represent a comprehensive and “total” program that can fully encompass the needs of a recovering person. The square, which is tilted on a point, represents the goodwill that serves as the base of the organization. 

It also takes a literal meaning within NA’s symbolism as the square also acts as the base of a 3D pyramid of which each side of the square has a meaning: Self, Society, Service, and God. These segments join at the top to create the pinnacle of the pyramid which represents freedom. If you’re curious and want to learn more about Narcotics Anonymous, find an NA group meeting near you, today. 

Sources:

https://www.jscimedcentral.com/Addiction/addiction-5-1036.pdf

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Narcotics_Anonymous

https://na.org/admin/include/spaw2/uploads/pdf/FTP/English/Issue%20Discussion%20Topics/Leadership/Our%20Symbol.pdf

What is the NA (Narcotics Anonymous) Meeting Format?

Narcotics Anonymous was created in 1953 to serve those recovering from any and all types of addiction (as opposed to Alcoholics Anonymous, which had been around for 20 years already, but solely focused on getting over alcoholism). This was the first organization of its type, one that offered a peer-based support group for users of often illegal drugs who before, had few other places to turn. Considering attending an NA meeting for the first time? This quick guide to the Narcotics Anonymous meeting format will tell you what to expect.

The Narcotics Anonymous Meeting Format

Narcotics Anonymous allows its chapters to run almost completely autonomously. As a result, there is bound to be some variation in how meetings are conducted. Aside from following the basic principles, meeting groups are allowed to adapt and change as they wish and conduct themselves in various ways (more on that later). However, there are still plenty of things that these meetings have in common, namely how the beginning and end of meetings are conducted.

  1. 1. Greeting

Once the meeting has begun, a person will open with a moment of silence as well as a recitation of the ‘we’ version of the Serenity Prayer. Afterward, the speaker will ask for first-timers and you may be asked to introduce yourself (you will not be forced to participate if you don’t wish to). 

2. Readings

Every meeting will call on volunteers to read five foundational texts: 

  • Who is an addict
  • What is the NA Program 
  • Why are we here
  • How it works 
  • The Twelve Traditions of NA

3. Secretary Report

This includes announcements, events, updates, and anything else that pertains to a group’s operation. 

4.Discussion

There are various types of discussion formats in Narcotics Anonymous meetings. Some encourage participation from multiple attendees while others are limited to one primary speaker. This is usually determined by the chairperson of the group.

5. Key tags

Key tags are similar to that of AA chips. These are color-coded keyrings that indicate how long a person has been sober. During this portion of the meeting, one of the leaders will announce a certain duration of time (30 days, 9 months, etc.) and call for individuals who have been sober for that corresponding period to get a key tag. 

Key tag color meanings

  • White: Less than 30 days sober
  • Orange: More than 30 days sober
  • Green: 60 days sober
  • Red: 90 days sober
  • Blue: 6 months sober
  • Yellow: 9 months sober
  • Glow in the dark: 1 year sober
  • Gray: 18 months sober
  • Black: Multiple years sober

6. Break

Members can talk with other members, step outside, etc.

7. Passing the basket

Narcotics Anonymous is a fully self-sufficient organization that only accepts donations from its members. First-time NA meeting participants are not expected to give any money, this is only for established members.

8. Reading of the 12th Tradition

 

9. Prayer (Optional)

For those who wish to participate, meetings will conclude with another reading of the Serenity Prayer along with ‘Just For Today’ and the third step prayer.                                                                                                                                               

Types of Narcotics Anonymous Meetings

Narcotics Anonymous is closely modeled after its predecessor and as such, NA meetings are centered around confidentiality and non-judgemental support. The literature that’s read, the types of discussions held, and even who’s allowed to attend the meeting, are all variables that can affect the format of the meeting. 

Discussion vs. Speaker Meetings 

All NA meetings have some element of discussion, the amount of which can vary. Some have a looser, open-sharing format where anyone can speak. This is considered a discussion meeting. Others might have a guided discussion based on certain topics or NA literature led by the chairperson (one of the more senior members of the group who are part of the volunteers who operate the meetings). Then there is what’s known as a speaker meeting, where a single person speaks for the majority of the session.

These meeting formats can be broken down even further, in the way that some of the discussions are conducted. There are round-robin meetings where individuals take turns speaking in a circle; tag meetings where one speaker picks the next person to speak, and even stick meetings where individuals draw a topic to speak on.

Open vs. Closed Meeting

First is the classification of whether a meeting is considered ‘open’ or ‘closed’. Open meetings mean that anyone is welcome to attend, including non-drug users such as friends and family members. Closed meetings, on the other hand, are restricted in attendance only to those who are struggling with addiction or otherwise have a drug use problem. Find a meeting near you today. 

Who Runs AA Meetings? Alcoholics Anonymous Leadership Roles

Alcoholics Anonymous is the largest peer-based support group in the world, with a presence in 180 nations. Despite its widespread growth and staying power (AA is nearly a century old!) This organization has no formal ruling body. Instead, the smallest levels of the organization, the AA groups themselves, hold most of the power.

The Inner Workings of Alcoholics Anonymous

They run autonomously with little to no interference from the overall organization except for Alcoholics Anonymous’ core principles, the Twelve Traditions, and bylaws. With so little governance at the base and top levels, it can leave many wondering who runs AA meetings and how anything gets done. 

Alcoholics Anonymous Leadership Roles & Duties: AA Service Structure

Although AA purposefully lacks a formal hierarchy (a decision the founders made to prevent corruption of the organization’s initial purpose), that’s not to say that there’s no form of leadership at all. There are multiple leadership roles in AA, all of which are vital to maintaining the structure and functionality of meetings. Tradition Nine speaks explicitly on the necessity of leadership to “preserve our spiritual and democratic Fellowship.”

These duties include the running of the meetings themselves (i.e., welcoming new attendees and leading the introductions; selecting the reading and guiding the discussion) as well as the equally critical behind-the-scenes operations (i.e., buying and setting up refreshments, securing the meeting space, etc.). 

Chairperson

Overseer of the meetings, the chairperson coordinates the other group officers and effectively runs AA meetings. They determine what type of meeting is being held (open or closed), the passages that are read, what the discussion format will be, etc. They also lead the cornerstone aspects of meetings, such as reading the Preamble to begin meetings and then closing with the Serenity Prayer.  

Secretary

The secretary is responsible for record-keeping, making announcements, and general upkeep of the group’s communications. This includes maintaining bulletin boards, newsletters, email/phone contact lists, and taking minutes at business meetings. If an AA group doesn’t have a chairperson, the secretary is the role that usually takes over those duties.

Treasurer

The treasurer allocates group funds (voluntary donations by AA members) to ensure various essential costs are covered, such as rent, AA literature, refreshments, and local meeting lists. In addition to covering the bills, they must maintain records of group funds to determine what to do in the case of excess. 

Who Decides Who Holds A Position?

The individuals who uptake these responsibilities are regarded as the ‘Trusted Servants’ or officers of the group. The multiple positions are chosen democratically by the group attendees. Each individual group similarly determines the eligibility criteria and term lengths. Most leader positions involve individuals who have been sober for at least a year and/or have been a group member for a while. 

These officers are also a great point of contact for prospective AA members and can answer important questions as to the structure of how group meetings are run and what a new attendee can expect. Are you curious about Alcoholics Anonymous or 12-step groups in general? Learn more about what they are and how they work here. 

AA’s Inner Structure Was Built on A Strong Foundation Designed to Last

Alcoholics Anonymous, a worldwide community dedicated to recovery and support, thrives on its group-oriented approach. Despite the absence of a formal hierarchy, key leadership positions, including the Chairperson, Secretary, and Treasurer, are essential to the efficient functioning of AA meetings. These Trusted Servants are selected democratically by the group’s members and are instrumental in ensuring the success of AA meetings. By delving into the inner workings of AA, you gain valuable insights into the organization’s operations and the critical role leadership plays in fostering a supportive environment for those seeking recovery and solace.

Sources:

https://www.aa.org/assets/en_US/p-16_theaagroup.pdf

Narcotics Anonymous For Families: What It Is & How It Helps

Narcotics Anonymous is a peer-based support group that helps thousands of addicted persons find their motivation to quit using drugs or to continue abstaining from them. But as anyone who’s had a brush with addiction knows, addiction is a disease that affects more than the person with the substance abuse problem. It often hurts friends, family, and other loved ones; those who care for or rely on the drug user. In recognition of this, a separate support group was made—a sort of Narcotics Anonymous for families and friends. If you’ve been hurt by someone else’s drug use, keep reading.  

 

What Is Nar-Anon?

Nar-Anon Family Groups is a “worldwide fellowship for those affected by someone else’s addiction”, which can mean spouses, children, parents, friends, and coworkers. Nar-Anon closely follows the same format as Narcotics Anonymous as well as the same foundational core. Group meeting participants share their opinions, experiences, and frustrations in a confidential setting. Discussions and lessons are guided by a modified program based on the Twelve Steps, Twelve Traditions, and Twelve Concepts. 

 

There is another subset of Nar-Anon focused towards teenagers who have a parent, family member, or friend who struggles with addiction, called Narateen.  

 

The Benefits of Nar-Anon

Drug addiction is often referred to as a family disease because of how wide its impact can be. A person with a substance disorder may lose their job, causing food or housing insecurity for the entire household. Neurological damage can impact their behavior, making them more prone to dangerous or violent behavior or outbursts. Aside from the potential physical or financial burdens of living with an addict, these dysfunctional relationships can bear a heavy emotional toll as well. 

Anger, frustration, guilt, shame, and grief are common feelings for those close to an addicted person to have. Being unable to convince their loved one to go to rehab; recognition of their patterns of enabling behavior; a discovery that they’d been lied to repeatedly. These are just a few of the circumstances that might lead to family and loved ones feeling trapped with emotions they don’t understand or can’t let go of. 

Nar-Anon is a non-professional organization where loved ones can ask and give support to others dealing with similar struggles. Participants share their stories offering both commiseration, hope, and tips for dealing with what many feel like a traumatic experience. But Nar-Anon isn’t just a place to vent. Through a modified 12 step recovery program, it teaches how to be supportive towards the addicted loved one (without enabling) and how to cope with the stress of living with or loving an addict. 

 

Helping Loved Ones Dealing With Addiction

If you are a close relative or friend of a person struggling with addiction, you’ve likely been impacted by their new behavior in some way shape or form. You’re not alone. Find comfort and get help from others who have been in your position and find a Nar-Anon group near you. Meanwhile, you might find it beneficial to recommend that your loved one attends Narcotics Anonymous meetings as well. This will give you both a better platform to understand one another and hopefully repair any damage that was done to the relationship. 

Narcotics Anonymous Rules, Guidelines & Tips For Joining

If you’re eager to join the Narcotics Anonymous fellowship but have never attended a 12-step group before and aren’t sure what to expect, we’ve got you covered. We read the official Narcotics Anonymous literature so that you don’t have to (although we highly recommend that you do check it out yourself at some point). Here’s a skimmable breakdown of Narcotics Anonymous rules for participating in meetings and how to prepare for your first meeting.

 

Narcotics Anonymous “Rules”

You’ve heard the saying before: “The first rule is that there are no rules”. Cheesy, but that’s pretty much the case with Narcotics Anonymous. Members pride themselves on allowing groups to be self-governing and to develop their own identity. NA directly states that they “encourage unity, not uniformity”. As such, there are no hard and fast rules that dictate how to run a meeting or how to participate in one. The Group Booklet offers a set of helpful guidelines that set the expectations of groups and their members. As long as you operate within those parameters and adhere to the organization’s core principles, you don’t have to worry whether you’re breaking any rules or not. 

That said, there are a few standards of conduct that participants should abide by when attending an NA meeting. Here’s what you need to know:

  1. No discussing outside issues. That means nix on religion, politics, and any other topic that isn’t recovery-related. 

 

2. Not all meetings are open to nonaddicts. The walk-in format means that every meeting is available for an addicted person to attend. However, if you wanted to bring a non-addicted loved one to accompany you, this isn’t always the case. Look to see whether an NA group lists their meeting as being “open” or “closed”. An open meeting everyone, addicted or not, is welcome to attend. Closed meetings are only for those who are struggling with addiction.  

 

3. Confidentiality is key. Don’t discuss anything or any of the stories that were spoken about during a meeting. 

 

Tips For Your First NA Meeting

As you can see, the list of actual Narcotics Anonymous rules is quite short. Instead, there’s a lot more that can be said to ensure that your first meeting is a positive experience. Far from being any sort of requirement, here are a few tips and things to expect when you attend:

 

When You First Get There

  • Get there early, plan to stay late. Most groups have designated members to greet and guide first-timers. At least for your very first meeting, aim to get there early and stay a little while longer once the meeting is over. This will allow you to ask questions and feel more comfortable more quickly. 

 

  • Be prepared to pitch in. Narcotics Anonymous emphasizes self-sufficiency for its groups, both financially and logistically. While you’ll never be required to make a donation or make any other monetary contribution, the work that goes into each meeting is shared amongst group members. It’s primarily the responsibility of the elected officers, but stepping up to fulfill some of the smaller duties like making coffee, greeting attendees, or setting up the chairs is helpful and makes for a great first impression.

 

  • You don’t have to provide any personal information. Some groups may have nametags or attendance sheets. You do not need to reveal any information about yourself if you don’t feel comfortable doing so. Arriving early will give you the chance to ask how that group operates without being caught off guard. If you feel too self-conscious refusing altogether, feel free to use an alias in place of your real name. Further, most meetings involve hugs as greetings between participants. Feel free to say “no” if it makes you uncomfortable.

 

Sharing

  • Only share once per meeting. It’s awesome that you want to participate and share your story. Due to time constraints, members are asked to limit their sharing to once per meeting, and for five minutes or less. 

 

  • Avoid “crosstalk”. Responding to a member’s sharing by sharing your own experience doesn’t facilitate discussion. If you’d like, talk with that other member privately after the meeting.  

 

  • Minimize the details. Be sensitive to the fact that others may be struggling with cravings or fairly new in their recovery. As such, try to avoid explicit details and descriptions of drug use or other distressing information such as harassment, threats, or financial struggles. Instead, focus on the areas of recovery. 

 

During & After The Meeting

  • Focus on listening rather than sharing. Not only will this allow you to get a better understanding of how the group operates, but you’ll be better able to identify potential sponsors or friends.

 

  • No drugs allowed. A no-brainer. Don’t bring drugs or drug paraphernalia around others who are struggling with substance abuse. Additionally, it’s recommended against attending meetings while intoxicated or if you have used in the past 24 hours, but the stringency may vary by group. 

 

  • Don’t feel pressured to donate. If you’re still feeling out the group and aren’t sure if you want to declare a homegroup just yet, refrain from contributing. Until you are a full-fledge NA member, they ask you to withhold donations so that they can remain self-supporting. 

 

How To Find An NA Meeting

First off, congratulations. If you made it this far and are reading this, it means that you’ve made the choice (or are at least seriously considering) to do something about your drug use problem. Let us go on the record to say that we think that your decision to attend Narcotics Anonymous is a fantastic idea. 

They have an unwavering commitment to privacy and, most importantly, are free to attend and join. These zero-commitment groups are a place where people can begin their recovery process without judgment and stay to maintain their sobriety even after addiction treatment. Even better: they can be found everywhere. Narcotics Anonymous boasts nearly 70,000 meeting groups worldwide. Find an NA meeting near you today with our directory that breaks down locations by state and city. 

Rebuilding Trust in Yourself & Others During Recovery

Substance use can cause an individual to do and say things that are embarrassing, upsetting, and frankly, wrong. This could be anything from missing important events and making inappropriate comments to stealing and lying. Any combination of these actions not only upsets your loved ones but also leads to a loss of trust. Especially when there is a history of relapse, it becomes difficult to believe that they will not relapse again and revert to the damaging behavior. It also becomes difficult to trust yourself in potentially triggering situations. Rebuilding trust in recovery is one of the most challenging parts of overcoming addiction and it is a process that happens over time.

Rules for Rebuilding Trust in Recovery

  1. Take it one day at a time. 
  2. You broke the trust in the first place, so it is up to you to earn it back.
  1. Use actions, not just words.
  2. Your loved ones may never fully trust that you will not relapse. 
  3. Consistency & honesty are key.

Taking Trust One Day at a Time

One of the first things taught in any recovery program is “take it one day at a time”. This goes for most aspects of recovery, including rebuilding trust. This process does not happen overnight and it may be frustrating for all parties involved. You may feel in your heart that you are not going to hurt your loved ones again and they probably want to believe you. Unfortunately, they may feel that by trusting again they are making themselves vulnerable to be hurt again. Similarly, you may have thoughts or feelings that make you question your trust in yourself. Even if you have a setback in building trust, know that tomorrow is a new day and a new opportunity to prove your trustworthiness.

It’s Up to You to Take the Initiative

Speaking of proving your trust, you are the one who broke the trust, and therefore you need to take the initiative to repair it. Don’t wait for your loved ones to welcome you in with open arms, go in and start showing them how dedicated you are to this process. Make the first call. Make amends. Say no to situations that could be triggering. Create your own opportunities to earn the trust back.

Don’t Say It. Show It.

Words mean little to nothing when you have broken your word in the past, but keeping to your word through your actions is what actually makes a big difference. Completing a treatment program, attending meetings regularly, making it to your daughter’s recital, being home every night sober; these are ways that show you can be trustworthy.  Focus on small consistent actions. Even creating a routine for physical activity, sleep, and diet is something that seems small but demonstrates your commitment to building a better, healthier life.

Living With a New Normal

You may always receive inquiries sparked by suspicion and your family may always worry when you don’t answer your phone. You may never be able to take a sip of an alcoholic beverage again without relapsing. In short, you and your loved ones may never be able to trust you in the ways that you were trusted before. These are some of the realities of being an addict. That doesn’t mean that you can’t work to create a new normal that is beautiful, positive, and productive.

Be Consistent. Be Honest.

It’s going to take a great deal of patience to get back to a place of trust. Just because you kept to your word last time doesn’t mean that you will next time. All of those little actions you are using to prove your trustworthiness, do them again and again and again. If you aren’t sure that you will be able to keep your word then be honest about it from the start and communicate that to your loved ones. The more you can be honest and consistent, the more you will trust yourself and the more others will trust you as well.

Is Heroin The New Alcohol?

Substance use among Americans is transitioning from one deadly drug to another.

substance abuse treatment admissions by primary drug

Rates of Alcohol are Dropping and Heroin Use is Rising

In a recent analysis of data gathered by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the team at Find Recovery observed a worry-some pattern. The graph above shows the number of individuals admitted to a substance abuse program for use of alcohol, heroin, other opiates, and alcohol with a secondary substance. Between 2007 and 2017, it is clearly observed that the rates at which Americans use Alcohol alone and with other substances have been declining. This decline would be more exciting if it was not also met with an equally significant rise in Heroin use. 

When observing this data, the first question that comes to mind is “Why? Why this shift from one dangerous substance to another.?” It did not take long for our team to make a connection between this data and a few major shifts already commonly known.

Prescription Opioids: Why Heroin Use Is On the Rise

The presence of heroin has been increasing for decades, with an increase observed since back in 1999. Yet, heroin and other opioid addiction did not start to rise significantly until about 2007. “What changed?” you might ask. Well, prescription opioids became the drug of choice for physicians across the country when patients came to them in pain and looking for relief. These prescription substances included oxycodone (OxyContin®), hydrocodone (Vicodin®), codeine, morphine, and synthetic opioids such as tramadol and fentanyl. The problem with these drugs that they are highly addictive, but people trusted it because they were prescribed by their doctor. 

Heroin: A Dangerously Cost-Effective High

As millions of Americans became physically dependant and undoubtedly addicted to these prescription opioid drugs, their tolerance grew and their bank accounts were drained. It didn’t take long before American’s addicted to prescription opioids switched to a cheaper, stronger, and easier to obtain alternative: heroin. 

The reality is that a drug dealer is significantly more likely to sell a fix of heroin to anyone with the money than a doctor is going to be to refill your prescription bottle for the 5th time this month. A substance that is 2 to 5 times stronger than morphine and potentially cheaper than prescription pain killers, heroin is an easy choice for anyone dealing with cravings.

A New Awareness of the Dangers of Alcohol Use

With an understanding of why heroin use is rising, the next question is why is alcohol use declining? One possible reason is due to an increased awareness of the dangers of alcohol use. 

A 2011 publication on PubMed.gov explored a bold claim that “alcohol is more dangerous than heroin” and this was just one of the many scholarly articles published on the risks and dangers of alcohol. Another article published by the Royal College of Physicians was titled “Is it time to ban alcohol advertising?” It seems that western society has caught on to the dangers of alcohol consumption. Studies are showing the truth, professionals as talking about it, and people are listening.

What is interesting is that the numbers show a decline in alcohol use with a second drug. This points to the fact that even individuals who use other substances such as heroin or other opiates are declining in their rates of alcohol use. Do these individuals not understand the dangers of opioid use? Perhaps they don’t, but perhaps the issue is something else.

Another event that may have sparked the decrease in individuals seeking help for alcohol addiction is the introduction of Vivitrol (Naltrexone), an opioid antagonist administered once-monthly for the treatment of alcohol dependence. In 2006, this drug was approved to be administered to treat alcohol dependence. Things began to level off and in the years following the approval, and decreased shortly after. 

Questions We Still Have

There are still a lot of questions. For instance, these numbers do not include individuals who are struggling with drug and alcohol addiction. How would those numbers affect the data? What can be done to help bring down overall addiction numbers? What should we expect in the coming years? Only time will tell. For the time being, we do what we know, education, early detection, and treatment.

References: https://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/reports/rpt23259/NSDUHsaeTotals2018/NSDUHsaeTotals2018.pdf
https://www.drugs.com/newdrugs/vivitrol-approved-alkermes-inc-cephalon-inc-alcohol-dependence-403.html
https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/relationship-between-prescription-drug-abuse-heroin-use/increased-drug-availability-associated-increased-use-overdose
https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/relationship-between-prescription-drug-abuse-heroin-use/heroin-use-driven-by-its-low-cost-high-availability
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21665157-is-alcohol-more-dangerous-than-heroin-the-physical-social-and-financial-costs-of-alcohol/
https://www.drugs.com/newdrugs/vivitrol-approved-alkermes-inc-cephalon-inc-alcohol-dependence-403.html

10 Sober Activities to Keep You Busy & Sober Throughout The Coronavirus

For individuals in recovery, a routine is important. The recommendations to stay home, practice social distancing, and basically avoid other people where possible can be frustrating and lonely. Social isolation means avoiding group support meetings in addition to other potential changes in one’s day-to-day life. Maybe you are not able to go to work, school, or family gatherings. Although it could be tempting to drink or use drugs while you sit at home, look at this newly found free time in a new light. How many times have you thought “if there were only a little more time in the day?” Any extra time you have is time that you can spend doing all the things that for years you wished you had time to do. 

In case you can’t think of all of the things that you have wanted to do over the years, here are 10 activities that you can do, not only while you are sober, but to help keep you sober. And, no, none of them include Netflix.

1. Read A Book

Is there a book that you have been meaning to read? Now is the perfect time to pick it up. Maybe you were reading a few pages at a time, but now you might actually be able to finish it!

2. Learn A New Skill

Who doesn’t want a new skill? This could be any new skill. Maybe you have been wanting to learn how to knit a sweater, or maybe the skill is to learn how to code. The possibilities are endless! Maybe find an online class, read some articles, or watch a Youtube tutorial to help you along the way.

3. Work on a Business Idea

Many people have an idea for an invention or a business, but simply don’t have the time to create a proper business plan and put it into action. What better time is there than now? This could be the start of a whole new adventure for you, in the best way possible!

4. Clean Your House

Let’s be honest here, at least half of the people who will read this article probably have many chores around the house that need to be done. Fold that laundry! Wash the dishes! Vacuum and mop the floors! You will be surprised how amazing it feels to have a wonderfully clean home. There are no excuses left, the time to clean is now!

5. Perfect a New Recipe

Nutrition plays a huge role in recovery, so why not try and perfect a new recipe. Heck, maybe work through an entire cookbook worth of recipes. This could even be your new skill.

6. Workout

A gym is not necessary to work out. Download some Jillian Michael and get yourself moving! If you have some dumbbells and a yoga matt, then now is the time to take them out. However, all you really need is your own body. Move over the coffee table and stretch in the living room or consider going for a run.

7. Paint a Picture

It doesn’t have to be good, but it could be. Painting is very therapeutic and entertaining. You just might end up with a fun new piece of art to hang on your wall.

8. Start a Blog or Vlog

Individuals in recovery have a lot to offer to those who do not think they are capable of overcoming their addiction. Take your extra time to start a blog or vlog and tell your story. Share what you can and spread words of support and success. 

9. Spend Time Getting To Know Your Roommate or Loved One

If you live with a roommate, family member, or romantic partner, your time and distance from others give you a special opportunity to bond with each other. Talk. Ask questions. Learn something new about one another that you may not have known before. Learn to appreciate each other in a new way. For goodness sake, this is the person you may look back at in 10, 20, 50 years from now as the person you hunkered down with during the Coronavirus outbreak.

10. Work on Your Recovery

Regardless of whether you are in a 12 step program, another recovery program, or not following a specific program at all, this is time that you can spend working on your recovery. Reflect on what you have done and how you are moving forward. Work through your steps. Think about how you will work on rebuilding relationships that may be strained. There is always work to do.

If you are worried about getting supplies for anything listed here, remember that delivery is an option. Just be sure to disinfect anything before you bring it into your home. Maybe you only do one of these activities, maybe you do them all! Just keep your sobriety in focus and keep in contact with your support system. Stay sober and stay safe!