As COVID-19 continues to sweep the nation, impacting daily life for everyone, the pandemic has also affected the rehab industry and has hindered opioid addiction recovery.
According to the most recent survey published by the National Council for Behavioral Health, 54 percent of rehab facilities have closed their programs and 65 percent have been forced to turn away patients.
“Our doors have stayed and will continue to stay open throughout this pandemic to ensure that all of our patients have access to lifesaving medications,” says Dr. Bryan Negrini, owner and physician at OARS.
As a result of these closings, addicts are suffering. In May of this year, Ohio saw a record-breaking overdose death toll. In Western PA, specifically Beaver County and Allegheny County, the counties saw an increase in overdose deaths by 30 percent in the first months of 2020 and a 50 percent increase in overdose calls, respectively. Social isolation, anxiety about the future, and stress about the fears of the pandemic have led to relapses and in some cases overdoses.
However, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. It’s still possible to continue care. In fact, it’s imperative to continue that care. Stay on the path to a happy and healthy life by following these recommendations:
- Stay connected to a support network. Whether it’s over the phone or video chat, check in with a sponsor, recovery coach, family, friends, and even us. This support circle is important to stay accountable and make all of the difference in recovery. You never have to face your addiction alone.
- Check out online recovery resources. Many recovery organizations have shifted to virtual meetings. Organizations such as In The Rooms Global Recovery Community and Virtual NA are great options.
- Be aware of thoughts and triggers, as well as new ones. As the adjustment to staying at home continues, thoughts and triggers may begin to creep in. Staying aware of what those thoughts are and what the trigger is to why those thoughts are occurring is key to understanding the thought and finding a healthy way to redirect it. Your supports are only ever a phone call or text away to help you handle your thoughts or triggers.
- Talk to a professional. Staying connected to a therapist and one of our providers will go a long way to staying strong on the path to recovery. Through these supports, you’ll be given the proper resources to help to live an addiction-free life.
Even through a pandemic, there is still hope for recovery from addiction. There is hope for you. There is hope for everyone.