As social distancing and stay at home orders have been nationally implemented and are most recently beginning to relax, the novel coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, has created incredible shifts within the American society. With the overwhelming hospital systems and ER departments flooded with COVID-19 positive cases, many individuals are opting to delay acquiring needed medical services as a means minimize exposure and avoid contracting the disease. This, in turn, has created a tangential problem to coronavirus, as some risk their lives by not obtaining needed medical care in attempts to keep themselves safe from COVID-19. It is important to note that the presence of coronavirus has not eliminated all other health ailments an individual may face, but rather it compounds the need to rely upon healthcare workers, as for fear of contracting COVID-19, many individuals wait significantly longer periods of time prior to obtaining medical assistance, often worsening their condition.
In the initial stages of implementing stay at home orders across the Nation, the federal government comprised a list of essential businesses and workers, of whom would continue to work in person as opposed to the rest of the workforce that would either be furloughed, laid off, or required to work from home. Detoxification facilities and substance abuse and addiction treatment programs were and have remained listed as essential businesses. Therefore, any individual in need of detox, substance abuse and/ or addiction treatment has continued to have access throughout the pandemic. The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) as well as the WHO (World Health Organization) have created and refined recommendations for both individuals as well as businesses with which to abide, in attempts to minimize the spread of COVID-19. These precautions have helped to keep essential businesses operational, while also reducing the rate of exposure and risk for contraction.
Any individual that has habitually abused drugs and/ or alcohol has become accustomed to functioning with the presence of the abused substance and will go through an adjustment period when the substance is no longer present in his or her system. Detox is a fundamental step in recovery for individuals that struggle with substance abuse and/ or addiction, as it is the process that rids one’s body of foreign substances. Undergoing the detox process is necessary to one’s recovery. There are several different methods of detox (i.e. quitting “cold-turkey”, peer supported detox, supervised detox, medical detox, medically assisted detox…etc.). Several components will weigh into which type of detox will likely yield the most successful results. Factors such as an individual’s personal health history, the type of substance an individual has abused, the duration of one’s substance abuse, the potency of the substance, one’s family health history, the presence of any co morbid disorders, and more should all be taken into consideration when selecting a detox option.
In light of the social distancing regulations, some options may seem less feasible (i.e. detoxing with the support of a peer), however there are many detox options that remain available. Although there are numerous safety precautions that have been implemented in facilities that offer detox programs, the actual detox process has not changed since the start of the coronavirus pandemic. In many cases, especially amidst the coronavirus pandemic, it is likely the safest option to choose one of the variations of detox that requires formalized support. This can be partially attributed to the fact that any detox facility or program that is operational during these unprecedented times must strictly adhere to the safety rules and regulations set forth by local and federal governments.
For Information and Support
If you are concerned for yourself or a loved one in regards to substance abuse and/ or addiction we recommend reaching out for help as soon as possible. If left untreated, substance abuse can result in long lasting and potentially life-threatening consequences. Keep in mind: you are not alone! There is an entire network of professionals that are available to help and support you and your loved one throughout the recovery process. The earlier you seek support, the sooner your loved one can return to a happy, healthy, and fulfilling life.
Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions regarding our specific program at Haven House Addiction Treatment and/ or general substance abuse and/ or addiction treatment related information. Our highly trained staff is readily available to discuss how we might best be able to help you and your loved one. We can be reached by phone at 424-258-6792.
