It is no secret that the last couple of years have been rough. This is true for everyone – but especially for those in recovery or seeking recovery. The temptations that have always whispered (or screamed) to be heeded have been amplified ten-fold by our prolonged periods of isolation, the dramatic shifts in routines, and our sense of stability – or lack thereof.
Creating safe, supported, and affordable housing solutions for individuals in recovery is essential, and RCD is hard at work to make sober housing a reality for more in the community. Our current project, the Brooks Street House, will open additional opportunities for those in need. Donate today to support our renovation project.
Fear not. All hope is not lost. In our last blog: 10 Tools & Resources to Help You Stay Sober in 2022, we covered some ways to maintain connection and combat the deep feeling of isolation that are commonly major hurdles in recovery outcomes. But the amount of resources that exist are far greater than an arbitrary number. Here are ten additional ways to stay connected and find help that may work for you in 2022.
Podcasts
With around 28% of the U.S. population over 12 years old listening to podcasts on a weekly basis, this medium is a growing resource and opportunity to listen and connect. With so many turning to this medium, there are a lot of options – and a lot of different personalities out there. Here are five to get you started.
Hosted by Shane Ramer, That Sober Guy, offers a very ‘boys club’ sort of feel while working to make sobriety feel attainable. Their website also houses other great resources like virtual meetings, 30-day sober challenge, and a podcast video course.
Positive Sobriety is far less specialized on that ‘boys club’ vibe. It offers conversations centered around inspiration and positivity to aid in addiction recovery outcomes. With 121 episodes and counting, they cover a lot of ground including conversations around sobriety and faith, self-love, and addiction in the military.
The Bubble Hour is a weekly podcast hosted by author and blogger, Jean McCarthy, who has her own background in navigating addiction and recovery. This one focuses on how we find feelings of safety and happiness while moving through recovery.
Duane Osterlind hosts a myriad of guests on each episode of The Addicted Mind. It offers an invitation to listen to viewpoints and ideas that span many subjects and struggles.
The Breaking Free podcast offers listeners lively discussions based on lived experiences, research, and expert advice. The topics covered range from boundary setting to the effects and significance of trauma on the recovery journey.
Online Recovery Programs
Lion Rock offers evidence-based online substance abuse counseling. They boast a trove of resources for those seeking recovery – including a podcast, The Courage to Change.
Though Workit Health is only able to provide clinical treatment in select states, their online counseling is accessible nationwide. With a combination of therapeutic curriculum and expert counselors, Workit Health is about setting goals and changing outcomes through a big-picture lens and seeks to contribute to long term recovery outcomes.
For fans of curriculum-based approaches with ample guidance that are looking for an online solution, this may be a good fit.
Helplines
Though we’ve come a long way since the telephone switchboard was created in 1877, the revolutionary significance of the telephone continues to ripple out from its inception. Phones are still a vital resource for seeking out help and connection when we are in dire need.
Concerned about yourself or a loved one? Take a look at our previous blog: Signs of Relapse.
8. Drug Free Connecticut Helpline
Call (800) 420-9064 to get answers regarding dependence treatment in Connecticut.
9. Help for Alcoholics
This helpline connects individuals to a recovering member of Alcoholics Anonymous.
To speak with a representative, dial the drug addiction helpline 1-866-STEPS12 or 1-866-783-2628.
For Spanish speakers, call 1-855-ESPANCT or 1-855-377-2628 to connect with a representative to chat in Spanish.
10. Connecticut Youth Hotline
This number connects people under 18 to professionals who offer counseling, advice, and guidance on alcohol or drug treatment.
Dial 2-1-1 to get intervention help for free.
