Recovery Resources During COVID-19 Crisis

Support Group Gatherings Allowed

Effective August 11, 2020, Archdiocesan guidelines permit support groups to gather at the discretion of the pastor and if MA Safety Standards are followed:

  • No more than 25 people per gathering (gatherings are limited to eight people per 1,000 square feet, but should not exceed 25 people in a single enclosed, indoor space)
  • No food or drinks allowed
  • Attendees who are not part of the same immediate household must be seated at least 6 feet apart
  • Face masks must be worn
  • Signs must be posted reminding attendees of social distancing, mask wearing, hand washing, and staying home if feeling ill
  • Gathering outside the parish (for example, for smoking breaks) is prohibited
  • Group organizer is responsible for cleaning and disinfecting before and after the meeting according to CDC protocols

Resources

The circumstances  surrounding the COVID 19 virus can be challenging, and even overwhelming for all, but especially for those who are seeking to find recovery from substance use disorders. Below are some resources to help.

AARPSS: Archdiocesan Addiction Recovery Pastoral Support Services

Support is still available to those in need despite the restrictions on social gathering in the wake of COVID-19 outbreak. We encourage all in need at this time to visit the AARPSS website to find online meetings, phone meetings and even online chat functions to maintain support in recovery.

Other Resources

Boston Globe article: You’re Not Alone: How the Recovery Community is Sticking Together During Coronavirus Shutdowns

From Boston Medical Center’s Grayken Center for Addiction: https://www.bmc.org/addiction/covid-19-recovery-resources

Hilary Connery from McLean developed the presentation: Information on Recovery of substance users during Coronavirus outbreak

Yale has released Guidance for People Who Use Substances on COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus)

Hazelden Betty Ford has tips for staying connected and safeguarding your recovery  individuals going to meetings or considering skipping.

Lawyers for Civil Rights has shared a tipsheet with answers to legal questions or concerns related to COVID-19, including medical support, food security, and drivers’ licenses.

Free sober active community The Phoenix is offering free live workout classes.

A list of resources from the National Institute on Drug Abuse

Recovery Resource Websites

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Coping With Coronavirus: Managing Stress, Fear, and Anxiety, Director’s Blog

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
Virtual Recovery Resources for Substance Use and  Mental Illness.Includes links to online meetings and recovery support resources offered by various mutual help groups and other organizations, as well as information on setting up a virtual meeting.

Addiction Policy Forum and CHESS Health
Connections App.Free research-based smartphone app to help people with recovery from substance use.

Center on Addiction
Resources for Parents, Families, and Caregivers. Provides mobile (phone- and text-based) education and support for family members struggling with a loved one’s addiction as well as links to other virtual resources.

Faces and Voices of Recovery
Faces & Voices of Recovery is dedicated to organizing and mobilizing the over 23 million Americans in recovery from addiction to alcohol and other drugs, their families, friends and allies into recovery community organizations and networks.

Shatterproof
Shatterproof is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to reversing the addiction crisis in the United States.
How to Find a Virtual Recovery Meeting

Unity Recovery, WeConnect, SOS Recovery, and Alano Club
Offering online recovery support group meetings five times daily, a daily family and loved one recovery support meeting, and weekly LGBTQ+ and Women’s Only recovery meetings.

SAMHSA (the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration)
Offers its National Help Line for any in need of help. A great resource to find available services, especially during these difficult times.
SAMHSA National Helpline – 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or find treatments online

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