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Experts say recovering addicts face higher chance of relapse during pandemic

Experts say recovering addicts face higher chance of relapse during pandemic

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Leaders at Indianapolis Alcoholics Anonymous said social isolation can be dangerous for recovering addicts, adding this group faces a higher chance of relapse during the COVID-19 pandemic.

There are still some in-person meetings happening at outdoor locations across central Indiana, however, the number has been cut drastically. The program went from hosting more than 400 weekly meetings down to only 20 or 30. Plus, only a very small number of people are allowed.

Indy AA has set up a portal on indyaa.org with several recorded and live meetings. The meetings take place in different countries at different times. They are also suited to many different groups including just men, just women and different beliefs and backgrounds.

The website is updated regularly to let you know where and when in-person meetings are happening and if meetings have been canceled.

An anonymous representative from Indy AA said if you have a recovering addict in your life, check in with them often. The stay-at-home order is tough on everyone but it’s especially tough for people who rely on in-person communication to stay on track.

“There’s stress and anxiety that just seems to multiply and unfortunately for those of us who are addicts or alcoholics, our go-to scenario is to use drug or drink,” he said.

He also added right now could even be dangerous for people who aren’t in recovery. He has seen several jokes online about people using alcohol to get through the pandemic, which in his words is no laughing matter.

CNN Business reports alcoholic beverage sales shot up 55% in the third week of March