Live Well Lincoln County: Recovery support available during COVID-19 pandemic

COURTESY OF LIVE WELL LINCOLN COUNTY

LINCOLN COUNTY – During this COVID-19 pandemic, when social distancing and self-quarantine are needed to limit and control the spread of the disease, continued social connectedness to maintain recovery are critically important. Virtual resources can and should be used during this time.

“Don’t be afraid to reach out for help to recover or stay sober,” said Ashley Miller, MS, Mental Health Specialist, Licensed Professional Counselor and Substance Abuse Counselor at Ascension. “Your recovery must come first so that everything you love in life does not have to come last.”

Miller goes on to share the following:

• Resist Temptation
• Encourage newcomers
• Call your sponsor or support person
• Open your mind
• Value
• Everything that you are blessed with
• Repair relationships
• You’re worth it

“No matter what the situation is, remind yourself that you have a choice,” Miller stated.

Recovery support is available:

• Call the Recovery Warmline at 715-221-8504. Please leave a message including name and contact information on this confidential voice mail. Messages are checked regularly.
• Addiction Recovery Support Group meets virtually on Tuesdays from Noon to 1 p.m. Call Behavioral Health Clinic at 715-842-9500 or check Facebook page for more information.
• SAMHSA has a Virtual Recovery Tip Sheet which provides numerous virtual recovery program options. It also provides tips to help local recovery programs create virtual meetings. This tip sheet is available on www.welllincoln.org under the News and Events section.

If you are feeling overwhelmed by COVID-19 and need support, contact the SAMHSA Disaster Helpline at 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746 to connect with a trained crisis counselor. If you find you are overwhelmed or having thoughts of self-harm or suicide, reach out for help right away. Text HOPELINE to 741741 or call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.

For local help with physical, financial and the social implications of this current health crisis, visit https://lincoln.extension.wisc.edu/public-health-emergencies/.

The Resilient Wisconsin Initiative provides tools and resources to Wisconsinites who are dealing with stress and mental health challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. For more information, go to https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/covid-19/resilient.htm.