The following is adapted from a recent article by Michael Dye, author of The Genesis Process.

There are three major precursors for relapse: ANXIETY, BOREDOM, and ISOLATION.

Anyone of these can create cravings for self-destructive coping behaviors. Coronavirus has created a problematic situation that can cause the Limbic System (the survival brain) to cause cravings for old coping behaviors.

Whether your coping behavior include chemicals, food, sex, co-dependency, drama, electronics, or even anger/rage, the current pandemic is a perfect setup to “do the very thing you don’t want to do.”

Apply the FASTER SCALE as a daily self-check during "virus crisis."

Download Faster Scale

Here are three limbic relapse triggers which may be especially strong during quarantine:

Anxiety

Anxiety is another word for stress and fear.

Fear can cause your prefrontal cortex (where your morals, values and good intentions reside) to shut down while your survival brain focuses on what you need to do to cope and feel safe/normal, thus producing a craving.

Anxiety is created when you believe something bad is going to happen—a time of uncertainty.

Anxiety can also give you a rush of energy that can lead to exhaustion, which is where relapse happens. Worry produces anxiety.

Some years back I was in a lot of anxiety. I was praying and heard this voice in my head that said, “You can worry if you want.” I realize worry is a choice and that it won’t change the outcome, only the journey.

Boredom

Boredom is an uncomfortable emotion that is produced when you lack stimulation.

It is especially problematic for teens and sex addicts. Boredom can make you seek out activities and experiences to stimulate you. Since the inception of COVID-19 and social quarantine, internet porn searches have increased dramatically.

Social Isolation

Loneliness is one of our most painful emotions.

We are designed to get our needs met from relationships. When we become socially isolated it is very easy to seek out self-gratification. All addiction is self-gratification.

The mandate for us to stay sequestered at home is a perfect set-up to create relapse cravings and patterns.

In Genesis Counselor Training we teach that isolation always precedes relapse. And relapse creates secrets which in turn causes shame, further increasing powerful cravings to escape how you feel.

So, if you can prevent isolation you can also minimize the chance of relapse.

Steps to stay in recovery

Stay connected and reach out to others that you can be accountable to by phone or preferably face-to-face with something like FaceTime, Marco Polo, Skype, or Google Duo. Also, many are continuing to meet in their recovery groups via video chat platforms.
When you feel anxious, lonely or bored, get out and go for a walk or engage in exercise. Consider any activities to help get you out of your head and stimulate your mind and body in a healthy way.
Check yourself on the FASTER Scale and call someone about it.
If necessary, establish regular accountability with software like Covenant Eyes with a sponsor, a friend, or anyone who knows you and your vulnerabilities.

This is hard.
But you are worth it.

For the full article visit https://www.genesisprocess.org/blog/covid-19-the-perfect-storm-for-relapse?ss_source=sscampaigns&ss_email_id=5e7d690f1ac2b268ad2e05c4

At 423 Communities International, our doors are open for business. We are still offering recovery options for those struggling with temptations and trauma around pornography, sexual fantasies, and addictive behaviors. Want more information? Click here: https://www.423communities.org/join.