The COVID-19 pandemic has so far turned nearly, if not, everything upside down across the world. If any of us lists the effects of the epidemic on the world’s population, then we are bound to commit more than one sin of omission. Businesses have closed, a majority of the world’s population is staying at home, and observing social distancing is the new norm.
One of the things that I have learned since the outbreak of the pandemic is that epidemics do not treat everyone equally. Some fractions of the population, such as patients hunkering down through substance abuse disorders treatments, are more vulnerable compared to others.
Why is the pandemic likely to jeopardize the recovery of patients with substance abuse disorders?
Some critical principles of effective treatment implemented to treat patients against substance abuse disorders successfully include:
- The need for patients to quickly access treatment.
- Behavioral therapies such as counseling coupled with medication are the most commonly used form of treatment for SUD treatment.
- No single treatment is right for every substance use disorder patient.
- Therefore, treatment plans must be reviewed often and adjusted where necessary to fit a patient’s needs.
- Substance use needs to be proactively monitored during treatment.
Notably, most of the principles for successful treatment of substance abuse require in-person access to support. Such support is usually described as primarily behavioral therapy, monitoring of withdrawal symptoms, and necessary adjustments to treatment plans when needed. Therefore, patients in areas restricting critical recovery support face a potential risk of substance use relapse if their support needs are compromised, or in the worst-case scenario, suspended as a result of the closure of recovery houses.
On a different note, patients experiencing mounting pressures from the pandemic due to job loss or significant pay cuts, without relief in responsibilities are likely to be overcome with feelings of frustration and hopelessness. A factor which further increases their susceptibilities to substance abuse relapse.
Is substance abuse treatment available during the pandemic?
Despite significant drawbacks faced by SUD patients in access to support, some recovery houses are taking fairly heroic steps to facilitate continued treatment of their patients. For example, the intensive outpatient program Virginia is tailored to adjust to a patient’s needs. IOP offers patients the opportunity to maintain their different schedules while at the same time unraveling their recovery journeys.
Other great measures introduced by abuse treatment facilities include extended take-home and online meetings to help SUD patients in areas restricting frequent in-person support.
The three pillars that will aid substance abuse treatment during the pandemic
The three iron-clad measures of effectiveness, if implemented by substance abuse treatment stakeholders, will ensure that seamless recovery of SUD patients includes:
- Implementing health measures that support both the physical and emotional well being of patients.
- Ensuring continuity of relationships and social networks that provide patients with support, friendship, encouragement, and love.
- Ensuring patients live in safe and stable environments while at the same time engaging in income-generating activities (for those with responsibilities).
Overly, while the pandemic is presenting difficulties for substance use patients to get their treatments, all hope is not lost as they can still access comprehensive support even in areas with restrictive support policies.
