Addiction and Mental Health Support Are Essential
Drug and alcohol addiction support is critical during COVID-19. If you or a loved one suffers from substance use disorder, getting treatment now is possible, and often necessary. Don’t put off getting addiction treatment – it is available at every stage of the process.
If you have mental health disorders such as depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, or severe anxiety, getting treatment right now is essential to your overall well being. At DK Solutions Group, we can help you with the support and guidance you need.
Now Is the Time to Get Help
Seeking addiction treatment during COVID-19 specifically provides you with access to the highest level of care in a very trying time. Here are several key reasons you shouldn’t put off getting support right now.
#1: You May Be at a Higher Risk of Serious Disease if You Are Using
Those with a substance use disorder often have weakened immune systems due to nutritional deficiency, organ damage, and damaged lungs, especially if you smoke. This may mean you are at a higher level of developing more complex and life-threatening symptoms of COVID-19 if you are exposed. There’s much we do not know about this disease, and there’s no way to know what could happen to you.
- Opioid users tend to have a compromised respiratory system making you more vulnerable.
- Those using methamphetamines are at a higher risk of having pulmonary system damage overall.
- If you smoke, you are at an increased risk of lung damage.
These are just a few examples. In each case, damage to these organs may mean your body will have trouble fighting COVID-19.
#2: Your Mental Health Conditions May Worsen
Those who have mental health disorders may experience a worsening of their symptoms due to having to stay home. Isolation can be very difficult for men and women who struggle with co-occurring disorders (addiction and mental illness.) You may be feeling alone and overwhelmed right now.
Entering into drug addiction treatment allows you to start receiving important mental health support as well as addiction treatment. You can gain confidence in your future instead of being terrified of your mental well being due to this ongoing pandemic, especially without any end in sight.
#3: Detoxing at Home Can Be Life-Threatening
If you’re not using right now and you’re isolated, you could be experiencing intense withdrawal symptoms. You may even find yourself overwhelmed with the symptoms you are having such as pain, hallucinations, and physical illness. Some drugs and drug use create severe withdrawal symptoms that can be life-threatening including seizures, loss of consciousness, and delirium. Your heart rate may become irregular as well.
When you enter into residential detox programs, your health is monitored as the drugs work through your body’s metabolism. Pain medications and other forms of medication assistance are available to you, allowing the entire withdrawal process to be a bit easier to manage.
#4: Not Getting Treatment Could Mean You’re at a Higher Risk
The National Institute on Drug Abuse notes that according to the evidence available now, those who are active drug users who become infected with COVID-19 may be at higher risk of developing life-threatening complications. For example, those who use meth or opioids may be more likely to have respiratory damage, making this virus harder on the lungs.
In addition, the agency notes that many people with substance use disorder are more likely to be incarcerated or homeless than people in the general population. That could mean transmission of COVID-19 may be at a higher level to those in these situations.
Residential treatment creates a safe place for you. Facilities have taken steps established by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to minimize the impact of COVID-19 in their locations. That means you can be safe here with medical help should you need it.
#5: Community Outreach Services May Be Unavailable
Many states have reduced or eliminated non-essential services while also limiting program access to those who are in community facilities. This includes community-based treatment centers, homeless shelters, men’s and women’s clubs, and safe houses. These programs are harder to find available today, which may mean you cannot get help readily if you’re relying on these services.
There are treatment programs available even for those with financial limitations. Addiction treatment isn’t something you have to struggle to find.
#6: You May Not Get Help from Your Counselor in the Same Way
For some, telehealth services are an excellent way to reach their treatment counselors and to get help. You may not be receiving in-person care, though. For some people, this is okay and you can continue to meet using a video chat feature. Even over-the-phone conversations can help.
For other people, telehealth services are not as accessible. They may even be ineffective for you. You may just want to talk to someone who is in the same room with you where you feel safe. That is yet another benefit of residential treatment.
#7: You May Have Time to Dedicate to Your Sobriety Right Now
Men and women at home, unable to work, and battling their addiction can seem even more isolated than others. You may know you will not be going back to work soon. Use the time you have now, in privacy, to reach out for help. Residential treatment can provide you with the recovery opportunity you need.
There is addiction treatment available to you today. If you are in active addiction and ready to find help, contact our team at DK Solutions Group for immediate support.