1 week ago · RAC RAC

What to Expect During a Typical Day in Rehab

Although millions of people suffer from substance use disorders, only a small percentage of them receive addiction treatment. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 20.4 million Americans had a substance use disorder in 2019, but only 2.1 million received any substance use treatment for alcohol or illicit drug use in the same year.

Substance use treatment, such as rehabilitation, is designed to provide a safe environment for people to address problems associated with their use of alcohol or drugs, including medical problems related to substance abuse. To be effective, individuals should participate in a substance abuse treatment program for at least 90 days, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. However, the entire period doesn’t need to be spent in a residential facility. Oftentimes, an individual may begin inpatient treatment and then transition to an outpatient treatment program to manage their disorder and continue the treatment process.

Specific schedules will vary based on individual needs as well as program or facility, but there are some consistencies between most addiction treatment programs. To learn what to expect, we outline a typical day in rehab and the differences between treatment programs.

Inpatient and Outpatient Addiction Treatment 

Alcohol and drug treatment programs generally fall into one of two categories: inpatient or outpatient rehab. While both are focused on rehabilitation, each setting offers unique benefits and qualities. Generally, inpatient rehabs are intensive residential treatment programs for people who require 24-hour care. Outpatient rehab programs are part-time programs that enable people to receive addiction treatment while accommodating family and work life.

Residential Addiction Treatment

Residential treatment, also known as inpatient treatment or residential rehab, is commonly used for individuals with severe substance use disorders, unstable living situations, limited social support or co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders who need highly structured care. Residential treatment models vary, but all provide housing and medical care in a 24-hour environment. Generally, services at a residential treatment center include detox, medication-assisted treatment, individual therapy, group therapy, recovery coaching, family education and more. Short-term programs often last 30 to 90 days, followed by outpatient treatment. Long-term programs can last six to 12 months.

Partial Hospitalization Program

A partial hospitalization program, sometimes called outpatient rehab, is a structured outpatient service that’s designed to recreate what an inpatient stay offers in terms of treatment but in an outpatient setting. In other words, individuals are not required to stay at a facility overnight; however, the intensity of the program is similar to residential rehab. This level of care typically provides 20 or more hours of addiction treatment services a week, according to the American Society for Addiction Medicine. On average, patients visit an addiction treatment facility five days a week, with treatment sessions lasting from 4 to 8 hours a day. In the evenings, patients return home to be with family or take care of life obligations.

Intensive Outpatient Program 

An intensive outpatient program is a step down from a partial hospitalization program and requires less time for treatment per day or week. Generally, patients are required to attend about 10 hours of treatment each week. An intensive outpatient program, therefore, enables individuals seeking treatment for substance use disorders to participate in recovery from alcohol or drug addiction while accommodating other obligations, such as family, school or work. Patients may receive services during the day, before or after work or school, in the evening and/or on weekends. Intensive outpatient treatment may be recommended for people who don’t need medically supervised detox or don’t need to attend rehab daily.

General Outpatient Program

A general outpatient program is usually considered a step down from an intensive outpatient program. It usually involves a reduced number of hours spent in treatment each week. On average, a patient receives fewer than 9 hours of addiction treatment services a week. Treatment typically takes the form of individual therapy or group therapy sessions.

What to Expect During a Typical Day in Residential Rehab 

A typical day in rehab can vary from program to program and depends on the specific needs of the individual. However, the structured part of a day within an inpatient program at a rehab facility for alcohol addiction or drug abuse usually begins between 7 and 8 a.m. and lasts until 8 or 9 p.m. A general format is outlined below.

Sample Weekday Schedule

7:00 a.m. – Wake up
7:30 a.m. – Exercise/Gym
8:00 a.m. – Personal Hygiene/Breakfast
9:00 a.m. – Individual Therapy
10: 00 a.m. – Group Therapy
11:00 a.m. – Recreation/Free Time
12:00 p.m. – Lunch
1:00 p.m. – Art/Music/Creative Expression Therapy
2:00 p.m. – Psychoeducation
3:00 p.m. – Mindfulness Walk
4:00 p.m. – Yoga/Boxing/Anger Management
5:00 p.m. – Recreation/Free Time
6:00 p.m. – Dinner
7:00 p.m. – Group Session/Discussion/12-Steps (AA)
8:00 p.m. – Chores
9:00 p.m. – Snack/Hygiene
9:30 p.m. – Meditation/Relaxation/Journaling
10:00 p.m. – Lights Out

Daily Therapy 

Addiction treatment commonly consists of a combination of individual and group therapy sessions that focus on teaching those in treatment the skills needed to stop or limit the use of alcohol or drugs. Holistic therapy courses may include:

Individual Therapy

Individual therapy consists of an individual engaging in the therapeutic process on a one-on-one basis with a therapist. Behavioral therapy is one of the most commonly utilized treatment methods used during substance rehabilitation. Forms of individual behavioral therapy may include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy, contingency management and motivational interviewing, among others.

Group Therapy

Group therapy is a form of psychotherapy in which a group of patients meets to discuss their concerns and issues together under the supervision of a therapist. One of the most common forms of group therapy for addiction is a 12-step program such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous. This form of drug addiction therapy aims to promote long-term recovery by engaging people with a 12-step peer support group. Group therapy may also include family therapy in the recovery process.

Psychoeducation 

The stigma attached to alcohol and drug addictions can hinder positive treatment outcomes. Although addiction is recognized as a chronic disease with biological origins, the detrimental attitude persists that individuals with addictions lack moral principles or willpower. Therefore, psychoeducation, a therapeutic intervention that transfers knowledge about an illness and its treatment to help patients better understand and cope with their illness, is an important component of addiction treatment.

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2 months ago · RAC RAC

How Alcoholism Can Negatively Impact Your Health

Alcohol use can take a toll on your mental and physical health. The health effects of alcohol are wide-reaching, and some last a lifetime. Health problems can develop if you drink alcohol frequently or if you drink a lot in a single session. 

Factors that Impact How Alcohol Affects Health

Every person responds differently to alcohol consumption, so some people are at a higher risk of developing health complications than others. Genetics, gender, body composition, and your patterns of drinking can all affect how alcohol impacts your health.

How much you drink and how often you drink also affect your health risks. Different health problems may develop if you drink a lot in a single sitting compared to drinking daily for a long period of time. In general, the more you drink, the more your health is at risk.

Short-Term Effects of Alcohol Consumption

Binge drinking can cause short-term health effects that impair your ability to function normally, and heavy drinking over the course of just a few hours could have deadly consequences. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines binge drinking for women as having 4 or more drinks on a single occasion and for men as having 5 or more drinks on a single occasion. While most people who binge drink don’t have alcohol use disorder, they can still suffer from short-term health issues due to excessive drinking.

Some of the health issues that might develop from a single drinking session include:

• Loss of coordination
• Flushed skin
• Difficulty concentrating
• Increased blood pressure
• Mood swings
• Lowered body temperature
• Vomiting
• Passing out

If you drink too much alcohol in one sitting, alcohol poisoning is a possibility. An overdose of alcohol can be fatal. Some signs of alcohol poisoning include: 

• Slowed breathing
• Pale or blue-tinted skin
• Vomiting
• Confusion
• Hypothermia
• Unconsciousness
• Seizures

People who drink heavily also may be prone to acting irrationally or impulsively while under the influence of alcohol, which can lead to dangerous situations with significant health impacts. Drinking and driving is a significant cause of motor vehicle accidents, and alcohol use may also put you at higher risk of falls, burns or drowning. 

Alcohol can lower inhibitions, which may make you more prone to getting into fights or engaging in unsafe sexual behavior that could lead to injuries or a higher risk of catching sexually transmitted diseases. Unwanted pregnancy is another potential risk of unsafe sexual behavior while under the influence of alcohol.

Long-Term Health Effects of Alcoholism

People who are addicted to alcohol and those who drink heavily are at higher risk for a wide range of health complications. Women who have more than 8 drinks a week and men who have more than 15 drinks per week are considered heavy drinkers by the CDC. Chronic health conditions that might develop from heavy drinking include:

• High blood pressure
• Heart disease, including cardiomyopathy and irregular heartbeat
• Strokes
• Cancers, including cancers of the throat, larynx, esophagus, colon, rectum, liver, and breast 
• Liver disease, including fatty liver disease, hepatitis, cirrhosis, and fibrosis
• Pancreas damage, including an increased risk of acute and chronic pancreatitis

Heavy drinking also makes you more prone to developing a substance abuse disorder or becoming addicted to alcohol. 

Mental Health Issues and Excessive Drinking

Excessive alcohol use can affect your mind as well as your body. Alcohol abuse can cause long-term brain damage, and mental health disorders can occur in conjunction with addiction to alcohol. Long-term alcohol abuse or addiction can reduce the amount of gray and white matter in the brain, which can damage your ability to concentrate and retain memories.

For some people, this damage is permanent, meaning brain function isn’t restored after the person quits drinking.

If you have an existing mental health condition, such as depression or anxiety, drinking heavily could make your symptoms worse. Some people use alcohol as a way to cope with emotional or mental distress. This can lead to difficulty developing healthier coping mechanisms, which causes an ongoing cycle of alcohol use that exacerbates your existing problems.

Drinking an excessive amount of alcohol could bring on psychiatric symptoms, such as psychosis and anxiety. If you’ve become addicted to alcohol, you might experience psychiatric symptoms during withdrawal, such as hallucinations.

The Effects of Heavy Drinking During Pregnancy

Drinking alcohol during pregnancy affects the unborn child as well as the mother. Heavy drinking has been associated with poor pregnancy outcomes, including a higher risk of stillbirth, miscarriage, premature birth, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

Fetal alcohol syndrome is a serious long-term health condition in infants born to mothers who consumed alcohol during their pregnancy. Babies with fetal alcohol syndrome may be born with damage to the nervous system as well as growth problems and distinct facial features associated with the condition. Fetal alcohol syndrome is part of a set of related disorders called fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) that range in severity from mild symptoms to lifelong organ damage.

While the long-term health impact of alcohol use are significant, many can be mitigated if you stop drinking. If you or a loved one is ready to begin a journey of recovery, give Recovery at the Crossroads a call today at 888-342-3881.

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2 months ago · RAC RAC

5 Devastating Psychological Effects of Drug Addiction

Substance abuse and mental health are linked because the psychological effects of drug addiction, including alcohol, cause changes in your body and brain. A careful balance of chemicals keeps the cogs turning inside your body, and even the smallest change can cause you to experience negative symptoms. 

Excessive alcohol and drug use sends your nervous system into disarray, rewires your brain, and causes inflammation — all of which can cause mental illness. Read on to find out more about the emotional effects of substance use disorders. 

Drug Abuse Rewires Your Brain

One of the most profound changes that occur in people who struggle with addiction is in the reward center of the brain. Dopamine is responsible for feelings of motivation, pleasure, and reward — and alcohol, prescription medications, and illegal drugs all hijack this pathway. If you or a loved one is suffering from drug or alcohol addiction, you’ll have noticed a shift in priorities. 

As an addicted person needs an increasing amount of their substance of choice to get the same high, they become more and more preoccupied with procuring and using substances. This is what leads to the most damaging effects of addiction. To the sufferer, friends, family, work, and being an upstanding citizen become less important than inebriation.

Often, people in addiction treatment centers are recovering from experiencing an endless cycle of guilt, emotional pain, and short-term relief from substances. This negative feedback loop can eventually lead to mental health issues and other side effects. 

Health Problems Associated with Addiction

In addition to the psychological effects of addiction, drug and alcohol abuse have the potential to lead to an array of other health conditions. Chronic substance use is a risk factor for the following illnesses:

• Disorders that affect decision-making
• Heart disease including high blood pressure
• Psychosis
• Reduced immune function
• Stomach issues
• Respiratory problems
• Liver damage
• Kidney disease

5 Psychological Effects of Drug Addiction

Dopamine isn’t the only neurotransmitter that affects your mood and mental state; serotonin, norepinephrine, and many more play a part. Just like addiction, mental disorders aren’t usually the result of one trigger or cause. Not everyone will experience the following, but many people do.   

1. Anxiety

Anxiety is best described as a disorder of the fight-or-flight response, where someone perceives danger that isn’t there. It includes the following physical and mental symptoms:

• Rapid heart rate
• Excessive worrying
• Sweating
• An impending sense of doom
• Mood swings
• ​Restlessness and agitation
• Tension
• Insomnia

There are a lot of similarities between anxiety and the effects of stimulants such as cocaine and methamphetamine. Conversely, using central nervous system depressants can also increase the risk of a person developing anxiety. Although they calm a person’s nerves while they’re intoxicated, they intensify anxiety when the effects wear off. 

Additionally, many addicts experience anxiety around trying to hide their habits from other people. In a lot of cases, it’s difficult to tell whether anxious people are more likely to abuse substances or if drugs and alcohol cause anxiety.

2. Shame and Guilt

There’s a stigma attached to addiction in society, and there’s a lot of guilt and shame for the individuals who struggle with the condition. Often, this is adding fuel to a fire that was already burning strong. People with substance use disorders tend to evaluate themselves negatively on a regular basis, which is a habit that has its roots in childhood experiences. Continual negative self-talk adds to feelings of shame and guilt.

When you constantly feel as if you’ve done something wrong, it’s tempting to try to cover up these challenging emotions with drugs and alcohol. These unhelpful emotions contribute to the negative feedback loop that sends people spiraling into addiction.    

3. A Negative Feedback Loop

From an outside perspective, someone with an addiction looks like they’re repeatedly making bad choices and ignoring reason. However, the truth is far more complicated and nuanced — so much so that it can be very difficult for people to overcome a substance use disorder without inpatient or outpatient treatment. This is partly due to a negative feedback loop that occurs in the mind.

When someone is addicted to drugs or alcohol, they feel a sense of comfort they haven’t been able to get elsewhere. Inevitably, this feeling is replaced by guilt and shame as they sober up and face the consequences of their actions. However, the weight of these feelings forces them to seek comfort in substances.    

4. Depression

Another mental illness strongly associated with addiction is depression. Like anxiety, it’s not clear whether the depression or substance abuse problem comes first — but there is a clear link. The main symptoms associated with depression are:

• Hopelessness
• Lack of motivation
• Dysregulated emotion
• Loss of interest
• Sleep disturbances
• Irritability
• Weight gain or loss
• Suicidal ideation

Some withdrawal symptoms overlap with the signs of depression, which can make diagnosing coexisting addiction challenging before the SUD has been treated. Most people require ongoing therapy to help them overcome depression.    

5. Loss of Interest

Loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy is a key symptom of both addiction and depression, but overcoming the former makes it much easier to gain control over the latter. It’s such a destructive symptom because of how demotivating it is to feel there’s no joy in the world. Everyone has passions and interests, but getting back to finding them isn’t easy for someone with these conditions. 

Treatment programs help you unravel the reasons behind your unhealthy substance use so you can find new coping mechanisms and address any underlying issues in therapy.

Get Help for the Emotional and Psychological Effects of Drug Addiction

If you think the behavior of a loved one is a sign of a serious problem, call Recovery at the Crossroads today at 856-644-6929 for more information about the emotional effects of drugs.

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7 months ago · RAC RAC

A Simple Explanation of the Relationship Between Mental Health and Substance Abuse

Mental health and substance abuse are undoubtedly linked. In the past, there was confusion about whether addiction or a mental health condition comes first. The reality of it seems to be that it’s different for everyone. Some people don’t experience mental health symptoms before using drugs, others use drugs to cover up mental health symptoms or it can be a mixture of the two.

Science is giving us a clearer understanding of mental health and substance abuse, so we’re better equipped than ever to help people with both. If you’re struggling with drug addiction, it’s crucial to diagnose and treat any co-occurring mental health issues as well. Otherwise, the uncontrollable feelings associated with poor mental health put you at an increased risk of relapse.

What Is Mental Illness?

Mental illness describes feelings, thoughts, reactions and beliefs that differ from how the majority of people experience them. People who have a mental illness don’t necessarily look different on the outside, and many learn to mask their symptoms, but their brains work differently behind the scenes. This causes some people to start abusing alcohol or drugs in the first place, and those who don’t get treated for a co-occurring disorder are often held back from recovery success.

If you experience trauma, you’re more likely to develop a mental illness. This is because traumatic events are outside the realm of normality for most people in our society. However, the potential must be there in your genes — which is why not everyone who experiences trauma develops a mental health issue. These are the mental illnesses most closely associated with substance abuse:

Anxiety

Anxiety is best described as excessive, inappropriate fear of everyday situations and events. If you struggle with anxiety, abusing substances is appealing because it eases these feelings. Some common symptoms include:

• Feeling on edge constantly
• Focusing on worst-case scenarios
• Nausea, trembling and dizziness
• Racing heart
• Jumpiness

Depression

Depression is a debilitating condition that clouds the judgment of the sufferer and prevents them from getting joy from life. People who are depressed might use stimulants to feel good or depressants to numb the pain. Of course, the overall effect is that these drugs make the depression worse. Some signs of depression are:

• Loss of energy
• Changes in sleeping habits
• Feeling guilty and unworthy
• Unable to experience pleasure

Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder I and II are distinct, with the former often leading to hospitalization. Both include manic episodes in combination with episodes of depression. With Bipolar II, people go through hypomanic episodes, which aren’t as extreme. Symptoms of mania include:

• Unrealistic, grandiose beliefs
• Feelings of euphoria or intense irritability
• Racing thoughts and talking fast

Conditions such as schizophrenia, antisocial personality disorder and borderline personality disorder also have high rates of comorbid addiction. But what is the relationship between mental health and substance abuse? Read on to find out.

What Is the Relationship Between Mental Health and Substance Abuse?

Mental health and substance abuse cross over at specific points, with both drugs and mental illness causing delusions, impaired judgment and physical symptoms. A substance use disorder and a mental health issue can manifest suddenly at the same time, without any actual connection. Causation varies so much between people that it’s impossible to say that one causes the other or vice versa.

Drug and alcohol abuse unquestionably makes mental health problems worse, however. Although it might feel like it helps you in the short term, therapy and psychoeducation can help you to see how misguided that thinking is.

Our mental health is thought to be controlled by electrical connections in the brain. Alcohol and drug abuse tend to cause an influx of these, which feels great at the time but explains why you feel much worse during the comedown. Over time, you can heal your mental health, and therapy can help to retain those electrical connections so they work in your favor.

Serious Mental Illness and Substance Abuse

There’s a striking connection between the most severe forms of mental illness and substance abuse. A serious mental illness is one that prevents you from functioning socially, professionally or interpersonally.

An astounding one in four individuals with a serious mental illness has also suffered from a substance use disorder. This is significantly higher than the one in 10 people without mental illness who have suffered from a SUD.

Is Addiction a Mental Illness?

Addiction appears in the DSM 5, which is the American medical journal dedicated to mental health disorders. People used to think that addictive behavior was the result of poor choices, but science seems to suggest otherwise. A mixture of genetic and environmental factors makes certain people more susceptible to the disease than others, which disproves any moral theories of addictions.

Young People, Mental Health and Substance Abuse

Drug and alcohol dependence can start at any point in life but often begin in adolescence. Adolescents are more prone to mental health issues and, while their brains are still developing, they’re particularly at risk of addiction.

Research has shown that people who start any harmful addictive behavior in their teenage years — smoking, drinking, marijuana — are far more likely to struggle with addiction in later life. This was previously known as the gateway effect — which doesn’t go far enough in explaining what actually happens.

When young people use substances habitually, they’re setting up a pattern of behavior that usually requires rehab treatment to break. As such, youngsters’ mental health must be carefully monitored and looked after to give them the best chance of future success.

You Can’t Treat Addiction Without Addressing Mental Health

When performing the initial assessment for each individual, rehab centers must analyze patients for co-occurring mental health disorders. When illness of this kind goes untreated, it creates impulses, thoughts and feelings that make maintaining recovery extraordinarily challenging.

With the help of experienced professionals, you can untangle your mental health and substance abuse struggles. This leaves you free to gain the skills you need in the present to enjoy the future you want to have.

Get Treatment for Co-Occurring Disorders Today

If you’re worried that you might be suffering from a mental health disorder that causes you to abuse substances, call Recovery at the Crossroads; a Jewish drug rehab in NJ at 888-342-3881.

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8 months ago · RAC RAC

Does Insurance Cover Rehab?

In 2010, Congress passed the Affordable Care Act, which expanded insurance coverage and created tax credits to make health insurance policies more affordable for low-income and middle-class Americans. With the ACA in effect, insurance companies are now required to provide coverage for drug rehab programs and mental health treatment options, which is good news for anyone considering outpatient or inpatient rehab for substance abuse or alcohol addiction. So, does insurance cover the cost of rehab? Treatment coverage varies by health insurance plans, but many plans now cover the following treatment services.

Inpatient Drug Rehab

When people ask “Does insurance cover rehab costs?” they’re usually wondering if their health insurance covers an inpatient treatment program. Residential drug treatment is ideal for people with severe addictions, as well as people who don’t have an adequate support system at home. In a residential substance abuse treatment program, you’ll receive the support and encouragement you need to discover the underlying causes of your addiction and get started on the path to recovery. Inpatient programs are highly structured to ensure you spend most of your time working on your physical and mental well-being.

Outpatient Drug Rehab

If you can’t take time away from your work or family obligations long enough to attend an inpatient rehabilitation program, outpatient rehab is an excellent alternative. Our outpatient programs in NJ are well-suited for people with strong family support systems as it allows you to receive daily addiction treatment and then return to your home each evening. You may even be able to receive outpatient treatment around your work or school schedule.

Your health insurance may cover a day program or an intensive outpatient program, both of which can help you uncover the root causes of your addiction and learn how to overcome life’s challenges without drinking or using drugs. A day program involves attending daily meetings for five to seven days per week at a rehab center. These meetings may last for several hours and include individual therapy, group therapy, meditation and other therapies designed to help you address your addiction and your overall mental health.

Intensive outpatient treatment involves attending frequent meetings at the beginning of the program and reducing your attendance as you gain control of your addiction. Once you set your treatment goals, you’ll participate in a variety of therapies to help you avoid relapse and learn how to respond to your addiction triggers. These therapies may include group therapy, individual therapy, music therapy and art therapy.

Treatment for Co-Occurring Disorders

If you have a substance abuse and behavioral health disorder, you have what’s known as co-occurring disorders or dual diagnoses. Research shows that having a mental illness increases the risk for addiction, which means it’s important to treat both disorders at the same time. You may need medication or therapy for your mental illness and inpatient or outpatient treatment facility for your addiction.

For people with co-occurring disorders, drug and alcohol rehab centers typically offer an integrated approach, which involves treating the disorders together instead of receiving treatment from a separate set of professionals. Insurance may cover medications, therapy sessions and other elements of your treatment for co-occurring disorders.

Medication Assisted Treatment

One of the reasons it’s so difficult to recover from an addiction without professional help is because the withdrawal period can cause serious physical and psychological symptoms. When you stop using alcohol or drugs, you may experience nausea, vomiting, shaking, chills or other symptoms that make it difficult to abstain from substance use.

Medication assisted treatment is a safer option, as it involves treatment at a rehab facility staffed by experienced professionals who can help you detox from drugs or alcohol in a supervised environment. At a drug treatment center, you may receive medications to lessen the severity of your symptoms and make you more comfortable while you complete the withdrawal process.

Follow-Up Care

Once you complete the initial rehab process, your health insurance company may also cover follow-up care to ensure you continue to abstain from alcohol and drugs. Follow-up care may include ongoing therapy sessions or continuing care at a treatment provider. Continuing care is important because it can help you avoid relapse and learn how to better manage stress without turning to alcohol or drugs.

Does insurance cover rehab? It’s important to note that, traditionally, insurance doesn’t cover the rent at a sober living home. There is usually a private pay rental fee that can vary from agency to agency. In an outpatient treatment setting, you may be responsible for your rent outside of your treatment in an affiliated facility.

Regardless of your coverage, the compassionate staff members at Recovery at the Crossroads are standing by to answer your questions and get you or your loved one started on the road to recovery. Contact our NJ drug rehab today at 888-342-3881 for help overcoming your addiction.

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10 months ago · RAC RAC

Feeling Safe Going to In-Person Rehab During the Pandemic

We are currently living in unprecedented times, with COVID-19 affecting almost every single aspect of our daily existence. For people who use drugs or alcohol, the increased anxiety, uncertainty and isolation could tip them over the edge into addiction. If you’re someone who is currently struggling with your relationship with substances, please seek the professional help you need. You might not be sure about going to rehab during a pandemic, but rest assured — it’s one of the safest places you could be.

How Safe Is Rehab During COVID-19?

Health care services have had to react quickly to adapt to the added risks posed by the coronavirus. This is especially true in institutions like rehab, where people need to come into close contact with their peers and caregivers. The most effective way to control the virus is by testing rigorously and isolating as much as possible. In a drug and alcohol treatment program, you can feel safe that you’re in a contained, isolated space with minimal risk of infection.

At Recovery at the Crossroads, we’ve introduced testing from a lab that uses blood samples to indicate if you’ve had the virus before. In a statement, one of their experts explains, “This test is marketed as part of the US FDA notification process with an Emergency Use Authorization pathway. The testing performed is based on a newly released test system from Abbott and will be run on Abbott’s ARCHITECT i1000SR and i2000SR laboratory instruments. These instruments can run up to 100-200 tests per hour. “

When you begin the recovery process with us, you can rest assured that everyone in the building has been tested for COVID-19. We’ve taken this precaution to keep all of those under our care feeling safe in rehab during the pandemic.

Does Coronavirus Affect Addiction?

Enforced stay-at-home measures and fear of the unknown have added to the underlying emotional issues that underpin the majority of substance use disorders.

Most recreational activities have been put on hold, making it much harder for people in recovery to distract themselves. Additionally, boredom and anxiety could push people who were abusing alcohol or drugs into addiction.

Is Addiction a Risk Factor for COVID-19?

When someone is struggling with addiction, their judgment is impaired and they’re much more likely to take risks. Certain drugs involve sharing paraphernalia, which is enormously risky under normal circumstances and even more so in the current climate.

One worldwide trend that’s particularly significant is men being at a higher risk of dying than women. This is thought to be because more men smoke than women, weakening their lungs and making them a target for coronavirus. Cannabis, meth, crack and heroin are inhaled — users usually breathe in unfiltered fumes from the burning substances. The strain this puts on the lungs could make you more susceptible to contracting the virus.

Tips for Coping With Isolation

If you’re waiting to start rehab, there are plenty of ways you can try to distract yourself while in isolation. It’s not an ideal situation, but do your best to make an active effort to take care of your well-being. We’ve compiled some tips to help you find some normality in these strange times.

Stay Connected

With social distancing measures in place, it can be easy to slip into an unhealthy pattern of not speaking to people enough. Make sure you take the opportunities you’re allowed for exercise and say hello to neighbors from a safe distance. Use technology to stay in touch with family members and friends, or use meet-up websites to find new friends. Most sites are making use of videoconferencing tools to host meet-ups.

Think Carefully About Social Media Usage

The internet is an incredible tool for this pandemic — but only if you use it wisely and don’t get caught up in social media. Try unfollowing accounts that post negative or unpleasant sentiments to your feed in favor of uplifting, positive people. Try not to obsess over how much better everyone seems to be doing in lockdown, either. Remember, what your friends post on social media is what they want people to see!

Be Mindful

The considerable disruption to everyone’s schedule, along with global uncertainty, has turned our lives upside down. In these times, you must make an extra effort to create a routine for yourself and stick to it. Wake up and go to sleep at a set time, exercise at regular intervals and make space for total relaxation.

Create Something Awesome

If you’re working from home or looking for new work, you might have plenty of extra time. Make use of it to get started on the projects you’ve always wanted! Write a book, make a podcast, learn an instrument or try painting. Instead of focusing on the negative aspects of the situation, find opportunities and ways to make yourself proud.

Find Safety in Rehab During the Pandemic

Addiction doesn’t stop for coronavirus, so please seek the help you need if you’re concerned about your intake of drugs or alcohol. At Recovery at the Crossroads, we can help you get started on your journey to long-term recovery. Call us today for more information at 833-342-3881.

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