--- title: Blog | COVID-19 description: COVID-19 | The Next Step | Weekly Wisdom on Addiction, Recovery, Families, and Everything In-Between --- [![The retreat](https://blog.theretreat.org/hs-fs/file-2373138307-png/TheRetreat-Jan2015_Theme/img/logo.png?width=271&name=logo.png "The retreat")](https://www.theretreat.org/) ON-LINE [Meeting Resources](https://www.myrecovery.org/online-meetings/) EMAIL US [info@theretreat.org](mailto:info@theretreat.org) CALL US [866-928-3434](tel:8669283434) [![ The Retreat ](https://blog.theretreat.org/hs-fs/file-2373138307-png/TheRetreat-Jan2015_Theme/img/logo.png.png?width=460&name=logo.png.png " The Retreat ")](https://www.theretreat.org/) - [About](http://www.theretreat.org/about) - [History](http://www.theretreat.org/about/history) - [Staff](http://www.theretreat.org/staff-and-leadership-team) - [Board of Directors](http://www.theretreat.org/about/board-of-directors) - [FAQs](http://www.theretreat.org/about/faqs) - [Testimonials](http://www.theretreat.org/about/testimonials) - [Careers](https://blog.theretreat.org/hubfs/2025-Documents/Kitchen-Now-Hiring.png) - [Programs](http://www.theretreat.org/programs) - [Men’s Residential](http://www.theretreat.org/programs/mens-residential-program) - [Women’s Residential](http://www.theretreat.org/programs/womens-residential-program) - [Virtual Recovery Program](http://www.theretreat.org/programs/virtual-recovery-programs) - [Evening Program](http://www.theretreat.org/programs/evening-programs) - [55Plus Hybrid Program](http://www.theretreat.org/programs/55plus-program) - [Relapse Program](http://www.theretreat.org/programs/relapse-programs) - [Renewal Program](http://www.theretreat.org/programs/renewal-program) - [Family Program](http://www.theretreat.org/programs/family-program) - [Sober Housing](http://www.theretreat.org/programs/the-retreat-residences) - [Service Payments](http://www.theretreat.org/service-payments) - [Retreats & Workshops](http://www.theretreat.org/programs/weekend-retreats) - [Retreats, Classes & Workshops](http://www.theretreat.org/programs/weekend-retreats/sponsored-by-the-retreat) - [Reserve McIver Center](http://www.theretreat.org/programs/weekend-retreats/private-group-retreats) - [Food Addiction Retreat (COR)](http://www.theretreat.org/programs/weekend-retreats/cor-retreats) - [Love First Training Institute](http://www.theretreat.org/programs/weekend-retreats/sponsored-by-the-retreat/love-first) - [Donate](http://www.theretreat.org/donate) - [Make a Gift](https://info.theretreat.org/donate-giving-form) - [Scholarship Support](https://info.theretreat.org/donate-support-scholarship) - [Donor Recognition & Tribute Opportunities](http://www.theretreat.org/our-next-step-naming-and-recognition) - [Alumni & Friends](http://www.theretreat.org/alumni-friends) - [Calendar](http://www.theretreat.org/alumni-friends/calendar) - [Recovery Community Activities](http://www.theretreat.org/alumni-friends/recovery-community-activities) - [Alumni Association Events](http://www.theretreat.org/alumni-friends/alumni-association-events) - [Breakfast Club](http://www.theretreat.org/breakfast-club) - [Event Gallery](http://www.theretreat.org/alumni-friends/alumni-event-gallery) - [Kenny’s Recipes](http://www.theretreat.org/alumni-friends/kennys-recipes) - [Golf Extravaganza 2026](http://www.theretreat.org/golf-extravaganza) - [Women in Recovery](http://www.theretreat.org/women-in-recovery) - [Research](http://www.theretreat.org/research) - [Abstinence-Based Recovery](http://www.theretreat.org/research-on-12-step-abstinence-based-recovery) - [Outcome Studies](http://www.theretreat.org/the-retreat-outcome-studies) - [Outcomes](http://www.theretreat.org/research/outcomes) - [Research On 12-Steps](http://www.theretreat.org/research-on-12-step-abstinence-based-recovery) - [Spiritual Direction](http://www.theretreat.org/spiritual-direction) - Media - [Blog](https://blog.theretreat.org) - [Podcast](http://www.theretreat.org/media/podcast) - [Newsroom](http://www.theretreat.org/media/in-the-news) - [Videos](http://www.theretreat.org/media/video-resources) - [Contact](https://info.theretreat.org/contact-us) [NEED HELP NOW?](https://info.theretreat.org/contact-us) ![RetreatBlogBannerImage.jpg](https://blog.theretreat.org/hs-fs/hubfs/images/Retreat_Blog_Banner_Image_Final.jpg?width=5688&name=Retreat_Blog_Banner_Image_Final.jpg "RetreatBlogBannerImage.jpg") [![](https://blog.theretreat.org/hubfs/coffe-4964387_640.jpg)](https://blog.theretreat.org/watching-my-mouth) ## [Watching My Mouth](https://blog.theretreat.org/watching-my-mouth) \[fa icon="calendar'\] May 20, 2020 10:13:15 AM / by [Dede Armstrong](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/dede-armstrong) posted in [families](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/families), [family recovery](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/family-recovery), [Family Sober Support](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/family-sober-support), [12 Traditions Of AA](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/12-traditions-of-aa), [Recovery Program](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/recovery-program), [Support Group](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/support-group), [COVID-19](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/covid-19) [\[fa icon="comment"\] 2 Comments](https://blog.theretreat.org/watching-my-mouth#comments-listing) Here we are… months after the world became an unknown place, and many of our creature comforts, things we took for granted, turned into vast luxuries. I dream longingly of a haircut or sitting in a café with a dear friend over a steaming cup of bad coffee…or, hardest of all, receiving a hug at an [AA meeting](https://www.theretreat.org/alumni-friends/calendar). I am getting accustomed to my new masked reality, the shouting at friends from a distance when I have the rare pleasure of seeing them. And, somehow, it is all ok. Really ok. And that is because I watch my mouth. [Read More \[fa icon="long-arrow-right"\]](https://blog.theretreat.org/watching-my-mouth) [![](https://blog.theretreat.org/hubfs/2.png)](https://blog.theretreat.org/there-is-no-situation-so-bad-that-a-few-drinks-cant-totally-screw-it-up) ## [There is No Situation So Bad That A Few Drinks Can’t Totally Screw It Up](https://blog.theretreat.org/there-is-no-situation-so-bad-that-a-few-drinks-cant-totally-screw-it-up) \[fa icon="calendar'\] Apr 1, 2020 8:00:00 AM / by [John MacDougall](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/john-macdougall) posted in [AA Big Book](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/aa-big-book), [Recovery Program](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/recovery-program), [Alcohol & Health](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/alcohol-health), [COVID-19](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/covid-19) [\[fa icon="comment"\] 2 Comments](https://blog.theretreat.org/there-is-no-situation-so-bad-that-a-few-drinks-cant-totally-screw-it-up#comments-listing) At the beginning of April 2020, I’m writing this blog at home. I am on a leave of absence from The Retreat due to the Covid-19 virus. I’m not sick, but I’m in the ‘high risk group”.  I’m 71 years old and have long term asthma that is easily activated. My wife, Priscilla, who almost never gets sick, may have had an incredibly short case of this disease. She ran a fever for less than a day, she was confused, had aches and pains, and slept. In one day, it was gone. She’s 81 years old. [Read More \[fa icon="long-arrow-right"\]](https://blog.theretreat.org/there-is-no-situation-so-bad-that-a-few-drinks-cant-totally-screw-it-up) [![](https://blog.theretreat.org/hubfs/girl-865304_640.jpg)](https://blog.theretreat.org/a-silent-challenge-living-alone-in-recovery-during-covid-19) ## [A Silent Challenge… Living Alone in Recovery During COVID 19](https://blog.theretreat.org/a-silent-challenge-living-alone-in-recovery-during-covid-19) \[fa icon="calendar'\] Mar 26, 2020 3:51:29 PM / by [Dede Armstrong](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/dede-armstrong) posted in [AA meetings](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/aa-meetings), [Older Adult Recovery Programs](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/older-adult-recovery-programs), [Alcohol & Health](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/alcohol-health), [help group](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/help-group), [COVID-19](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/covid-19) [\[fa icon="comment"\] 1 Comment](https://blog.theretreat.org/a-silent-challenge-living-alone-in-recovery-during-covid-19#comments-listing) Just a little backdrop... Recently, I have experienced what some might define as significant losses: My last surviving parent died in October; I ended a long-term primary relationship in November; My darling dog of 10 years was put to sleep in February. I am an empty nester, living in a new home in rural America. Despite these losses, daily life was fulfilling and meaningful. I had a job I adored, good friends, a busy social and volunteer life, and, most importantly, a wonderful AA community that grew and deepened every day! [Read More \[fa icon="long-arrow-right"\]](https://blog.theretreat.org/a-silent-challenge-living-alone-in-recovery-during-covid-19) [![](https://blog.theretreat.org/hubfs/image.png)](https://blog.theretreat.org/connection-is-the-key-to-recovery) ## [Connection is the Key to Recovery](https://blog.theretreat.org/connection-is-the-key-to-recovery) \[fa icon="calendar'\] Mar 18, 2020 10:45:02 AM / by [Maj Donovan](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/maj-donovan) posted in [alcohol addiction](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/alcohol-addiction), [alcoholism](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/alcoholism), [AA meetings](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/aa-meetings), [12 steps of aa](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/12-steps-of-aa), [COVID-19](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/covid-19) [\[fa icon="comment"\] 0 Comments](https://blog.theretreat.org/connection-is-the-key-to-recovery#comments-listing) Johann Hari stated at the end of his viral “TED Talk” that… “the opposite of addiction is not sobriety; the opposite of addiction is connection”. This comment was received as a landmark and almost heretical statement in the field of addiction treatment. It sent shock waves through the recovery community. It was a new and innovative way to view addiction and address recovery. [Read More \[fa icon="long-arrow-right"\]](https://blog.theretreat.org/connection-is-the-key-to-recovery) [All posts](https://blog.theretreat.org/all) ### Subscribe to Email Updates [![New call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/478538/839b1295-222c-440a-a31f-5be26d9a5570.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/478538/839b1295-222c-440a-a31f-5be26d9a5570) - Recent - Popular - Categories ### Lists by Topic - [Alcoholics Anonymous (181)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/alcoholics-anonymous) - [Recovery Program (138)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/recovery-program) - [AA meetings (102)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/aa-meetings) - [alcoholism (86)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/alcoholism) - [12 steps of aa (85)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/12-steps-of-aa) - [AA Big Book (85)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/aa-big-book) - [Recovery (77)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/recovery) - [Drugs Adiction (51)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/drugs-adiction) - [family recovery (49)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/family-recovery) - [Family Sober Support (48)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/family-sober-support) - [Chemical Dependency (41)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/chemical-dependency) - [Drug Rehab (35)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/drug-rehab) - [recovery process (35)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/recovery-process) - [12 Traditions Of AA (34)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/12-traditions-of-aa) - [12 step program (34)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/12-step-program) - [Sober Housing (34)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/sober-housing) - [Support Group (33)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/support-group) - [12 Steps (26)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/12-steps) - [Women's Sober Residential (25)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/womens-sober-residential) - [alcohol addiction (25)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/alcohol-addiction) - [Alcoholism Treatment Program (22)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/alcoholism-treatment-program) - [alcohol abuse (22)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/alcohol-abuse) - [Alcohol & Health (20)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/alcohol-health) - [substance abuse (19)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/substance-abuse) - [Men's Sober Residential (18)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/mens-sober-residential) - [Older Adult Recovery Programs (14)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/older-adult-recovery-programs) - [help group (13)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/help-group) - [women in recovery (13)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/women-in-recovery) - [Treatment Program (10)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/treatment-program) - [Drug Addiction (9)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/drug-addiction) - [celebration (5)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/celebration) - [COVID-19 (4)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/covid-19) - [Gratitude (4)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/gratitude) - [families (4)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/families) - [Volunteering (2)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/volunteering) - [higher power (2)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/higher-power) - [Cinderella Syndrome (1)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/cinderella-syndrome) - [birthday (1)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/birthday) - [podcast (1)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/podcast) see all ### Posts by Topic - [Alcoholics Anonymous (181)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/alcoholics-anonymous) - [Recovery Program (138)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/recovery-program) - [AA meetings (102)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/aa-meetings) - [alcoholism (86)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/alcoholism) - [12 steps of aa (85)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/12-steps-of-aa) - [AA Big Book (85)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/aa-big-book) - [Recovery (77)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/recovery) - [Drugs Adiction (51)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/drugs-adiction) - [family recovery (49)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/family-recovery) - [Family Sober Support (48)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/family-sober-support) - [Chemical Dependency (41)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/chemical-dependency) - [Drug Rehab (35)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/drug-rehab) - [recovery process (35)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/recovery-process) - [12 Traditions Of AA (34)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/12-traditions-of-aa) - [12 step program (34)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/12-step-program) - [Sober Housing (34)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/sober-housing) - [Support Group (33)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/support-group) - [12 Steps (26)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/12-steps) - [Women's Sober Residential (25)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/womens-sober-residential) - [alcohol addiction (25)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/alcohol-addiction) - [Alcoholism Treatment Program (22)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/alcoholism-treatment-program) - [alcohol abuse (22)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/alcohol-abuse) - [Alcohol & Health (20)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/alcohol-health) - [substance abuse (19)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/substance-abuse) - [Men's Sober Residential (18)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/mens-sober-residential) - [Older Adult Recovery Programs (14)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/older-adult-recovery-programs) - [help group (13)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/help-group) - [women in recovery (13)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/women-in-recovery) - [Treatment Program (10)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/treatment-program) - [Drug Addiction (9)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/drug-addiction) - [celebration (5)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/celebration) - [COVID-19 (4)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/covid-19) - [Gratitude (4)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/gratitude) - [families (4)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/families) - [Volunteering (2)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/volunteering) - [higher power (2)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/higher-power) - [Cinderella Syndrome (1)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/cinderella-syndrome) - [birthday (1)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/birthday) - [podcast (1)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/podcast) see all ### Posts by Authors - [Maj Donovan (95)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/maj-donovan) - [John MacDougall (72)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/john-macdougall) - [Staff Blog (35)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/staff-blog) - [Sherry Gaugler-Stewart (27)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/sherry-gaugler-stewart) - [Dick Rice (12)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/dick-rice) - [Kara F (10)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/kara-f) - [John Curtiss (10)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/john-curtiss) - [Mark Korman (6)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/mark-korman) - [DeAnna L. (4)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/deanna) - [Dede Armstrong (3)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/dede-armstrong) - [Jake Lewis (2)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/jake-lewis) - [Chris Nehotte (2)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/chris-nehotte) - [Alex Curtiss, M.A. (2)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/alex-curtiss) - [Jenna L. (2)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/jenna-l) - [Pam Broz (2)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/pam-broz) - [Nancy Kaley (1)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/nancy-kaley) - [Ellie Hyatt (1)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/ellie-hyatt) - [Rich Murphy (1)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/rich-murphy) - [Phil F. (1)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/philip-farzanegan) - [Lisa D. (1)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/lisa-d) - [Stephen Crane (1)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/stephen-crane) - [Paddy O (1)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/paddy-o) - [Connie Lawrence (1)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/connie-lawrence) - [Bob Bernu (1)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/bob-bernu) - [Lisa Speedling (1)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/lisa-speedling) - [Kevin J (1)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/kevin-j) - [Jake L (1)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/jake-l) - [Women in Recovery (1)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/women-in-recovery) - [Judge Shaun Floerke (1)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/judge-shaun-floerke) - [Peter H (1)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/peter-h) - [Deb Wuebker (1)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/deb-wuebker) - [Jay R. (1)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/jay-r) - [Cecil B (1)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/cecil-b) - [Lisa G. (1)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/lisa-g) see all ### Recent Posts ### OUR MISSION Our mission is to improve the quality of life for individuals, families and communities affected by alcohol and drug dependency by providing affordable, effective educational services grounded in the Twelve Step principles of Alcoholics Anonymous. [Learn More →](https://www.theretreat.org/about)   *\*The Retreat is a supportive, educational recovery program and is not a substitute for psychotherapy, medical, or clinical treatment.* ### CONTACT US Phone: 866-928-3434 Phone: 952-476-0566 Fax: 952-404-7208 Email: [info@theretreat.org](mailto:info@theretreat.org) Address:  [1221 Wayzata Blvd E, Wayzata MN 55391](https://www.google.com/maps/place/1221+Wayzata+Blvd+E,+Wayzata,+MN+55391/@44.972252,-93.4978219,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m2!3m1!1s0x52b34b6393eefe71:0xa29dd4f038137ea6)   **[Our Blog](https://blog.theretreat.org)**  |  [Online Meeting Resources](https://myrecovery.org/online-meetings/)    ---------------------------- "[The Retreat Daily](https://paper.li/e-1496866645)" Daily posts on recovery, sobriety, mental health, and everything in-between. ### NEED HELP NOW? © 2025 The Retreat. All Rights Reserved. | [Privacy Policy](https://www.theretreat.org/privacy-policy) Powered By [BSPKN](https://www.bspkn.co/)