Maintaining sobriety after a natural disaster

Everyone who witnesses or experiences a disaster is affected by it somehow. It is normal for someone to feel anxious about their safety, as well as that of their friends and family. Profound sadness, grief, and anger are normal reactions to an abnormal event. However, acknowledging those feelings and working toward small wins, such as getting adequate rest and maintaining routines as much as possible, can be helpful.

Focusing on positives, such as strengths and abilities, can aid in the healing process. Additionally, accepting help from community programs and resources is another healthy, sometimes necessary, step people may need to take. It not only provides relief but can also help individuals feel more a part of their community.

Use of alcohol and substances after the disaster happens.

After a community has been affected by a significant event, some individuals may turn to alcohol and substances more frequently as a way of coping.  They may feel that using alcohol and substances helps provide some relief, an escape from the physical and emotional symptoms related to stress.  However, alcohol and substance use can make things worse in the long term because they interrupt natural sleep cycles, create health problems, interfere with relationships, and create potential dependence on the substance.

It is crucial to have conversations with people about the emotions they are experiencing, even though it may be challenging. While talking to friends and family can be helpful, seeking professional help may be necessary if negative coping strategies such as substance or alcohol use are being utilized or if the temptation to use after being sober becomes too difficult to handle. When people use alcohol and substances to deal with the aftermath of a natural disaster, it is crucial to seek support from a mental health professional with expertise in addiction and recovery. This proactive step can help prevent the situation from deteriorating further.

Is my friend or loved one struggling?

During times of crisis, individuals who are in recovery may experience heightened stress and a strong inclination to relapse. It is important to recognize that people respond to disasters in unique ways, and those in recovery may exhibit signs such as:

• Isolating themselves from friends and family
• Difficulty sleeping, concentrating, and communicating thoughts
• Low threshold of frustration.
• Increased use of drugs/alcohol.
• Limited attention span.
• Disorientation or confusion.
• Reluctance to leave home or participate in activities that used to bring them joy
• Depression, sadness that persists for two weeks or longer
• Feelings of hopelessness.
• Extreme mood swings

How do I talk to my loved one if they’re using alcohol or substances to cope?

Helping a loved one who has experienced a natural disaster involves being honest and compassionate. It’s important to calmly and factually address any issues related to their alcohol and substance use and how it’s affecting them and the people around them. Let them know that they are cared for, but also express concerns. Additionally, it’s important to listen to their feelings about how the disaster has affected them.

What can I do now in case a disaster impacts me and my family?

While a disaster is never planned, having a strong support network in place before a crisis helps individuals lean on their recovery community when things are challenging.  Additional support can be found in loved ones and friends, people who can stop someone in recovery from isolating themselves, or be an ear with whom they can share their thoughts and feelings. Being around those we love can help people in recovery remember that they are still cared for and how hard they’ve had to work to reconnect with loved ones in a healthy way.

Healthy actions to take to maintain mental health.

Natural disasters are traumatic events that affect many people, including those in recovery. Coping with the mental health impact of such events can involve simple strategies like exercising, meditation, or engaging in routine activities. Limiting exposure to news stories and social media threads after a disaster is also beneficial, especially after the immediate threat has passed. This is especially important for significant disasters or terrorist events involving property damage and loss of life.

To promote physical and emotional well-being, it is important to focus on healthy eating, getting enough rest, exercising, finding time to relax, practicing meditation, and maintaining a regular family and daily routine while limiting demanding responsibilities. Maintaining a sense of community by spending time with loved ones is also essential.

Individuals in recovery can rely on their recovery community for support when a disaster impacts a community. This may involve attending alcohol or substance use support groups in person or virtually. They can also seek one-on-one support from a sponsor, peer support specialist, or mental health professional who understands addiction. Additionally, individuals in recovery can utilize other resources they’ve used in the past to maintain their sobriety, such as talking with friends and relatives to help avoid using alcohol or substances.