COVID-19 pandemic presents additional obstacles and risks for people who are in recovery and those who have addictions to drugs and alcohol.
The current public health crisis raises serious additional concerns for the wellbeing of people who use drugs, ensuring service continuity for those with drug problems and those in recovery.
What are the particular risks for people who use drugs during the COVID-19 pandemic?
While they may run the same risks of infection by COVID-19 as the general population, people who use drugs also face additional risks that need consideration and mitigation. For example, the cohort of opioid users are particularly vulnerable because of their high level of pre-existing health problems and lifestyle factors. Recreational drug use often takes place within settings in which individuals congregate together and drugs or drug equipment may be shared. More generally, the stigmatization and marginalization associated with some forms of drug use may not only increase risk but also create barriers for promoting risk reduction measures. Underlying chronic medical conditions are associated with some forms of drug use and increase the risk of developing severe illness.
Mental health plays a major role in one’s addiction and with the stressors of the COVID-19 pandemic, which are often including isolation, medical illness and a lack of resources, mental health symptoms are increased. With the increase symptoms of mental health issues such as depression, anxiety and trauma, the idea of “numbing the pain” with drugs or alcohol is very common for those who struggle with their mental health, especially during the current health crisis. Cognitive Behavioral and Dialectical Behavioral Therapies are implemented in dual-diagnosis treatment, which aim to treat the underlying mental illness and addiction at the same time. Patients that receive dual diagnosis treatment tend to have a better understanding of their mental health, behaviors, and negative thoughts that can drive addiction. A major goal for this treatment is to help patients recognize their unhealthy ways of coping and harmful often distorted thoughts. Learning new skills, recognizing the distorted thinking and being able to reframe that thinking and making healthy behavioral decisions are essential factors towards long-term recovery.
Due to the stay in place orders, many gatherings that previously supported those who are in recovery have closed and left many to wonder how to continue without the previous support system. The following is a list of ways to continue through these tough times in a way that supports your recovery journey:
- Create a healthy routine and schedule – include physical activity , mind challenges, hobbies and interaction with friends and family online or through Skype or FaceTime.
- Eat healthy – healthy food impacts our moods, our energy levels and how we feel about ourselves.
- Get plenty of physical activity – walks, home workout routines, exercise etc. help increase positive mood.
- Talk to a therapist – share your struggles, gain coping skills learn new ways to manage negative thoughts.
- Journal, draw, write – let it out in any manner that allows you to free the thoughts that build up during isolation.
At Comforts of Home Counseling we are here to help you create that balance and healthier lifestyle through your recovery journey. We offer experienced clinical staff who treat co-occurring disorders with various treatment modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and have experience with SMART Recovery, AA and NA models. Our clinicians are available to help through the use of Telehealth during the current Public Health Emergency. Call us at (269) 964-0153 to schedule an appointment.
Written by Tammy Cairns LPC, CAADC