No doubt, Covid-19 is significantly disrupting essential treatment and support services for people with addiction. The report of the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) showed that the pandemic is having a marked effect on the health and emotional wellbeing of people with substance abuse disorders. The social isolation, the loss of jobs and income, grief, and loss of family members, combined with being disconnected from treatment and recovery support are creating a lot of distress.
Drug rehab programs across the country adapted during the lockdown. Many rehabs incorporated online programs, counseling, and support. At the same time, some inpatient rehabs were opened. In some states, there was a dramatic decrease in treatment program bed availability for residents. Inpatient rehabs increased the frequency of cleaning, daily disinfecting, and admission specialists added additional screening questions. Patients who were admitted had their vitals checked at predetermined times every day. Staff members at facilities were wearing personal protective equipment and monitored patients closely for COVID-19 symptoms.
The challenge now is to make sure that those in recovery — particularly its earliest stages — have access to the treatment and services they need to stay safe and healthy. Now it is time to ask for help and to reach out to the treatment centers.
What we need to do now is reach out more than ever to those who are struggling with addiction, and bring them to rehab to get them to understand that they are not alone and forgotten during a crisis. We need to make sure that they are getting treatment and the medications they need to recover, that they have access to medical care, food, and housing.
The data shows when unemployment rises, addiction does as well. With coronavirus creating distance and isolation, as well as record unemployment rates, addiction issues are rising, even if we haven’t seen the full impact of that yet. Hathaway Recovery is prepared and ready.
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues throughout the country, the decision to seek help for people with addiction can be made even more difficult.
The data continues to show increases in relapses and overdose cases. Hathaway Recovery provides some tips for those who can not reach out to an inpatient treatment center:
• Promoting drugs. Group meetings are very important for those recovering from substance use disorders. There are plenty of meetings that are available for people to attend online.
• Don’t isolate. People in recovery already deal with isolation. During Covid-19 isolation became more dramatic. That’s why it’s important for people to find a way to contact friends, family members, neighbors, coworkers, and others. They can do this via text, phone, video, and much more while also staying safe.
• Try something new. Experts say one good way for people to “get out of their heads” is by finding something to occupy themselves and this crisis presents a unique opportunity. People now have the chance to explore new hobbies such as gardening, carpentry, puzzles, exercise, and reading. The options are endless. Find something you enjoy and pursue it.
If you need rehabilitation or recovery support, it is time to contact Hathaway Recovery. Over the coming months, more information and data will reveal the huge harm of Covid-19 lockdown and self-isolation. It is not the time to second guess, if you need treatment or counseling, reach out and access it now.
Our facility is open and we’re available to answer questions, provide resources, and be a support for those who are struggling. Hathaway Recovery is continuing to provide help while following all CDC guidelines in regards to the COVID-19. Call us today.
Hathaway Recovery Drug & Alcohol Treatment Center
Treatment Center, MD, LCSW, LMFT, ASAM
Web: https://www.hathawayrecovery.com
E-mail: [email protected]
Phone: (909) 971-3333
Fax (909) 498-9898
1042 East Belmont Abbey Lane, Claremont, CA 91711
