Can I Go To Detox & Rehab Facilities During COVID-19?

Detox & Rehab Facilities During COVID-19

We’re living through a difficult time. Since February, your life has no doubt been impacted by stay-at-home-orders. Even as states begin to reopen, rising COVID-19 case numbers and widespread unemployment make the future certain. If you’re struggling, you’re not alone.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration notes that disasters like the coronavirus pandemic can exacerbate existing substance use problems. Yet if you think you need help right now, you may be worried that rehab facilities aren’t the safest place to wait out the virus.

Can You Go To Detox & Rehab During COVID-19?

If you’re asking yourself, Can I go to a rehab center during COVID-19? The answer is an emphatic yes. In this short guide, we’ll go over the steps drug treatment facilities are taking to protect patients. Once you understand the changes, you can get started finding a treatment facility that meets your needs.

Rehabilitation, Detox, and Recovery Facilities are an Essential Service

As you know, essential businesses like hospitals and grocery stores stayed open even during stay-at-home orders. But did you know that drug and alcohol addiction treatment facilities are also considered essential services?

Like many aspects of American life, rehabilitative care has changed due to COVID-19.

• Many addiction treatment centers have expanded their telehealth and remote treatment options to support patients staying at home
• All open, in-person treatment facilities have adapted their policies to comply with federal guidelines

Even at the height of the pandemic in February and March, rehab alcohol and drug facilities saw patients through their care and accepted new residents. However, due to restrictions on capacity and group size, some facilities lowered the number of admitted patients.

Now that all 50 states are on the path to reopening, people seeking treatment should have a greater array of options for both remote and in-person treatment. 

However, until a vaccine is developed, you can expect to encounter preventative and protective measures when you choose to enter a rehab or detox program.

How Treatment Facilities Ensure Your Safety

Rehab centers understand that comfort is essential to recovery. Part of feeling comfortable is feeling safe, and treatment facilities are taking extensive steps to ensure the health of their patients and staff.

Measures include:

• Educating all staff on best practices for preventing the spread of COVID-19
• Screening all entrants to the building for symptoms and exposure
• Requiring symptomatic staff to stay home
• Implementing social distancing by rearranging furniture and rescheduling events
• Providing face coverings, hand sanitizer, and PPE
• Regular disinfecting and cleaning of common areas and frequently touched surfaces

In addition, you will find some adjustments to visitation policies and group therapy. Depending on your state and county’s phase of reopening, all group therapy sessions may be limited to 10, and in-person visits may be allowed only via video conferencing or may take place outdoors.

Finally, you may not have as much flexibility to leave and return to the premises as you normally would.

Prioritizing Comfort

Some of the above modifications may be discouraging. After a long period of isolation and boredom, you may actually be looking forward to time around other people dealing with the same issues you are. Or you may simply want to be able to talk to your doctor without wearing a mask.

Rest assured that reputable rehabilitation facilities will continue to make patient comfort a priority. These modifications are for your health and safety, and for the health of others.

The Risk of Waiting for Treatment

If you think you need treatment, there’s never been a better time to act than now. Let’s take a look at some of the reasons why.

Substance Abuse May Cause Increased Risk of Damage Due to COVID-19

Unfortunately, we are not yet in sight of a vaccine for the Coronavirus. In the meantime, continued substance use may actually increase your vulnerability should you contract the disease. 

• Opioid use impacts heart and lung health, as well as lowers blood oxygen. Since COVID-19 affects the lungs and breathing, it is thought to be dangerous for individuals using heavy levels of opioids.
• Methamphetamines constrict blood vessels, which may make the lungs more susceptible to viral damage.

If you’re struggling with one of these substances, immediate care will reduce your overall risk profile.

We Don’t Know When “Normal” Will Return

Are you hoping to begin treatment when you can do so without wearing a mask or worrying about your health?

Unfortunately, we just don’t know when that will be.

Meanwhile, the heightened anxiety and restlessness of the current world could continue to worsen your issues. Having too much time on your hands doesn’t help, either. Rather than waiting for the perfect time, take advantage of the present moment.

Make the Most of a Slower Pace

Right now, there are no concerts or festivals to attend—no professional sporting events or international vacations on the horizon. Even if your state has an accelerated reopening plan, you likely have more time in your schedule than ever before.

Take advantage of your freed-up calendar and put your health first. Take your first step on the road to recovery today.

Find the Right Treatment Facility 

Now that you know it’s safe and prudent to enter rehab during COVID-19, you can start looking for the program or treatment center that’s right for you.

Be sure to inquire about telehealth offerings. If you’re looking at residential rehab, make a list of questions to ask. Important topics might include:

• What you can bring
• Social distancing guidelines and the availability of group therapy
• Visitor policy
• Ability for patients to leave the premises
• COVID-19 prevention plan

Once you’ve found the right fit, be sure to follow all guidelines for your own safety and for the sake of public health.

Georgia Drug Detox

Are you a Georgian looking for a rehab facility? Georgia Drug Detox has locations throughout the peach state to service residents’ needs. At Georgia Drug Detox, your comfort is our priority. That’s why we comply with all state and federal guidelines to offer safe, state-of-the-art rehabilitative care. 

We’re here to walk this journey with you, leading you on the path of recovery. For us, the state of the world doesn’t change a thing save for how we operate. If you’re concerned about yourself or a loved one, reach out today so we can help. 

Sources: 

SAMHSA. Disaster Preparedness, Response, and Recovery. https://www.samhsa.gov/disaster-preparedness

BMJ Global Health. COVID-19: maintaining essential rehabilitation services across the care continuum. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7228480/