Navigating Addiction Recovery While Social Distancing

While COVID-19 can cause widespread anxiety among the general population, people facing mental health challenges can be more at risk without their in-person support systems and accountability groups. People in recovery for addiction can be especially vulnerable. 

Marissa Kirch is a manager of addiction treatment services at Northwestern Medicine Ben Gordon Center. Speaking to The 21st Show, she says without human connection, people may feel lonely and isolated and seek to connect with their addiction instead.

As most of society has gone virtual, online apps and support groups have popped up to help individuals stick to their sobriety. 

The interview is part a series on The 21st Show about mental health during the coronavirus pandemic. Listen back to past episodes about setting boundaries with the people you live with, practicing patience and kindness while homeschooling, and advice for coping with feelings of isolation. 

Guests: Dr. Thomas Wright, chief medical officer at Rosecrance Health Network. Marissa Kirch, social worker and manager of addiction treatment services at Northwestern Medicine Ben Gordon Center.

Prepared for web by WILL intern Sidney Madden.