As an alcoholic, what to do in this time of plague? It seems to me there are two possible answers to this question, only one of which I’d advise acting on:
1: Keep drinking yourself to death, because who cares anyway?
OR
2: See this as an opportunity to practice some self-care, whilst remaining mindful of the needs of others.
The great news is both options involve isolation of some kind, so you should be lapping this up. Option 1 sees you isolating in the stinking hovel of morbid self-pity that has become your home since you relapsed and/or never stopped drinking in the first place. Here you are safely ensconced in the warm grip of insanity and impending death protected at least from the Black Death that lurks outside, unless of course you’ve already damaged your immune system to such an extent that even a passing house fly represents an epidemiological threat to your existence. But isolated in your ethanolic silo, it’s quite possible that you’ll remain free of the plague at least.
If you are still on solids, then pizzas deliver themselves and drink can be couriered in by someone or other. Where there’s a will and all that. A quick trip down the liquor store is as risky as it gets, just don’t forget to wash your hands for precisely 20 minutes after you’ve downed the bottle of Johnnie Walker you purchased. Oh, and good luck.
Meanwhile, my preferred option – Number 2, if you were wondering – would be to take some time, not hidden in dark isolation, terrified of what lurks outside (you’ll be doing that with Number 1 anyway), but engaged in a little basic self-care, kindness and gratitude. None of this need cost a penny either. Meditate for a while, which is great for recovery in general, as it slows the heart rate nicely, helping to banish anxiety and break the rut of depression. Download the Plum Village app, a whole bunch of wonderful, free meditations and exercises designed to bring a sense of peace and calm reflection into your world. No need for outside contact or worrying times spent avoiding people sneezing at you on public transport.
Run a nice warm bath if you have one, or take time for a longer shower. Make it a mindful shower, where you don’t rush, but remain aware of the water flowing across your face, the silken, cleansing feeling of the soap on your skin. Read a book, or play some music that either you love already, or haven’t tried before. As a classical music obsessive, I find this deeply emotional and complex musical form very relaxing and engaging. Avoid social media with its pandemics, politics and panics.
And remember this: you can’t change the situation around you, but you can change your response to it. A pandemic will do what a pandemic will do, and there isn’t an authority on the planet that can do anything about it. But you can look after you and, in so doing, look after others as well. We are all very much in this together. Spread calm, not panic. Set a good example. Stay sober (drinking alcohol lowers your immunity). Be kind, to yourself and others. Be calm.
And wash your hands.
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