How COVID-19 - Induced Social Distancing Has Impacted People Recovering From Addiction

Have you thought of the repercussions of the pandemic on people battling drug abuse or alcohol addiction? Millions of people recovering from addiction have been impacted by social distancing norms that Covid-19 forced upon us. The isolation and stress relating to the disease have thrown up huge challenges for such people. The need of the hour is for the healthcare system to create opportunities so that professionals can reach out to these addicts.

Online meetings in place of in-person meetings

When the pandemic broke out first in 2020, there was a significant increase in different kinds of drug use to deal with the anxiety and stress. National emergencies were declared and lockdowns imposed. People were made to follow social distancing protocols to curb the spread of this infectious disease. Colleges and offices shut down, and with it, rehab centers for treatment of addicts. Going to AA meetings had become impossible as people were forced to stay indoors. In the absence of local AA meetings, all such sessions for recovering addicts had to be held over platforms like Zoom. Whether these Zoom sessions are as effective as face-to-face interactions remains to be seen.

Inability to seek help

With social distancing rules in place, leaving the house to seek help had also become difficult. The lockdown made it hard for recovering addicts to reach out to rehab centers for treatment. The uncertainty and gloom surrounding the Covid has led to a greater dependence on drugs and alcohol for many people. For those recovering from such addiction, the journey has been even more treacherous.

Rehab centers shutting down

At the start of 2020, addiction treatment was a huge industry but with Covid hitting us, the industry lost a lot of revenue. According to a survey published by the NCBH, representing 3000 addiction treatment providers, nearly 54% of organizations have shut down. With the global pandemic exacerbating most of the risk factors like lack of routine, isolation, and financial distress caused the need for such services to grow. But many health centers helping addicts have not been able to function.

Difficulty in getting medications for treatment

Those who have been getting treatment to recover from addiction today face unique challenges. Quarantine, social distancing, and public health protocols have disrupted their lives completely. Not only do they not have access to support services but also to medications. For example, those who suffer from opioid use disorder could not get methadone from clinics because of lockdowns.

Possibility of a relapse

Those recovering from addiction need social support and if they cannot get it; they may suffer a relapse. Quarantine and physical distancing make it hard for addicts because they cannot meet their peers in support group meetings. Without social interactions they can feel even more isolated. Telehealth facilities and virtual meetings have been continuing to give support. To measure the length of one's sobriety there are even online tools such as the sobriety calculator. But the toll on mental health cannot be ignored. An APF survey revealed that recovering addicts have been undergoing fear, worry, and loneliness to a great degree. All these emotions increase the risks of a relapse. Online recovery support is not an option for everyone. Moreover, they can never replace the in-person experience of an AA meeting.

Covid-19 remains a threat and an ever-changing reality. Its impacts have been felt in almost all aspects of our lives, particularly for those recovering from addiction. It is necessary for governments to think of new ways to facilitate treatment delivery for such people.