Overview

COVID-19 (often referred to as Coronavirus) has most people understandably concerned for a variety of reasons, including the highly contagious nature of the virus, the fact that people can carry it for days without showing symptoms, and the vulnerabilities of certain populations who could be more adversely impacted if they contract the virus—such as older adults and individuals who experience chronic health issues, including substance use disorder (SUD).

If you or someone you love has experienced SUD, there have likely been interruptions to the availability of treatment services, support meetings, and routines. The good news is that there are steps you can take during these challenging times to support recovery and build resiliency.

For more recovery and mental health resources, along with a wide variety of other supports during COVID-19, check out the Minding your Mind Website.

10 Helpful Tips During COVID-19

1. Be kind to yourself and to others.

We are in unique times and are all learning as we go.

2. You can practice social distancing (ie, only leaving home for essential tasks like grocery shopping, remaining 6 feet away from others) without becoming socially isolated.

Stay in touch with a sponsor or with friends through phone calls, texting and social media. Make plans to check-in with each other regularly.

3. Try a phone, online or virtual support group meeting.

Check out some of the resources compiled in the “Resources” linked above.

4. If you are on medication-assisted treatment (MAT) and/or you see a mental health provider, check with your provider or pharmacist

to determine what the procedures will be if facilities have to temporarily close or quarantine. Telemedicine has become more widely available and might be an option for you. Check out the Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) website to learn more about MAT and implications of COVID-19.

5. If you’re not sick, get outside!

Nature and sunlight are good for our health and well-being, and even a 5-10 minute walk can be restorative. Just be sure to stay at least 6 feet away from other people, limit physical contact with surfaces that other people touch, and wash or sanitize hands often.

6. Create a new daily schedule to help you keep your physical and mental health strong.

Routines are grounding and can provide us some predictability us as we face challenging times.

7. Make sure to get regular sleep, physical exercise, and nutrition.

These are critical to taking care of our mental health and our immune systems.

8. If you require assistance with food or housing,

contact the Natick Human Services Department at 508-647-6540 or the Natick Service Council at 508-655-1791. Both are assisting Natick residents by appointment only.

9. Catch up on some reading!

Check-out e-books online at the Morse Institute Library. If you’re looking for recommended reading about addiction and recovery, Shatterproof has a list of 14 books to check out.

10. If you have existing health concerns,

please take care of yourself and take extra precautions to protect against exposure to COVID-19. Those who have compromised immune systems are more vulnerable to COVID-19’s health effects.

For more information

about COVID-19 testing or referrals for assistance for food, employment, and other basic needs, dial 2-1-1 or go to mass211.org.

Mass 211 offers free, multilingual services by phone and via online chat.