Detox during a pandemic can sound impossible. The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted almost everyone in some way. But, if you’re struggling with opiate addiction, the implications of this pandemic can be even more challenging.
Even now, as restrictions across the country are starting to relax and facilities are beginning to re-open, it’s vital to understand that the pandemic threat isn’t over. As a result, many outpatient treatment centers (OTCs) will remain closed or provide limited services.
Detox can seem scary and dangerous if you feel you have to go through it on your own. If you were already in some addiction treatment program before COVID-19 hit, you might also be wondering what resources are available to you now.
Detox during a pandemic is possible, as long as you know what those resources are.
With that in mind, let’s look at how you can safely receive addiction treatment and detox during a pandemic.
The Rise of Telehealth and Digital Support
The American Society of Addiction Medicine has suggested that Opioid Treatment Centers remain open and available for patients during this time. However, they are also aware that those who work in such facilities need to stay safe.
As a result, a few changes have been made when it comes to addiction treatment. One example is the use of telehealth and digital support.
Naturally, this depends on your stage of treatment. If you are used to attending therapy or support groups to battle your addiction, being able to do it digitally is a great way to stay connected while you detox during a pandemic. (Many detox hospitals will accommodate you being able to stay connected to sober peers while in their facility). It will help you to realize you’re not alone. You can always reach out to someone when you need it.
Staggering Appointments
One of the challenges of detoxing during a pandemic is merely walking into a treatment center to get the help you need. But don’t let that keep you from seeking out treatment altogether.
Treatment centers across the country are figuring out ways to stagger appointments. The goal of this is to keep patients safely six feet apart in waiting rooms. Other centers are trying to keep face-to-face contact as limited as possible. And most have adopted new protocols for even more intensive cleaning and safety.
If you need treatment, call your local addiction treatment center to learn more about what they are doing in response to COVID-19, and how they can help you. You just need to ask. Once you have the information, you can easily make the best decision for you and your recovery.
A Helpful Assessment Tool
Another challenge that those going through detox or addiction treatment might face is knowing what type of treatment or services they honestly need. Recently, the ASAM has released a free online addiction treatment needs assessment.
It is a 13-question assessment you can take from the comfort of your own home. The questions relate to substance abuse, your environment, and your behaviors. The goal is to help you make an informed decision about your treatment options and what might work best for you if you are seeking help.
Substance abuse treatment is not a “one size fits all” solution. This assessment helps to make sure you can get the treatment you need, not someone else.
The Next Step
This pandemic has forced businesses, organizations, and even healthcare facilities to change how they do things, mostly to keep people safe. Opioid treatment centers are no different.
There are challenges to overcome during these uncertain times. Yet, don’t let those challenges keep you from getting the help you need to fight back against your addictions.
If you’re looking for more information on how to detox during a pandemic or want to know about addiction treatment options, please contact me. Or, visit my page on Opiate Addiction to learn more about how I can help.
Feeling alone during this time of social distancing is no surprise. But help is always available when you’re trying to beat your addiction. Here is a link to some info on Family Involvement and Addiction .