The pandemic has strained the social safety net of America. Many people have fallen into despair with closures, job losses, and a government that can’t decide on relief. And focusing only on battling COVID in terms of public health has led to a grim reality. Fentanyl overdoses are skyrocketing, especially in the West and South, where poverty and food lines have become the norm.
Shutdowns Broke Down Networks
For many people, their support networks fractured when the shutdown began. In some places, people in treatment centers were told to find a new place to go. The uncertainty led to fear and relapses, causing some vulnerable people to return to the street.
However, these were the early days of the pandemic. Soon, treatment centers were able to create new protocols that kept everyone safe during intake. Even better, communities now offer many resources via computer or telephone. (Primarily Zoom, a teleconferencing software.)
People who are addicted to opioids, especially fentanyl, have different but effective tools for getting sober.
Reclaiming Hope and Support
Today, there are fewer barriers nationwide to treatment, but there are now fewer options for most clients. Treatment centers do require a set of restrictions upon entering. In general, people can still get the support they need. Sometimes COVID can make accessing resources a little more tricky. However, all policies are in place to help keep people safer as they get sober.
In remote communities, relaxed Medication-Assisted Treatment requirements enable more people to get the tools they need to stay sober.
Community recovery centers and drug treatment have increased access to Medication-Assisted Treatment, allowing addicted people a reprieve from cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
Recovery tools are expanding with a new understanding of the community’s needs and new technologies. Getting sober during a pandemic may be a challenge, but people face challenges every day and manage to get sober.
People who use fentanyl will usually need to go to detox for their own comfort and safety.
Get Help for Addiction Today
If you or a loved one need help with a substance use problem, we’re here to answer any questions you may have. A person with a substance use disorder deserves to get the help and therapy they need in a safe, welcoming environment. Together, we can help you begin to understand your addiction and learn the tools you need to overcome it.
Please give us a call at 800-970-8774 to learn more about how we can help.