With the rising concerns over the COVID-19 pandemic and spread of the coronavirus, it’s no surprise that unprecedented precautions are being implemented at rehab facilities across the country. Not only are many people stressed over the looming outbreak, but many individuals in the addiction recovery community are having to care for loved ones, dealing with the stressors of possible job loss, and even overwhelmed by being isolated in their homes. Stressful situations are a major trigger for relapse and isolation due to the pandemic is exacerbating mental health conditions. A recent report by Fox News revealed the influx of patients in addiction treatment centers across the nation is a direct result of the pandemic.

As this influx continues, treatment centers across the country are adapting to social distancing guidelines and accommodating clients struggling with addiction. Due to the growing concern of patients contracting the virus, many rehab facilities have shut down all outdoor activities and limited patient-to-patient contact. A direct result of these isolating changes, many addiction treatment programs has reported an increase in anxiety, depression, and loneliness amongst clients currently in rehab.

Isolation is known as being a contributing factor to addiction. Keeping patients isolated from their peers while in rehab can be extremely problematic. Though, given the current climate during the COVID-19 outbreak, social distancing has become normalcy and vital in keeping everyone at the treatment facility safe.

How COVID-19 is Affecting Drug and Alcohol Rehab Facilities

As drug and alcohol rehab facilities are reaching capacity, there is a dire need for redesigning the way that patients are able to interact with one another. A major benefit of addiction treatment is the interactions that occur between patients and their peers. Ohio Addiction Recovery Center has worked diligently to follow social distancing guidelines and promote community support efforts to protect public health. However, this requires limitations of outside activities and other typical residential treatment amenities. Additionally, many drug rehab staff members have had to alter the way patients receive peer support through group therapy and 12-step fellowship involvement.

Is Residential Treatment Safe During The Coronavirus Pandemic?

While making the decision to attend drug and alcohol rehab during a global pandemic may sound risky, it is statistically safer than continuing drug and alcohol abuse. Individuals in active addiction are more likely to expose themselves to others and neglect precautionary behaviors – increasing their risk of contracting COVID-19. Residential treatment programs are able to provide recovering patients with proper healthcare, professional addiction support, and individual therapy. Furthermore, many addicts and alcoholics continue to suffer from many physical ailments as a direct result of their addiction. Failing livers, inadequate kidney function, breathing complications, and compromised immune systems, as a direct result of substance abuse, can put an individual at high-risk if they contract COVID-19. Residential treatment is a much safer and healthier solution for individuals suffering from addiction during the COVID-19 pandemic.

While treatment for COVID-19 has yet to be solidified, drug addiction and alcoholism can be successfully treated in multiple ways. Attending residential treatment can lead to overall success in recovery in the following ways:

Removes clients from access to addiction
Reduces the risk of HIV, hepatitis-c, COVID-19, and other health complications
Decreases the rate of drug-related crimes
Increases chances of maintaining continuous sobriety

It is not uncommon for those suffering to develop a drug-related injury during their active use. Health complications put individuals at risk of requiring emergency medical assistance. However, even a brief hospital stay can exponentially increase an individual’s risk of contracting Coronavirus. As a result, it’s safer to seek out addiction treatment than to continue using and risk serious consequences that may lead to a hospital stay.

How Ohio Addiction Recovery Center is Adapting to COVID-19

At Ohio Addiction Recovery Center, our top priority is the health, recovery, and safety of our patients and staff members. Our team of experienced medical professionals takes COVID-19 seriously which is why we continue to implement specific coronavirus protocols.

Ohio Addiction Recovery Center’s coronavirus protocol includes:

Coronavirus screening before admission
Regular sanitation of supplies and facilities
Proper use of PPE
Social distancing during group therapy sessions
Restrictive visitation
Requiring staff members to quarantine if they exhibit any symptoms of coronavirus
Daily monitoring of all patient’s health and signs of COVID-19 symptoms
Readily available cleaning supplies and hand sanitizer
Reducing the amount of close contact among patients and staff members

Addiction Treatment in Ohio

Making the decision to attend drug and alcohol rehab is a difficult thing to do. However, being in the midst of active addiction during a global pandemic can be even more daunting. If you or a loved one is suffering from addiction, do not let the COVID-19 outbreak prevent you from making the decision to seek help. Ohio Addiction Recovery Center continues to stay proactive in providing addiction treatment while also following CDC guidelines during the coronavirus pandemic. Call us today at 800-481-8457