Should I Still Attend Treatment During the Coronavirus Pandemic?

As the days pass by, the Coronavirus pandemic is still claiming the livelihood of many. Even those who aren’t showing symptoms live in uncertainty, wondering with each passing second if Corona will come for them or their loved ones. 

State and government regulations all across the globe are tightening on social activity; many are confined to their homes, only going out into public for groceries and other necessities. All of these regulations have some people wondering whether or not they can even get help for their addiction in this time of panic and uncertainty. Others may not even recognize the gravity of everything going on right now. 

What is the Coronavirus?

The Coronavirus, otherwise known as COVID-19, is a respiratory disease that first hit the radar in Wuhan, China. Symptoms have included loss of taste, smell, and extreme difficulty breathing. Those who contract the virus are either showing these symptoms or are asymptomatic. In some cases, people have been hospitalized and the disease has proved itself fatal.

What Does Coronavirus Have to do With Addiction?

Coronavirus and substance use disorder aren’t related, but it doesn’t mean that the disease does not have an impact on addiction. Because of the state and government regulations, those who suffer from substance abuse have had less opportunity to get drugs or drink alcohol at a bar; however, this virus should not be mistaken for addiction treatment itself. 

Coronavirus may be keeping others from drugs in some environments, it doesn’t mean they can’t do so. Some people are very persistent when it comes to substance abuse. Seeking actual addiction treatment is more important now than ever. Any person who is addicted to a particular substance could experience severe withdrawal if not treated properly. 

Not only has the Coronavirus impacted addicted persons, but it has also contributed to poor mental health among many who haven’t suffered from addiction in the past. This isn’t to say that mental illness leads to substance abuse, but it is worth mentioning that the two are very closely linked together. Therefore, COVID-19 could lead to a state of anxiety or depression, causing many to turn to substance abuse.

Ways that Addiction Could Worsen the Coronavirus 

Believe it or not, substance abuse has been pushing the spread of the Coronavirus in the past couple of months. When certain substances are abused, one’s judgment is impaired, leading to poor decision-making. In times where social distancing is a must, those who have impaired judgment may not end up following the proper safety precautions simply because their discernment is diminished. 

Who is at Risk?

When it comes to an airborne disease like the Coronavirus, everybody is at risk. These kinds of things are no respecter of persons. There are, however, those who are more susceptible to hospitalization and fatalities. Among these are more men than women, especially in China and Italy. 

It is worth mentioning that men and women are infected at equal rates, but there are reasons for men being more at risk for hospitalization and fatalities. Statistically speaking, men smoke more than women in these countries. Coronavirus is a disease that largely affects the respiratory system, and many have died due to respiratory failure. 

Not only this, but drug use such as shooting heroin, opioids and the like has been known to have a detrimental impact on pulmonary functions. As mentioned previously, Coronavirus is a respiratory disease. That being the case, those who participate in intravenous drug use make themselves more vulnerable to the detrimental consequences of the Coronavirus.

Why You Should Still Attend Treatment

In all reality, there’s no better time to receive substance abuse treatment than right now. Rehab centers are considered essential; shelter-in-place laws do not pertain to them. Finding the right care is a good choice right now.

Those who suffer from substance use disorder are at a higher risk of contracting the Coronavirus. This is because the immune system is weakened when someone uses substances. When the immune system has been weakened, someone has a greater risk of being exposed to the coronavirus. 

Another reason you should attend treatment is because of the possibility of withdrawal. If someone is detoxing in treatment and suddenly they can’t come back, the potential for relapse increases. Not only that but detoxing without being under the watchful eye of a health care professional can sometimes prove fatal. At Amethyst, our staff works hard to ensure the comfortability of our patients to diminish the risk of relapse. 

Being alone or in a home environment makes it easy to relapse and fall back into the temptations of substance abuse. In a rehab facility, the goal is to surround each person with support and understanding so that they feel empowered. Sometimes this comes from the medical staff, doctors, and therapists, but in other cases, empowerment comes from group and family therapy sessions.

All of this isn’t to say that proper guidelines shouldn’t be followed. In fact, if you are in the process of finding the right fit for your rehab needs, consider the treatment facility’s guidelines. For example, are the following state and federal guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19? It’s just as important that our medical staff is prepared for this circumstance as it is for them to meet the needs of those who suffer from substance abuse.

At the End of the Day, Treatment is Important

People who are suffering from substance use disorder must get the help they need. Regardless of whether or not Coronavirus is spreading, our patients (and potential patients alike) must seek help because it’s more crucial now than ever before. At amethyst, we are committed to providing those seeking treatment with a healthy environment to meet their rehab needs. What’s most important to us is that they progress in their recovery.

One of our treatment options is referred to as inpatient residential treatment. This method of care provides patients with 24/7 access to professional medical personnel. This way, even if this disease presents itself in our environment, we are more than equipped to handle the situation. 

The Coronavirus has sent many in a panic with everyone wondering what the best course of action to take is; this is for good reason. COVID-19 has claimed the lives of thousands throughout the United States. Because of this, the lives of the rest of the nation are impacted greatly. Many people have lost their jobs, and others have sacrificed many of their freedoms. While it’s important to note that Coronavirus has not stopped addiction, it has increased the necessity of drug rehab among many.

Are Treatment Centers Even Open? Where Do I Go?

With the Coronavirus shutting most everything down, the question of whether or not rehab is even open presents itself. Drug and alcohol addiction treatment is considered an essential service, so for that reason, treatment centers are still allowed to operate. Many suffer from substance abuse who are at a greater risk of dying from a drug overdose than from the Coronavirus. Because of this, treatment must be taken seriously now more than ever. 

There are many doctors, nurses, and other medical personnel who are committed to preventing the spread of COVID-19 and treating those who are suffering from it. Similar to these health care professionals, the staff at Amethyst Recovery are also committed to assisting the community. In fact, not only Amethyst but many treatment centers across the United States are prepared to provide the best care available to help those who suffer from addiction.

Is Going to Treatment Safe?

Nobody who suffers from addiction will be worse off attending rehab. At the moment, treatment centers all across the United States are taking preventative measures and being very cautious to ensure the safety of everyone who walks through the doors of their treatment facilities. For example, these rehab facilities are testing the patients they’re treating to closely monitor the situation. They are also shaping their programs to compliment the new regulations concerning social distancing. In all reality, it’d be a miss to not attend rehab if you’re suffering from substance use disorder. 

Isn’t Staying Home the Best Thing to Do?

It may seem as though staying at home is the best thing to do, but the reality of it all is that doing your part to help prevent the spread of this disease goes beyond staying at home for those who suffer from addiction. Attending treatment can knock out two birds with one stone and keep those who were at risk of the virus and your addiction safe. 

As mentioned before, being alone in a house cooped up all day and night would not be the best thing for somebody who struggles with substance use disorder. In fact, this would only worsen someone’s addiction. Not only that, but it may influence the development of mental illness apart from substance abuse such as anxiety or depression. This is due to being isolated, feeling alone, and experiencing symptoms of withdrawal. Without proper treatment, it will be difficult to recover well. 

Call Amethyst Recovery Today

Rehab should never be put on hold, even for a pandemic. In fact, in times like these, it is most important to seek treatment. If you or a loved one are suffering from substance abuse and would like to find out more concerning Amethyst Recovery, you can contact us here.