The worldwide pandemic caused by COVID-19 stopped us all in our tracks. Today, the world is slowly starting to get back to some sense of normalcy. However, we may not have seen the lasting effects of the coronavirus. The pandemic’s extreme stress has resulted in a spike in drug and alcohol use and abuse. So while the COVID-19 pandemic ends, an addiction epidemic is still at hand. Experts say that substance abuse treatment programs could continue to see an increase in clients into the next year or so as the after-effects of the stress of the coronavirus hang on.
If you or a woman you know is dealing with a substance use disorder, check in with them and see how they are doing. If you have questions about how a substance use treatment program can help, the caring team at Crossroads is here to help. Contact us today at 877.978.1667 for more information.
Addiction and Treatment in the Age of COVID-19
If you or a woman you love is in treatment or looking to receive treatment for a substance use disorder, it can be even more challenging to do during a pandemic. For the coronavirus, in particular, safety measures have made it challenging to access much-needed medication and support services. Recognizing this, special accommodations have been made to make in-person doctor’s visits and medications more available for patients dealing with extreme substance use disorders, like opioids.
Social distancing is especially detrimental for those in recovery, as a sober social support network is a crucial part of making a recovery work. Being isolated puts those in recovery at a higher risk of relapse. Physical distancing and quarantine can limit access to staples of a quality rehab program, like peer-support groups. Thankfully, technology can fill part of the void, but it is not a long-term replacement. Virtual meetings and telehealth appointments may have become the norm in the past year. However, as soon as in-person social interaction can resume, it will make rehab and seeking treatment much easier for anyone who needs it.
How Much Has COVID-19 Affected Addiction?
Quarantine is not ideal for anyone. The data shows that, in general, more people were drinking and using drugs while cooped up and stressed out. The bigger problem for those that struggle with substance use is the risk of relapsing behind closed doors, with no one there to help and support them with their struggle.
The Overdose Detection Mapping Program (ODMAP) report on COVID-19’s impact on the overdose crisis showed an 18% increase in overdose rates across the United States, with 60% of the counties participating in the study seeing a more significant number of overdoses. Fatal drug overdoses increased, including a rise in opioid-related deaths in most states since March of 2020. Unfortunately, this seems to be only the beginning as the lasting effects of the stresses of the pandemic are still to come.
Contact Crossroads for More Information
The stress related to the COVID-19 pandemic has been hard on everyone, but especially so for those that struggle with drugs and alcohol. Whether you are thinking about getting treatment, are in treatment, or are in recovery, the urge to use is heightened during an unprecedented situation like a pandemic. You or a loved one could be at increased risk for substance use, abuse, or relapse. Fortunately, we offer residential women’s treatment at Crossroads for conditions such as:
Contact the Crossroads team today to find a home away from home as you or a loved one recover from a substance use disorder. Call us at 877.978.1667.
