[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]For many people – in and out of recovery – uncertainty is a cause for unneeded stress and anxiety. It’s probably because when things are uncertain, it means that there is something out of our control. If only we could have our way. If you’re anything like me, even minor uncertainties can get your mind racing. Uncertainty can make me feel anxious. For instance, if I don’t know if someone is angry with me, if I’m waiting to hear a response about a completed project, or if I’m uncertain how much a repair to my car will cost. During active addiction, many of us experienced uncertainty regularly: when would we be able to have our next drink or drug? It’s no wonder that many of us might feel triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic. Uncertainty seems to be the theme of our current situation. There is uncertainty regarding how many people have been infected by the coronavirus. There is uncertainty for how to best treat it. There is uncertainty about when this will all finally be over. Those of us who got sober by using the 12 Steps will recognize that uncertainty and lack of control -powerlessness – is the root of most of our problems. In addition to drugs and alcohol, we are powerless over people, places, things, institutions, you name it. 
By recognizing our powerlessness, we are in fact empowering ourselves. We’re able to focus on the things we can control, and during this time, there are small but important things within our control. We can control how much we’re social distancing, how often we go to the grocery store, how often we get outside to walk, and other things that can keep us healthy. While it’s understandable that the uncertainty and scariness of our current situation might trigger us, and make us want to drink or use, we have to remember that we are powerless over these substances. Using won’t give us any more power over the pandemic. If anything, it will make us desperate, putting us in many more situations where we could become infected. Embracing powerlessness has been known to help people recover from Substance Use Disorders, ease fear of flying, and have positive impacts on personal and romantic relationships. Uncertainty is only scary to me when I let my anxiety tell me it is. Sometimes I like to picture the worst-case scenario, and think to myself, “Even if this happens, I can overcome this.” Recovery is about sacrifice, but more importantly about gratitude. If I’m grateful for my instincts, even my anxiety towards uncertainty, I can remind myself that, “This too shall pass…” If you have trouble controlling how much you drink or use drugs, there is help. At TruHealing Centers around the country, we offer the full continuum of addiction- related care, from residential medical detox to long-term aftercare. All of our centers are open and here for you during the COVID-19 pandemic. WeAs such, we have implemented strict safety precautions to ensure the health of all clients and staff. To learn more about our levels of care, call an admissions specialist today at 410-593-0005. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
