Scott H. Silverman on KUSI To Discuss Recovery During the Pandemic

San Diego TV Program KUSI news welcomed Confidential Recovery CEO Scott H. Silverman back to discuss the lasting mental health issues that will echo long after the pandemic, namely, addiction.

Watch the segment here to see Elizabeth Alvarez discuss with Scott what small life changes that could make great differences for those who struggle with a substance use disorder (SUD).

It’s hard for anyone facing a crisis to reach out, and the pandemic has made the isolation that addicts often feel more daunting. I’m here to remind you that even though some things are out of your control, there are still plenty of things within your control.

One of those, believe it or not, is your crisis recovery.

Don’t forget that recovery is a process. You have to make it a part of your daily routine. Our routines have been turned upside down as of late, making work, school, and reaching out more difficult. Adding self-care to the list might just be the straw that breaks the camel’s back.

But you must make self-care a priority. You must make connecting with family and friends (whoever you include in your support system) a priority. As I’ve stated before on the Confidential Recovery website, family is crucial to a successful recovery.

And remember, it’s not just about what you need from your support group. Getting involved and supporting what other people are doing can help you feel more grounded, too.

It might be easiest to make recovery a part of your morning routine. These are often our strongest daily routines, so you may find it easiest to “stack on” new, healthy habits during the morning.

Start slow. Turn off the alarm one day, wake up, do something that takes you to your happy place. Be mindful. Be present. Try not to worry about where you’ll be tomorrow, but instead be proud of how far you’ve come and where you are today.

Tips on Finding Your Happy Place

Mindfulness is the practice of fully experiencing a moment and doing so without interpretation or judgment. It’s a therapeutic technique that has really worked for me, and it can help you, too. Mindfulness isn’t always easy, but there are a few things that can get you away from those negative “what-ifs” and back in the moment.

Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Listen to music
Go for a walk
Reconnect with your higher power
Journal
Meditate
Watch the sunset/sunrise
Turn off the TV and step away from that negativity
Call someone, whether it’s a friend, a family member, or a crisis coach

Little exercises like these don’t have to take long, and they can make a huge difference in your recovery. This is especially true now, during this period when more people are suffering from loneliness and isolation—and addiction—than normal. As I mention in my new book (The Opioid Epidemic), Americans recorded the highest number of overdose deaths ever between June 2019 and May 2020.

It’s hard to believe the pandemic hasn’t had something to do with that.

Reach Out

I’ve been where you are. I understand the weight and the desperation. The best way to get through it is by taking your recovery one day at a time and making sure you are surrounding yourself with a supportive group of people.

Yes, even during the pandemic.

Call a friend. Call a family member. Call me: 619-993-2738. And remember, hope and help are out there.