One of the most crucial, ongoing aspects of recovery is attending AA meetings and NA meetings. This forms part of the very important substance abuse aftercare programs.
Although a lot of hard work is done throughout the initial rehabilitation program, a new set of challenges await an individual who completes and exits the program.
Throughout the residential treatment, those struggling with addiction are kept safe from harmful and tempting situations which could potentially threaten their path to long-term sobriety.
However, integrating back into society comes with having to face uncomfortable situations which could increase the risk of relapse.
This is where rehabilitation aftercare comes in. Aftercare is an essential part of recovery and some individuals attend these programs for years after leaving their rehabilitation facility.
It’s important to note that this should not sound daunting for anyone who wants to recover from addiction; the need to attend these programs for months or years after rehab is not a sign of weakness.
These programs are there for people to encourage, uplift and support one another through the obstacles that life throws at them.
Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous are there for former alcohol and drug addicts who seek support, to help one another stay sober and clean.
Having personal support systems is crucial for those recovering from addiction, however, AA meetings and NA meetings provide a deeper kind of support from individuals who can relate with one another on a more personal level.
The meetings allow individuals to share experiences, offload heavy thoughts or feelings and provide different perspectives to assist others in overcoming challenges. It’s in these meetings where the feelings of loneliness or isolation are left at the door, replaced with a sense of solidarity and togetherness.
With lockdown in South Africa lasting for more than two months, those in recovery have been unable to attend AA meetings, NA meetings and other aftercare programs.
Social distancing is the biggest aspect of the lockdown and, therefore, gatherings of people in groups has not been permitted.
There has been a lot of concern around how those in recovery are coping with the lockdown, social distancing and self-isolation.
Even though many of these meetings have been offered online, not everyone has access to online platforms which makes it impossible for them to join.
Furthermore, online meetings are not the same as meeting in person as there is still a sense of separation in the air and a serious lack of human contact.
It is our hope that as we ease into level three of lockdown that attending AA meetings, NA meetings and other aftercare programs will be allowed once again.
We remain committed to providing as much remote support as possible for our clients during this time and going forward.
Our team understands the challenges that have come with this lockdown but would like to remind all our clients of how far they have come and to keep pushing forward. We are here for you.
If you or a loved one is struggling with recovery or addiction during lockdown, please feel free to reach out and contact us.
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