This is a strange time for many of us. While previous generations have lived through times like these before, its new for much of us. It is something that we didn’t plan for. Social distancing does come with some sacrifices. In-person meetings for almost everyone are not possible right now. This can be a struggle, especially for those who have been or are in recovery. As our anxiety and feelings of isolation ramp up so does the temptation to cope in unhealthy ways.

There are a couple of things that help me during this time. The first thing is the realization that sobriety isn’t something that I achieved on my own. Sobriety is a gift from God. When we pursue and take care of our relationship with God, then we can achieve and maintain sobriety. When we accept God’s love and acceptance, that’s when we can achieve and maintain sobriety. You may disagree, but I believe the bulk of the work of recovery is done by God. It is not through our own power that we become free from addictive behaviors and unhealthy coping mechanisms. It is through God.

Second, losing sobriety doesn’t disqualify us from God’s love. Giving into those unhealthy coping mechanisms will bring consequences, but the price has been paid and work has been done. Paul wrote to the Romans:

‘Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death. For what the Law could not do, weak as it was through the flesh, God did: sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh, so that the requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. ‘

Romans 8:1-4 NASB

If we lose sobriety during this time, we are faced with the same choice we’ve always been faced with. Do we live in shame, or do we turn back to God? Do we try to hide it, or do we pick up the phone to call our sponsors (mentors) and accountability partners? Do we continue trying to seek things through “the flesh” (in our own power), or do we surrender to the Spirit of Jesus who gave Himself up for us? When we hear God coming around the corner, we can hide in the bushes or in humility say, “Here I am!”

This isn’t to minimize the damage that this time can cause. Not only can sobriety be more difficult to maintain, but online meetings present their own challenges. Zoom bombing has been in the news, and church and recovery communities are prime targets. Zoom codes aren’t hard to guess, and it can be triggering to have a stranger interrupt a session with vulgarities and graphic pictures. Thankfully, there are ways to mitigate this through password and meeting room features.

Isn’t that what part of what the work of recovery is? Action plans to have when we are triggered are mitigation strategies to keep us safe. Internalizing Scripture and God’s love for us will help us feel safe to return to Him if we should fall. God’s love and Truth protects us from the condemnation of sin and shame.

If you’ve lost sobriety during this time, you can turn back to God. He is waiting for you. Refuse to let sin and shame have the final word in your life. Cling to the truth that Jesus’ sacrifice and resurrection was enough to cover you and turn toward Him. He is the Great Rescuer! Come up with a plan for if you are triggered again. If you find yourself at a loss for ideas, reach out to those around you. Do some research on what others are doing. Use this as a training opportunity. Sometimes, God leads us through times like these to grow our trust and dependence on Him.

If you feel like you’re hanging by a thread, then keep hanging on and moving towards God. If you feel like you’ve made some real strides during this time, that is awesome! Celebrate that, because this is a new and hard time for many of us. Don’t take any victory for granted.

Above all, remember God loves you and wants you. Nothing you can do will ever change that.