As COVID-19 continues to spread throughout the United States, many individuals have put their lives on pause to stay at home and keep their loved ones safe. People are rescheduling their dentist appointments, canceling their gym memberships, and putting their routine doctor’s visits on hold until it’s once again safe to go outside. If you’re struggling with a drug or alcohol addiction, you may also feel tempted to put off getting professional help until things calm down. After all, the vaccine has begun rolling out, and it’s only a matter of time until it reaches the general public.
While this line of logic is understandable, it’s crucial for your mental health and overall well-being that you seek support and treatment for your addiction immediately. According to the American Medical Association, more than 40 states have reported increases in opioid-related deaths during the pandemic. And honest confessions from celebrities in recovery from addiction like Miley Cyrus are revealing that more and more people have been relapsing during the pandemic due to various stressors.
There are a variety of reasons why it’s crucial that you seek treatment for your addiction as soon as possible, especially during the global pandemic.
People with Substance Use Disorders are More Vulnerable
Though research is ongoing, it’s well-known at this point that certain populations are at a higher risk of severe side effects from the coronavirus. Older adults and people with respiratory conditions, for example, are more likely to be admitted to the ICU for breathing issues associated with COVID-19. Additionally, people with substance use disorders may be more vulnerable – opioid use can also affect a person’s respiratory system, and methamphetamine abuse can damage the pulmonary system.
Isolation Can Worsen Your Mental Health
Besides its physical side effects, COVID-19 is also deteriorating the mental health of millions of Americans, albeit indirectly. Because of social distancing guidelines imposed to limit the spread of the virus, people are spending more time home alone. Self-isolation is known to exacerbate mental health symptoms such as anxiety, depression, panic, and more – all of which can lead to alcohol or drug use.
People who have been diagnosed with a mental disorder and some type of addiction are known to have a dual diagnosis. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), 45 percent of people in the United States who have addictions also suffer from mental disorders. Waiting to seek treatment, which includes therapy and support groups, can put your health and life at risk.
Detoxing Alone is Dangerous
Some people with addictions think they can quit cold turkey or gradually stop using alcohol or drugs on their own. It’s important to know, however, that the withdrawal process can be painful and unpredictable, as each person’s withdrawal process isn’t exactly the same. Detoxing by yourself can be dangerous and lead to death if you’re alone and unable to call for help. By seeking the help of a professional detox facility that offers inpatient treatment, such as Mount Sinai Wellness Center, you can get the help you need without worrying about your life.
How Our Team is Creating a Safe Environment
Our team at Mount Sinai Wellness Center is committed to helping our clients recover from drug and alcohol addiction during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Our facility remains open and also includes an on-campus COVID-19 testing site so we can provide for the safety of all individuals who visit and stay with us.
Some additional safety features we are implementing at our Georgia facility include:
- Using Quidel Corporation’s antigen tests, which are FDA emergency use authorized and allow for rapid infection detection and response
- Screening all clients for flu-like symptoms, recently travel, possible exposure to COVID-19, and elevated temperatures
- Daily screenings for facility personnel
- Remote work for all non-clinical employees
With the number of addictions increasing during quarantine, individuals need access to professional treatment more than ever. We’re prepared to give you the help you need, whether you require medical detox services or treatment for dual diagnosis.
Mount Sinai Wellness Center prioritizes the health and well-being of all our clients. Contact us to learn more about how we’re staying safe while continuing to offer inpatient services online or by phone today at (800) 353-4673.
