Many of us forced into isolation by the COVID-19 crisis are greatly inconvenienced, for sure—but what if your state of mind and health depends on contact with other people? Such is the problem faced by those recovering from addictions who really count on the interaction they receive from groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous, outpatient programs, or one-on-one meet-ups with sponsors.

This can create a huge danger for those susceptible to relapse and depression—but there is help. Oregon Recovers is a coalition of people in recovery (as well as friends and family members) whose goal is to provide information, treatment options, and support to those fighting addiction in our state. Addiction is a chronic disease that needs constant attention and support—which makes it especially troubling that those in recovery won't be able to attend meetings or get face-to-face help from their sponsors. While many meetings have moved online, not everyone knows this, which is why Oregon Recovers has launched OregonRecoveryNetwork.org; a roundup of tons of meetings and support services that can be accessed online, by phone, or Zoom-style meet-ups.

The importance of this shouldn't be underestimated. From Oregon Recover's press release:

"People in recovery have had the rug pulled out from under them. In many respects, social distancing is the complete antithesis of recovery. The loss of our ability to sit shoulder to shoulder and talk about recovery is huge. This loss is compounded by the fact that organized recovery programs mostly do not have a centralized managing authority positioned to provide guidance in the face of this crisis. OregonRecoveryNetwork.org is an effort to mitigate that lack of guidance. But everyone should be clear that the current crisis, and the isolation it demands, is a huge threat to the recovery of many people who suffer from addiction," said Mike Marshall, Executive Director of Oregon Recovers.

And while the list of services and online meetings that Oregon Recovers has put together is jam-packed and full of options, it's still not all-inclusive.

"We need people in recovery across the state to add information about recovery support in their community. And we need everyone who loves someone in recovery to reach out to them and offer support while we all practice social distancing” stated Andrew Swanson, Policy & Advocacy Director of Oregon Recovers."

That's some great advice. So be sure to reach out to anyone in your life who may be struggling. The more at-risk among us really need your help.

If you are in crisis, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741.