COVID-19: Get Behavioral Healthcare Treatment Now
As the SARS-CoV-2 or COVID-19 pandemic takes a stronger foothold in our nation, New York, Michigan, Illinois, California, Louisiana, New Jersey, and Florida are some of the hardest-hit states. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as of March 30, 2020, the United States had more than 140,000 confirmed cases and more than 2,400 deaths from this novel upper respiratory illness. In Florida, there are more than 5,700 confirmed cases and 71 deaths.
And while much of the nation lives in fear of the uncertain future of our world, it’s vital to stay positive during this time of sickness and unknown. Everyone in our nation and the world is experiencing feelings of uneasiness, fear, and isolation. Our once mundane day to day lives are now a memory and something many long to return.
During these times of stress, many people struggle to find ways to cope, remain positive, and support one another. For those who experience or have experienced alcohol or substance use disorders, this time can be particularly trying.
If you or someone you love has an alcohol or substance use disorder (AUD or SUD), you know all too well the reality of these unhealthy coping tools. What at first seems to help and ‘take the edge off’ soon becomes something needed to get through the day, get out of bed, or even get to sleep at night.
How COVID-19 Impacts Alcohol and Substance Abuse
When stress is particularly elevated, as they are due to COVID-19, alcohol or one’s substance of choice, can be the only way known to cope for many. As stress increases, the use of alcohol or substances tends to increase as well. After all, for many with an alcohol or substance misuse issue, this is the primary way—sometimes the only way—they know to effectively decrease anxiety and stress. However, as those in active addiction know, this relief only lasts a brief period of time and is inevitably followed by worse feelings. And what happens next is increased use and frequency of use to combat these worsening feelings of fear, despair, doubt, and loneliness.
If you or someone you love is walking this difficult path now, there is hope and help. Yes, we are all facing unprecedented times of stress and unknown, however, if you dig deep, you’ll also find many stories of positivity, optimism, and recovery.
Why the Pandemic is an Ideal Time to Seek Addiction Treatment
Many states are now under ‘shelter in place’ orders with schools closed, employees working from home or laid off, retail businesses closed, and many isolating to prevent the spread of this virus. This new ‘norm’ has changed so much for so many.
As many sit at home, either working or not, it’s easy to get stuck in revolving thoughts—many of which are unsettling. For many, this is a time to take an honest look at oneself and the use of alcohol or a substance and how it’s impacted life. This can be hard to do, but across the nation, many who struggle with alcohol misuse or the misuse of a substance are doing so.
And what many are discovering is that this is the perfect time to seek addiction treatment help—and they are doing it.
Whether we like it or not, life has slowed down and most likely will retain this slow pace for months to come. For many this presents panic and fear, however, it’s vital to find the good during this time and find ways to thrive.
Self-care is the top priority for many during this time. Not only is there not much else to do, but it’s also a strategy that will increase health—both physical and mental— and help navigate this time for optimal success, healing, and well being.
One of the most important ways to engage in self-care is to seek treatment for an alcohol or substance problem. At Futures Recovery Healthcare, our doors remain open to accept and support new clients in need of essential behavioral healthcare treatment.
Seeking Treatment During COVID-19: What to Do
If you or someone you love is living with active addiction to alcohol or a substance, it’s vital to seek treatment rather than go it alone. Not only do chances of long term recovery increase with the right treatment program, discontinuing use or detoxing can pose serious health complications. Detoxing under supervised medical professionals is essential to not only stay safe but it also decreases the rate of relapse during this often difficult first stage of recovery.
Seeking treatment for addiction at any time can be scary. With the current health crisis, many fear going to medical facilities at all. It’s important to not let this fear discourage you or your loved one from getting help. Many addiction treatment centers, like Futures, have taken extra precautions to prevent clients and staff from COVID-19 so clients can focus on their recovery.
In order to continue to provide essential treatment for those whose lives are at risk from the disease of addiction and keep everyone safe, Futures Recovery Healthcare is engaging in the following precautionary measures:
- Adhering strictly to CDC, Federal, and State preventative measures and guidelines
- Replacing in-person visitation with video calls
- Continuing to be one of the only treatment centers offering a private room and bathroom for all clients.
- Substituting facility guest tours with phone calls, video tours, and email communications.
- Maximizing and increasing sanitization practices throughout all sections of Futures’ campuses.
- Increasing standards and criteria for admission to help minimize any risk of admitting, current clients and staff. With travel restrictions in place, Futures now requires a two-week quarantine for any clients seeking treatment coming from a high-risk state prior to admission.
- Screening all staff prior to allowing entry into all buildings for elevated temperatures and any other COVID-19 symptoms.
- Practicing social distancing during group therapy by utilizing large community rooms at Futures and maintaining the recommended distance (with the option for even more space if desired) between participants.
- Implementing various options for eating meals including all clients eating at separate tables spaced six feet apart, requesting meals in rooms for certain groups, providing separate dining areas as requested.
Even during a pandemic, the disease of addiction doesn’t rest. There are many in dire need of substance use treatment. Futures is dedicated to continuing to help those in need and want everyone struggling with a substance use disorder to know they are not alone and have options for help during this difficult time.
If you want to take advantage of this time when life has all but come to a halt, contact us online or call 561-475-1804 today and take the first step to recovery, peace of mind, and happiness.
