BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — Substance abuse support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous, which usually holds daily meetings across the U.S., are feeling the impact of widespread new guidelines that order reduced crowd sizes amid the coronavirus pandemic.
AA says despite many being in isolation, its members will also not go without support. The network is going virtual, and it's encouraging anyone who usually attends an in-person AA meeting to continue taking part by phone or online. Click here to find online meeting options.
In Massachusetts, the Boston Medical Center has also put together a webpage to continue supporting residents with substance use disorders. Click here for more.
Chief Medical Officer for Recovery Centers of America Dr. Heidi Ginter told WBZ NewsRadio if you're having a tough time, the best thing you can do is pick up the phone, or log on, and ask for help. There are also some at-home activities that can help in times of distress.
"A lot of good self-care items that people have on their waitlist are finally being able to be taken off and actually accomplished," Dr. Ginter said. "Things like starting a gratitude practice, or starting a meditation practice, getting into more mindfulness."
WBZ NewsRadio's Karyn Regal (@KarynRegal) reports:
(Photo: E+)
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