The symbol of AA is an equilateral triangle with a circle around it. The circle represents AA as a whole. The three equal sides represent the three legacies: Unity, Service & Recovery. Additionally, they symbolize the three parts of the disease: physical, mental, and spiritual. The group or the fellowship is a key component of 12-step based recovery. The first tradition of Alcoholics Anonymous states, "Our common welfare should come first, personal recovery depends upon AA unity". (Alcoholics Anonymous). According to supporting literature, "Most individuals cannot recover unless there is a group… It becomes plain that the group must survive, or the individual will not" (Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions). This is abundantly more difficult to adhere to when attempting to recover in place. 

I cannot help but wonder what AA would look like during a pandemic without the access that we have to technology today. I would imagine myself isolated in my dimly lit garden unit with no access to meetings or fellow AA members. My disease is a life-threatening matter on its own, let alone venturing out into the world to find a meeting. 

The last large-scale pandemic, the Spanish influenza in 1918, occurred roughly a decade before the conception of AA. This took place well before the emergence of technology. Technology has made social connections much easier. 

Fortunately, AA and society have adapted to the new normal and are implementing online meetings. There are several ways to find a meeting online. In fact, my meeting attendance as gone up exponentially as a result. I have not gone to meetings this frequently since my first year of recovery in 2013.

During this time of social distancing, reliance upon a higher power is paramount. For we do not have the luxury to use the fellowship in the same fashion amid this global crisis. This concept can be difficult for many, especially newcomers. The newcomer may not yet have been able to come to believe that a power greater than him or herself could be of support to their personal recovery. This was certainly the case for me when I first began the path of recovery. 

It was suggested to me that I use the group as my higher power. A Group of Drunks (G.O.D.) to get started. That was enough for me to start building a foundation on which I could construct a strong recovery. My concept of a higher power has transformed and grown over the years, but I always come back to the group being a power greater than myself. 

This is evident because I see members of the group transform and grow. That alone is more powerful than this insignificant alcoholic. 

"What we really have is a daily reprieve contingent on the maintenance of our spiritual condition" (Alcoholics Anonymous, pg. 85).

Early recovery is tough enough as it is. Newcomers during this pandemic, such as those living in sober homes have it exceptionally hard right now. One of the residents in my program is managing this time well by using the coping cornerstones. He is following all the social distancing and shelter in place recommendations to ensure his health and safety. It would be very easy for him to find himself isolating at a time like this. 

I have had experiences like that when society was not facing a pandemic. I have come to realize that there is a fine line between isolation and solitude. Solitude is a healthy tool when used intentionally and not as an escape from negative thoughts, feelings, or emotions. 

It can be extremely difficult to cope with negative thoughts, feelings, and/or emotions. It is important to have coping skills and strategies in place to address these as they arise. It is ok to experience these; it is natural. We do not, however, need to give them any more power than they already possess by letting them fester. There are 4 cornerstones to coping that I am using right now to prevent these experiences from cropping up and addressing them when they do. 

Sleep hygiene is a combination of different methods and behaviors that are essential to have a quality, restorative sleep leading to alertness throughout the next day. Getting quality sleep is vital for both physical and mental health. It can also increase productivity and overall quality of life. Establishing a nighttime routine will prove helpful. If you have one already but have become complacent, do not beat yourself up. When you notice that you have gotten out of your routine, softly bring yourself back, and start up again. I like to meditate before bed, with a hot cup of chamomile tea, or some light reading before entering dreamland.

 

I am not here to recommend any particular diet during this time. It is just important to be mindful of when we put into our bodies. Try to eat as healthy as you possibly can to support adequate brain function. However, go easy on yourself. Comfort food can be useful right now too. Beware of the quarantine fifteen though, it is real. Now would be a great time to be grateful for having the resources to acquire groceries. There are many less fortunate people out there who are struggling to meet even the most basic of needs. I am grateful that I can have my groceries delivered and maintain a stocked fridge and pantry. 

Exercise has been scientifically proven to increase mood and improve sleep hygiene. While gyms and running paths are closed, people are getting creative and finding ways to exercise indoors. Anything to get up and move around will do. Those passive-aggressive Netflix reminders are actually a good reminder to get up and stretch or crank out a few pushups. I like to start my day with some light stretches and get outside for a walk at some point during the day (maintaining social distancing, of course).

Social support is essential for our well-being. It is extraordinarily hard right now to stay connected. Using technology has proven powerful. Many are celebrating birthdays and holidays by connecting virtually. There is a lot of power in physical touch, but that is not an option outside of your nuclear family. Especially for those who live alone. I suggest fostering an animal if possible, to have some form of physical touch. Also, take this time to make phone calls to loved ones and catch up or check-in. 

Ultimately, you have to find what works best for you. There is not a perfect way to go about coping with life on life's terms. There is harmony in balance, and that can be difficult to attain. Remember, it is about progress rather than perfection.

The Lotus Core Values have really been on display during this time. Love, Open-mindedness, Teamwork, Understanding & Service. The symbology of the Lotus Flower is fitting during this time. The Lotus Flower grows in swamps and blooms out of darkness into a beautiful plant. It is not unlike the circumstances that we find ourselves in right now, a very dark and uncertain time. We will come out of this as a strong a beautiful recreation of ourselves, One Day at a Time. 

Let me know, what are you doing to cope with life on life's terms while you "Recover in Place".

– Matthew Shay, BSW, CADC