Access to addiction treatment after Post-Pandemic

  • Jul 7, 2020

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 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 is 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 the time to ask for help and to reach out the treatment centers.

What we need to do now is reach out more than ever to those who are struggling with addiction, and to bring them to a rehab to get them to understand that they are not alone and forgotten during 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 an inpatient treatment center:

• Promoting of 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 with friends, family members, neighbors, coworkers and others. This can be accomplished 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 the 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

Hathaway Recovery Drug & Alcohol Treatment Center

Treatment Center, MD, LCSW, LMFT, ASAM

Web: https://www.hathawayrecovery.com

E-mail: hathawayrecovery@yahoo.com

Phone: (909) 971-3333

Fax (909) 498-9898

1042 East Belmont Abbey Lane, Claremont, CA 91711