Social Distancing Sparks Substance Abuse Problems

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. - April 1, 2020 - PRLog -- Earlier today, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced he will sign a stay-at-home order for the State of Florida. While quarantine measures will slow the spread of the disease, they can simultaneously take a toll on mental health and can spark or even reignite substance abuse problems.

According to Tanya Young Williams, Co-Founder and CEO of Pivot Treatment & Wellness Centers in Lake Park, Florida, there is no right or wrong way to feel during this time. However, she says, it is important to find healthy ways to cope to avoid self-isolating or falling into old, bad habits. Williams shares her key tips:

1.    Social Distance but still connect. Substance abuse is isolating in itself; that's the way the addiction works. So those that are fighting substance abuse, or in recovery, need to focus on social distancing, but not disconnecting. They need to feel connected with friends, family, peers through this time.

2.    Have a Daily Goal. Come up with a goal each day that you can accomplish, feel good about, and most importantly feel fulfilled when you put your head on the pillow at night. It can be as simple as reading 10 pages in a book, walking a mile, exercising for 30 minutes, or writing in your journal. The purpose is to give you something to focus on and complete before the day is finished.

3.    Start a Big Project. Just as important as daily goals are, having a larger or long-term project on your to-do list is important. A long-term goal could be painting a canvas, reading and finishing a book or a puzzle, or even building a DIY project at home. The point is to accomplish a larger project over the course of the quarantine; this includes looking forward to something, and ultimately finishing it.

4.    Meditate. Meditation, whether it is done formally or just in 30 second increments throughout the day, is critical. It allows us to find peace and be still at a time when many of us are stressed, anxious and in the unknown.

5.    Ask for help. Know when you can't do it on your own anymore and be okay with asking for help. There are many resources open and available to support you during this time (online as well), including Pivot Treatment & Wellness Centers. Call them at 561-236-8059.

About Tanya Young Williams
Tanya Young Williams is an African American businesswoman, advocate and former wife of basketball star Jayson Williams who had his own highly publicized challenges with substance abuse. She is Co-Founder and CEO of Pivot Treatment and Wellness Center https://pivotcenters.com/.