During the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, one of the hardest populations was individuals struggling with substance use disorders and addiction. This includes the men, women, parents, children, loved ones, and all the loved ones struggling with addiction. Increased health concerns and reduced access to treatment and support are a few factors at play. However, when it comes to addiction recovery during COVID-19, things are looking positive.
We are just not sure just how hard COVID-19 will hit the addiction community. What we do see is how hard COVID-19 has hit addiction recovery resources in the United States.
Although the usual resources may be out of reach, many new and pre-existing resources encourage individuals to use them. Whether you don’t know if inpatient treatment is an option now or are unable to attend your local meetings, we have you covered. We even have resources for addiction treatment centers and support groups to reach their audience at this particular time better.
Addiction Resources for Users In Recovery
For those in recovery, the most significant effect of this growing pandemic might be the limitations of group support meetings. By definition, these meetings are held in groups, and some people attend multiple sessions per day. With that, stay-at-home and social distancing orders across the country mean that these groups cannot meet as they usually do.
Additionally, many addicts in and out of recovery have compromised immune systems. They may also have other health factors that make them high risk if they contract the coronavirus. Here are a few ways to overcome these concerns:
Find an online support meeting. A few places are offered, including the AA Online Intergroup, InTheRooms, and the Smart Recovery Online Community.
Wear a mask, wash it after every use, and attend meetings in smaller groups. The CDC has asked that N95 masks are reserved for healthcare professionals and those with symptoms of COVID-19 as there is a supply shortage. However, it is easy to make a simple mask to offer some protection.
Further concerns that we have seen concerning seeking treatment are specifically around travel and health safety. Travel restrictions, grounded flights, and social distancing have completely removed flying to a treatment center as an option. The only option is to seek help from a local treatment center or travel via car or bus.
Resources for Substance Abuse Treatment Centers
Many unexpected issues came with COVID-19 for those who run substance abuse treatment facilities or hold recovery support meetings. The search to find the toilet paper is just one of them. Therefore, how do we support those in need while maintaining properly sanitized facilities and enforcing social distancing? Here are a few options to consider:
Employ the use of online conferencing. Resources like Zoom and Google Hangouts make it affordable and accessible for large users to talk to each other. You can even video chat and see each other in real-time. This is a great way to hold a group meeting or even a one on one therapy session.
Treatment During COVID-19
This is a trying time for us, but our brothers and sisters who struggle with drug and alcohol abuse will not be forgotten or left behind. At Lighthouse Recovery Institute, we are up and running. We are taking every measure to offer our services with the health and safety of all parties in mind.
