It may be a bit of a truism to say that every addict is different, but, well, every addict is different. A hardcore heroin user will have different needs than a professional who abuses cocaine on weekends. An alcoholic and a methamphetamine addict will have different physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms. Someone fresh out of detox is very different from a person with 10 years of recovery under their belt. These facts are what lie behind the concept of a continuum of care, a model that offers different levels and intensities of treatment according to different diagnoses and needs, guiding addicts through a process that can take years or even decades. But how is the current health crisis impacting this vital chain of services? Can recovery facilities offer their clients the services they sorely need in the current climate?
Limitations Imposed By The Virus
For many addicts, the treatment journey starts with the decision to begin a sober life. Generally, the individual contacts a treatment facility and receives an evaluation before treatment begins, which establishes a blueprint for care. This is often followed by detox, and inpatient treatment which lasts for a period of weeks or months, followed by outpatient treatment (or a shared living facility with a greater degree of freedom), and then aftercare. While the details may vary according to the wants, needs, and capacities of individuals and treatment centers, this is the widely accepted model for addiction treatment.
Obviously, the threat of COVID-19, and resulting social isolation guidelines and emergency laws have had a massive impact on the model. The healthcare system is overwhelmed, many facilities are unable to operate safely during the pandemic, and close contact with peers and counselors has been forbidden in many parts of the world. But as millions cope with the stress and boredom of lockdowns, or grapple with economic and existential concerns over losing their jobs, substance abuse, addiction, and associated problems are likely to intensify worldwide.
A Perilous Time To Limit Treatment Options
At Tabula Rasa Retreat, we know that many treatment facilities around the world are doing their utmost to keep their doors open to those in need of help. It is our mission and our raison d’etre to help addicts recover their health, their happiness, and their true selves, and we will take every step we possibly can to continue the fight in the future.
As all of the evidence suggests that a period of inpatient treatment is absolutely essential for the vast majority of addicts, it is fundamentally important that some facilities stay open in these trying times. An inpatient experience is a crucial part of the continuum because it allows for a break from addiction and toxic influences while offering structure and support to those in treatment. Studies have shown that outpatients are four times more likely to fail in the early stages of treatment and that the inpatient model is considerably more effective when dealing with individuals with underlying psychiatric issues or particularly severe addictions.
The lack of inpatient treatment options couldn’t come at a worse time. Dr. Nora Volkow, director of the American National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) listed all of the reasons the virus is so dangerous for addicts. The first is that “opioid use is disrupting your pulmonary function in very profound ways”, meaning that if infection occurs, “the likelihood that you have negative outcomes is going to be very high.”
Dr. Volkow also stresses a number of other factors that could cause horrendous health outcomes. Increased anxiety can lead to increased drug use. Stress on the medical system means that stigma and triage will limit access to medical services, ranging from methadone and clean needles to life-saving naloxone. Travel restrictions mean that supplies of opioids or other drugs may dry up, forcing addicts to seek ever more dangerous alternative substances. For these and other reasons, Dr. Volkow concludes that now is one of the scariest and most dangerous times to be an addict in American (and probably world) history.
What You Can Do TODAY
Pre-treatment is a crucial process which can allow you to build a foundation for success. It’s a time when you can painstakingly examine your own intentions, wants, and needs. Now is a great to to search for the reasons you need to end addiction, do painstaking research on the treatment models and centers that are best suited to your individual needs, and create a plan for detox, treatment, and after-care. By establishing your intentions and creating a detailed plan to meet your unique physical and psychological needs, you are already increasing the odds of beating addiction.
If your treatment has been interrupted by the crisis, we’d recommend doing everything in your power to stay on track during these perilous times. Stay in touch with counselors, sponsors, and anyone else who can offer you their wisdom, guidance, and experience. Establish a daily routine that incorporates exercise, healthy meals, and quiet reflection. Do your best to attend online meetings and stay socially engaged with friends and family. You’ve already worked hard to establish healthy patterns in your life, and it’s going to take even more effort to maintain them during the disruptions caused by the virus.
Depression and anhedonia (an inability to experience joy) are a very real concern for those battling addiction and mental health issues. During times like these, the impact of such things can be significantly heightened. Here’s how one Tabula Rasa retreat client accessed our treatment, overcame these issues, and gained a new, positive perspective through our world-leading program in the midst of the COVID-19 crisis:
If you’re looking for treatment options right now, we at Tabula Rasa Retreat, and many other facilities around the world are doing our best to keep our doors open and meet your needs. We have established a protocol for offering treatment as safely as possible in the current climate, but we recognize that the intake process might be challenging for some clients. We require a test for the virus, followed by travel, a second test, a 2 week period of quarantine, and a final test before intake. We know that this won’t be easy for most prospective clients, but if you’ve decided that NOW is the time to begin a better, sober life, we will be here to help you on your way.
For further information visit www.tabularasaretreat.com or call PT +351 965 751 649 UK +44 7961 355 530