The COVID-19 outbreak has been one of the most socially challenging pandemics in the last half-century. While it’s a difficult time for the average person, those with substance abuse disorder may find it more challenging to isolate themselves from the world to keep themselves safe, especially when cravings start to set in, and keeping busy is a demanding task. These individuals are not only battling COVID-19, but they are also left alone with only their thoughts and addition struggles to keep them company.
Facing and battling addiction without professional support is not an option for most addicts, and if it were, it could be devastating. Dugs rehabilitation centers understand that people need substance abuse treatment and therapies in times of COVID-19 without delay and are looking for ways to work around the coronavirus pandemic.
Right now, rehabilitation centers might be one of the safest places for those with an addiction problem, especially with social distancing and the acute need for the right support.
Drug Rehabilitation Centers Are Adapting to the Pandemic
– Safety Measures
As with most public institutions, drug centers need to take the necessary hygienic precautions to make sure everyone is in a safe place. Aside from the usual cleanliness procedures, rehabs perform video screenings before patients can enter the facility. Through this procedure, out-patient time is reduced, and the necessary preparations to accommodate all patients are taken very seriously.
When patients arrive, they are asked whether they have experienced any symptoms related to COVID-19, such as fever, cough, or feeling unwell in general. On top of it all, all drug facilities provide their visitors with the necessary protective equipment for their protection and from spreading the disease.
They offer the following equipment:
- Gloves
- Face Masks
- Respirators
- Face shields
- Goggles
- Hand Sanitizes
- Tissues
- Trash Cans
- Regular surface cleaning with antibacterial substances
– Getting Access to Prescriptions and Medications
Buprenorphine, for example, is a vital type of medication that is mostly used for drug addiction treatments, and which should not be discontinued unless medically advised. To continue their treatments and not abruptly disrupt them, the doctor may conduct consultations and give prescriptions over the phone, FaceTime, Skype, or other digital mediums. Also, pharmacies may allow patients to refill their prescriptions without having to go there personally due to tot the COVID-19 pandemic.
Naloxone, on the other hand, is also a critical addiction treatment. This medication is primarily used to alleviate the effects of an opioid overdose. It is used to reverse the respiratory damages created by opioids and help sustain a person’s life until they are admitted to the hospital for addiction treatment. More importantly, naloxone can be bought without a prescription from many pharmacies.
– Drug Rehabs Are One of the Safest Places During the COVID-19 Outbreak For Addicts
For most addicts, drug centers are of the safest places to be. Inpatients are kept secure and shielded from the coronavirus pandemic while also receiving the correct treatment and professional help. During this trying time, it is the best place to be.
When someone has an addiction problem, one of the first stages toward recovery is detoxification, which essentially means keeping clean and drug-free. Because of the pandemic outbreak, many addicts might try to detoxify their bodies alone, which can be dangerous due to the extreme withdrawal symptoms. Plus, there are high chances of a relapse. This is a tough nut to crack, and ideally, it would be best to seek professional help.
– Dealing with Loneliness that May Trigger Depression
Addiction is not a smooth ride, and a healthy support system is crucial to stay sober and beating addiction for good and to avoid depression. Unfortunately, with the rise of the pandemic and the urgency of social distancing, those who are in recovery might feel the sting of loneliness. Self-isolation can take a toll emotionally, especially for those who may not have many friends or family members to talk to or if they do not have the means to contact them digitally. Therefore, considering inpatient care in a drug facility can be lifesaving and may stabilize the patient emotionally to work on their road to recovery.
– Reaching Out to Online Support Groups and Telehealth
Offering and receiving support is one of the steppingstones to recovery. During the pandemic, it is not possible to go to meetings or see other people, but it is also essential to talk and be supported at the same time. To stay emotionally sane and avoid a possible relapse, it would be beneficial to join online NA meetings that are usually supported by many rehabilitation centers.
They offer group therapy sessions for patients, so this would be beneficial for those who are struggling with their sobriety and need to stick to their routine.
Another practical option is telehealth, which provides addiction treatment through telecommunication technologies, which helps patients to receive virtual support without having to expose themselves during the pandemic. Also, addiction hotlines are of great help during these trying times, and patients can call them up and discuss their concerns and issues.
Furthermore, AA meetings are also available online, and people can log on to their groups and resume treatment normally. There are also e-prescriptions available and phone or chat-based consultations. The idea is to make online help available so that patients can resume their normal recovery activities without feeling isolated or alone.
Conclusion
Overall, the unforeseen COVID-19 pandemic has taken a tremendous emotional and physical toll on everyone, not just addicts. Without question, it is a challenging time for those who need help and stable ground to overcome addiction. Self-isolation is not for everyone and especially not a beneficial situation for addicts because they need constant support for their emotional wellbeing.
The silver lining is that we live in a technologically advanced era where people can connect and receive help online or through the phone. If you struggle with your sobriety in any way or need to talk to someone about your situation, you can visit this website and get the help you need.