As the world continues to adapt to COVID-19 protocols, approximately 42 percent of the US labor force is working from home full-time, 26 percent are going to work, and 33 percent are not working, Stanford University research shows. However, the meetings, deadlines, commitments, and responsibilities associated with one’s routine workday haven’t disappeared in the face of a global pandemic—even if the routine has.
Working in Recovery During COVID-19
While the stresses of everyday work combined with today’s current climate can be exceptionally overwhelming for everyone, it can be especially perilous to the 22.35 million US individuals in recovery from a drug and alcohol problem. The pressure placed on executives, many of whom work an average of 62.5 hours per week, can be relentless, with executives in recovery from Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) considered exceptionally vulnerable. As social distancing and telecommuting become the “new normal” for connection at this time, Soberlink alcohol monitoring can help executives in recovery remain connected to the most crucial aspect of their day-to-day life: their sobriety.
What is Soberlink Alcohol Monitoring?
Combining a professional-grade breathalyzer with wireless connectivity, Soberlink utilizes facial recognition, tamper detection, and intuitive reporting software to promote accountability and connection during the first year of recovery. Designed for ease-of-use, clients’ daily scheduled test submissions are transmitted in real-time by text and/or email, allowing for individual’s progress to be documented and tracked by their Recovery Circle made up of friends, family, and Treatment Professionals. Soberlink’s reporting software, Advanced Reporting™, provides Treatment Professionals and loved ones the opportunity to easily digest progress and monitor test results, helping strengthen an individual’s recovery journey. Considered the ‘Gold Standard’ by Treatment Professionals since 2011, Soberlink has been implemented by over 500 leading recovery centers such as The Lighthouse and its recovery coaching program, Recovery 365. Founded by former Wall Street equities trader Trey Laird, The Lighthouse is a sober-living residence for working professionals.
“Addiction pervades every single socio-economic demographic that there is. Every industry, every race, men, women, it doesn’t care who you are,” Laird said in an interview with CNBC. “After (primary treatment) is where the problem starts. People figure, ‘Oh Trey’s fine, he’s cured now.’ In reality, the hardest part of recovery is the day you walk out of that treatment facility and figure out how to live your life sober.” Taking an all-encompassing approach to sobriety, The Lighthouse offers the full spectrum of recovery management, from intensive outpatient programs to personalized mentorship, and requires all residents to utilize Soberlink. “Soberlink is a crucial tool in The Lighthouse’s comprehensive program of recovery,” Laird says.
How Can Alcohol Monitoring Help During the Pandemic?
Discreet, daily alcohol monitoring helps provide structure, allows individuals to remain connected to their Recovery Circle, and promotes accountability. One of the core aspects of Addiction Treatment is learning to recognize and handle triggers inside and outside of the office, such as increased stress and significant changes. At a time where individuals are pitted against a number of events that are out of their control, Soberlink helps to establish healthy routines based on consistency and transparency, assisting individuals in high-profile roles to manage their recovery along with the associated stress from their respective positions. Soberlink clients’ newfound autonomy and discipline helps put them back in the driver’s seat by allowing them to maintain what they’ve worked so hard to cultivate: trust and accountability, in themselves and from others, through sobriety.
Provides Structure
In high-intensity exercises, instructors often refer to “active recovery” in which individuals can slow down a bit to lower their heart rate, without completely losing momentum. This is how Addiction Recovery works, as well. As Laird mentioned, there is no “cure” for sobriety; instead, there’s active recovery in which an individual consciously continues to work toward their goal. Helping individuals stay on track, Soberlink allows clients to set up customizable testing to check in with their Recovery Circle throughout the day. After a life event caused one Monitored Client to realize they were headed down a “dangerous path,” they were able to establish sobriety through routine testing. Tests in the morning, after work, and before bed decreased their desire to drink. “Soon I found that I genuinely looked forward to blowing ‘clean’ each time, as it made me feel good about my progress and reduced stress for my family,” the client shared.
Maintains Connection
When life becomes overwhelming, it can become increasingly difficult to maintain connection with close friends and loved ones. Similar to a social media highlight reel, it can be easy to share the good times and more challenging to reveal hardships and instances of vulnerability. During difficult times, a warning sign for individuals in recovery can include retreating into oneself. Providing visibility when individuals may need it the most, Soberlink test results can be shared with an individual’s Recovery Circle. This way, a Sponsor, Recovery Coach, or family member can remain connected along the sobriety journey. “My wife, my dad, and my best friend get my results twice a day. Knowing they are expecting those updates every day keeps me straight. I don’t want to let them down,” another client shared.
Promotes Accountability
As children, our parents, teachers, and elders help us remain accountable for our actions, from the minor task of brushing our teeth to the major task of maintaining a schedule and getting to class on time each day. Adults are wholly responsible for this task themselves and, as parents, their children’s as well. Helping individuals develop and strengthen personal accountability, Soberlink Advanced Reporting™ allows clients to see just how far they’ve come in their sobriety journey and just how far they can go. After one client was in danger of losing their job due to drinking, Soberlink helped them commit to a 100 percent sober lifestyle. “I have been testing with Soberlink for two years and have had no issues,” they shared. “I think there might have been a few times, in the beginning, where temptations surfaced, but knowing my position would immediately be terminated kept me focused. Without the twice-daily testing, I just might have tried to have a few drinks.”
Whether you are an executive at the beginning of your sobriety journey or are looking for extra accountability in your day-to-day, Soberlink can help. Discover why industry professionals consider Soberlink The Experts in Remote Alcohol Monitoring Technology™: soberlink.com/healthcare/alcohol-addiction-recovery
About the Author
Soberlink supports accountability for sobriety through a comprehensive alcohol monitoring system. Combining a breathalyzer with wireless connectivity, the portable design and technology includes facial recognition, tamper detection and real-time reporting. Soberlink proves sobriety with reliability to foster trust and peace of mind.