Concern for whether or not attending a rehab program amidst the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic increases one’s risk for potentially contracting the virus is valid. Much of the country was shuttered in attempts to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, as instructed by both local and federal government entities, as only essential businesses remained open. From the start, the list of essential businesses and workforce provided by the federal government have included substance abuse and addiction treatment centers, primarily due to the fact that alcoholism and addiction are listed in the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition) and are considered to be a medical disease. Similar to understanding the spread of the virus across America, the answer to whether or not an individual seeking treatment in a rehab program is completely safe from contracting COVID-19 is unknown. Substance abuse and drug addiction, when left untreated can have deadly consequences. While making the choice to attend rehab during the coronavirus pandemic may feel akin to a catch-22, electing to attend rehab is likely the best course of action for anyone in need of treatment.
One of the greatest risks to the public regarding the coronavirus, especially at the beginning of the pandemic was (and in many ways continues to be) the myriad of unknowns related to the virus (i.e. how long it lives on certain surfaces, how it spreads, its incubation period, the efficacy of antibodies…etc.). The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) continue to provide updated guidelines to help keep people safe from contracting and/ or spreading the virus. The guidelines are specific and provide detailed recommendations for both individuals as well as businesses to follow, and substance abuse and addiction rehab programs are no exception.
Any rehab program and substance abuse treatment facility that abides by the CDC guidelines as well as local government recommendations is doing everything in their power to mitigate the spread of the disease. Furthermore, substance abuse and addiction treatment programs are continuing to provide clients with the same high-level support (mental, emotional, and in some cases physical) that was delivered prior to the pandemic, for individuals throughout the duration of their attendance in a rehab program. The reality is that any individual in need of treatment that struggles with substance abuse and/ or addiction, regardless of timing in connection to the coronavirus pandemic, should seek treatment. Treatment and rehab programs are required to abide by the local and federal precautions in order to remain open and functioning, which can help to ease an individual’s mind when it comes to the fear surrounding COVID-19.
Substance abuse and addiction rehab programs not only follow the safety and health guidelines set forth by both the CDC and state governments, but many also implement their own procedures go above and beyond, exceeding what is expected of them. Rehab programs are intended to help individuals struggling with substance abuse and addiction learn healthy coping mechanisms for managing various aspects of life without relying on drugs and/ or alcohol. The purpose of a rehab program is to help an individual learn to maintain his or her sobriety in a healthy manner, and as such they do everything they can to keep their facilities clean, providing clients with a physically safe environment for the duration of their program. It is imperative to note that although the novel coronavirus does not discriminate, as a result of the commitment of rehab programs and their essential workers, it also does not prevent any individual battling addiction from obtaining treatment.
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. You are also welcome to contact anytime us via email at admissions@hhtxc.com.
