The novel coronavirus, COVID-19, has plagued the globe, and along with it temporarily shifted many aspects of the American society. While certain COVID-19 hotspots continue to pulse, the spread of the virus continues to tear through each American state. As COVID-19 began to spread rampantly both globally and within the US both the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and the WHO (World Health Organization) publicized various precautions and recommendations in efforts to minimize the spread of the virus. As new information surrounding COVID-19 is revealed, the CDC and WHO provide evolved precautions and recommendations. Due to the fact that COVID-19 is a new virus, there is no long-term information regarding its effects and although epidemiologists are working tirelessly, much information remains unknown, which is incredibly unnerving. There are, however, certain aspects of COVID-19 that have recently been discovered. In addition to COVID-19 positive patients over-crowding the hospitals across the nation, all of the health ailments individuals had, prior to the emergence of the coronavirus, remain. Individuals struggling with substance abuse and/ or addiction continue to have the same struggles and require the same recovery support, regardless of COVID-19.
High Risk
According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), there are certain individuals that are considered to be at greater risk for developing severe illness from COVID-19. Individuals that would fall into the “high risk” category include people with underlying chronic conditions (i.e. respiratory illness, heart disease, asthma, diabetes…etc.), older individuals, and/ or people with weakened immune systems. The physical toll taken as a result of habitually abusing drugs and/ or alcohol can be immense. Hence, individuals that have struggled with substance abuse and/ or addiction are also classified as “high risk”. As time progresses it has become increasingly clear that COVID-19 does not only result in serious illness for individuals that fall into the “high risk” category, but can also be fatal for younger individuals without any preexisting conditions. The reality is that anyone that contracts the disease could suffer dire consequences. However, in the short time epidemiologists have had to learn about this virus, research has clearly indicated that individuals with pre-existing conditions (that fall into the “high risk” category) that contract COVID-19 are far more susceptible to developing deadly health complications.
Detox
Detox is the process that rids one’s body of foreign substances. It is an essential component of any substance abuse and/ or addiction treatment. Detox is usually an uncomfortable process, as one’s body physically responds to the absence of a previously abused substance. The symptoms that occur as a result of detox are known as withdrawal symptoms. The specific combination of symptoms an individual may experience, the duration of the symptoms as well as the severity of the symptoms will differ from person to person. There are several different detox methods available. Some include significant levels of support (i.e. medical detox, medically assisted detox, supervised detox…etc.), while other methods provide minimal support (i.e. quitting “cold-turkey” while alone, relying on friends and/ or family as detox support…etc.). Regardless of the method chosen, detox is unavoidable for an individual commencing treatment for substance abuse and/ or addiction. Amidst the coronavirus pandemic, substance abuse and addiction treatment programs have remained operational, as they are considered essential services. Therefore, even during these unprecedented times, detox support has remained and will continue to remain available for individuals in need. Furthermore, any individual struggling with substance abuse and/ or addiction should not delay in obtaining treatment, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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.
