It is quite amazing how humankind can always find the silver lining behind the darkest cloud, even if it appears to be well hidden. The scourge of COVID-19 has shown many of us that we need to pay far closer attention to some things we may have been taking for granted or even totally ignoring.

Apart from finding that more time with family can be hugely rewarding, there have been significant environmental improvements, so we are forced to take a much more severe look at carbon emissions and global warming.

There is also a silver lining for many substance abusers and alcohol addicts who, for many reasons unable to cope with the effects of total isolation, are being encouraged to seek the forced isolation that has always been a part of drug and alcohol recovery programs.

Lack of supply can be a blessing

Many South Africans currently in lockdown, being deprived of alcohol and obviously who would also be finding it far more difficult to get drugs, might find this to be a blessing in disguise. Some may be seriously considering this as a time of rehabilitation and seeking the appropriate help. Frankly, the alternative of remaining in isolation to ‘ride it out’ alone is definitely not a good idea.

Isolation is not good for addicts

One American addiction counsellor in a Maverick life article said “With the addict isolated, the addiction plays havoc with their mind. It keeps the feeling of not being worthy ever-present. An addicted person develops resentment, anger, fear, guilt and shame; all contribute to feeding the addiction.”

One addiction can lead to another

The same counsellor astutely points out the effects of lack of supply and isolation can make addicts feel so uncomfortable that they can well turn to other addictions like over-eating, binging on movies, gambling, gaming, alcohol, watching porn, hoarding, taking drugs (illegal or prescribed), over-working, or illegally breaking lockdown to seek drugs or alcohol.

The latter, of course, has the added risk of passing on possible infection tot whoever else they may be in lockdown with if they are not entirely alone.

Togetherness brings relief and recovery

Clearly, absolute isolation, therefore, is not a good situation for any substance abuse or alcohol addiction sufferer to be in. What should be remembered is that addiction is always best dealt with by being with others who suffer the same addictions and this can be safely done in rehabilitation centres where isolation of a different sort is automatically practiced.

To quote from the literature that Narcotics Anonymous in the USA distributes: “We feel that our approach to the disease of addiction is completely realistic, for the therapeutic value of one addict helping another is without parallel. We feel that our way is practical, for one addict can best understand and help another addict.”

Faith-based, safe counselling and rehabilitation

The Transformation Life Centre (TLC) based in the heart of Sandton, Johannesburg offer substance abusers and alcohol addicts a comfortable, safe, tried and tested recovery program amongst empathetic counsellors and fellow addicts. Drug abusers and alcoholics should be encouraged by friends and family to rather choose this form of isolation to going it alone, or putting family members at risk.

We work with the whole person; solving the underlying root causes of addiction, getting all addictive substances out of their system and given enough time, encouragement, guidance and training, they can live a totally transformed life

Contact us any time for help and advice – and please be safe out there!