When you are a recovering addict, you may not know how you will stay connected with the people that mean the most to you while social distancing. You need to know how you can reach out to the people who can help you, and you should work with addiction care resources that will ensure you can stay on the right path. Use these tips to stay connected even though you cannot meet as you normally would.

Meet And Socially Distance At The Same Time

While you may not Have a normal meeting, you can stay connected by meeting in a large space. You can stay far apart from one another, but you can have a good meeting. However, these meetings must be much smaller than your normal meetings. You do not want to pack too many people into a building, and you should not go to any building that forces you to wait in a crowded room before social distancing at the meeting.

Use Video Conferencing

You can use video conferencing to ensure that you can meet with the people from your group. If everyone can find a private place to talk, you can host a full meeting using a video conferencing app. There are even apps that allow you to host these meetings in compliance with HIPAA guidelines. You do not need to worry about revealing any sensitive information, and you can work with these video conferencing companies to set up an account that allows you to host large groups of people.

Make Sure To Check In Via Text Or Phone

You should make certain that everyone in your recovery group is partnered with others. You can check in via text or email at any time, and you will find that it is very easy for you to talk to someone for just a few minutes every day. When you check in, you can have a bit of a “mini meeting” that allows both of you to share your concerns, victories, and struggles. You can even host a group call with your mobile phone if you would like to talk to two or three people at a time.

Ensure That The Group Operates As Normally As Possible

You should try to operate your group as normally as possible. For the most part, you can get your group to meet together on a video conference call, but you should also send the same emails or texts as reminders. You want all the people in the group to feel like they are still included, and you should send special reminders to people that may be new to sobriety.

Make House Calls

When you are mentoring an addict, you need to make sure that you make house calls when you can. Because you want to socially distance, you need to stay outside your friend’s home. However, you can sit on the porch or outside the window while you chat. You can make small gestures to the people in your group that let them know they are important. Even if you cannot go into someone’s house, visiting them will help them feel better.

Send Food

You can send food to people in your group if you know what they like, or you might send food because everyone plans to eat on your next conference call. You can also send soda, juice, or tea so that you remind your friends that they should not be drinking or using substances.

Conclusion

Use the tips listed above to ensure that you can socially distance even though you are an addict. You want to stay connected to as many people as possible, and that is why you should tell everyone in the group what you plan to do. You can host virtual meetings, meet in a large or open space, and even make house calls when possible. Addicts can stay connected, learn to live sober, and never feel alone.