Coronavirus Impact on Drug and Alcohol Recovery

What is Coronavirus or COVID-19?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that cause illness in humans and animals. These viruses are known to cause respiratory infections that may be more severe such as, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).

COVID-19 is the most recently discovered coronavirus that was first detected in humans in Wuhan, China in December 2019, and has since spread to 166 countries and territories around the world. This virus is highly contagious and is transferred through direct human to human contact, touching objects or surfaces that those infected encountered and then touching their face, mouth, or eyes. People can also become infected from breathing in droplets expelled from an infected person who coughs or sneezes. Those with weakened immune systems are more likely to be at risk for the virus such as the elderly, children, or those who are immunocompromised.

Symptoms of the virus include fever, tiredness, dry cough. Some have reported aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat, and diarrhea. Around 80% of those who get the virus will recover from it.

How Can I Avoid the Risk of Getting and Spreading COVID-19?

According to the CDC, here are some steps you can take to reduce the risk of getting COVID-19:

Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
Cover your mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing
Avoid close contact with those who show respiratory illness
Avoid touching your face, mouth, and eyes
Use hand sanitizer
Frequently clean surfaces and objects

How Does COVID-19 Affect Those Who Have Substance Use Disorder?

Dr. Nora Volkow, Director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse, states that COVID-19 could severely impact those suffering from substance use disorders. Because COVID-19 attacks the respiratory system, those who smoke tobacco, marijuana, or vape are threatened. Research has shown that drug use weakens the immune system, this could affect the body from fighting off viral infections. Those who have a history of smoking are 14 times more likely to have more severe complications from COVID-19 than those who don’t.

Besides smoking, the National Institute on Drug Abuse said that those who abuse opioids and methamphetamine could be at risk for more serious complications of COVID-19 because these drugs affect respiratory and pulmonary health. This is because opioids slow down breathing and have previously been linked to respiratory illness. Methamphetamine produces pulmonary damage that will increase negative outcomes if a person contracts the COVID-19 virus.

Should I Stop Going to Outpatient Recovery During the COVID-19 Outbreak?

You may have many fears about going out during the virus, but that should not hinder you from your recovery process. Victory Bay Recovery Center is now offering online telehealth addiction treatment to its clients for individual and group therapy sessions. Telehealth services allow clients who completed Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) to communicate with their therapist via computer or mobile device from the comfort and safety of their own homes. Both group therapy and individual therapy can be completed via Victory Bay’s telehealth platform.

For clients attending Victory Bay Recovery Center’s IOP in person, a clean and safe environment is being maintained. Remember that the risk of a drug overdose or alcohol poisoning is much higher than severe complications of COVID-19. According to the CDC, in 2018, 67,367 people died from drug overdoses in the United States, making it one of the leading causes of injury death.

Victory Bay is ensuring the safety of its clients by taking proper steps to reduce the risk of infection. This includes, sanitizing the facility consistently, screening new patients for symptoms of the virus, and communicating with current clients about symptoms they may have relating to COVID-19. Staff is continuously monitoring the situation to take proper steps on how to maintain a safe facility during the outbreak.

Treatment at Victory Bay:

If you’re struggling with addiction, you still need treatment. Your recovery should still be a top priority during the outbreak. Victory Bay Recovery offers many different treatment options. Contact a staff member today at 855.239.5099.

Learn more about Victory Bay Recovery Center telehealth therapy services here: https://www.victorybayrecovery.comhttps://www.victorybayrecovery.com/telehealth/