You just couldn’t take it anymore – the crippling depression, choking anxiety or even the physical pain from an accident or surgery. Whatever it is that you’ve struggled with, you saw alcohol or drugs as a way to find some relief. But soon, it wasn’t about coping – your alcohol or drug abuse became something you started to rely on to function normally throughout the day.
But then, the coronavirus (COVID-19) hit the United States and for all intents and purposes, shut the country down. Like many people, your daily routines have been thrown off balance. Given the current situation, you’re left wondering how COVID-19 will affect your addiction. In this post, we’re going to address your concerns and offer a path to recovery.
The Effects of COVID-19 on Addiction and Recovery
1. Stockpiling and Isolation
In the wake of COVID-19, major parts of society have shut down. And your normal hobbies have been replaced by social distancing and quarantine. The current situation we all find ourselves in is a mix of anxiety, uncertainty, boredom and loneliness. This isolation and these feelings of being alone can lead to greater substance use to try to cope.
When you experience this combination of feelings, you’re more likely to self-medicate with more drugs or alcohol. The sudden change in routine can also prompt you to engage in more dangerous behavior as a means to escape.
Panic Buying
Unfortunately, isolation isn’t the only factor causing an increase in substance abuse during COVID-19. You’ve seen the news stories of people buying and hoarding toilet paper. While it’s not being talked about as much, people are doing the same with drugs and alcohol.
With country borders under tight security, illegal drugs are becoming harder to come by. It’s causing people to stockpile drugs. The problem is that stockpiling drugs carries a greater risk of taking larger doses, which can lead to dangerous – and oftentimes, fatal – overdoses.
2. Withdrawal and Self Detox
We mentioned above that the supply of illegal drugs is going down due to COVID-19. Whether you can’t find drugs reliably or are using this situation as a reason to try to quit, the number of people going through withdrawal is projected to go up. Experiencing these symptoms and detoxing on your own can be extremely dangerous, especially if your addiction is severe.
You might have a plan to invest your extra time into getting sober. But it’s important not to try and detox on your own. Here’s a few reasons why you should go through professional detox services like the program found at Silver Maple Recovery:
- Withdrawal symptoms can be uncomfortable and even life threatening without medical supervision.
- Your risk of relapse is higher when you try to go through detox alone.
- When you go through detox, it’s common to experience intense emotions. And with professional detox services, you’ll have the support from counselors to address those emotions and work through them successfully.
3. A Higher Risk for COVID-19
Unfortunately, if you’re struggling with a drug or alcohol addiction, you could be at a higher risk of contracting COVID-19. One of the effects of substance abuse is the weakening of your immune system. Many substances, from alcohol to heroin, can limit your body’s ability to fight off infection.
But the risks don’t stop there. Drugs like cocaine and opioids can cause inflammation in the lungs and heart. The problem is that COVID-19 is a respiratory virus. That inflammation caused by drug use will make it harder for your body to fight off COVID-19 if you were to get it.
COVID-19 Shouldn’t Stop You from Going to Rehab
COVID-19 poses a higher risk for those suffering from addiction. This is why going to rehab is more important than ever before. It’s natural to think that the best move is to wait until the COVID-19 pandemic has passed before looking for addiction treatment. But seeking treatment now is one of the best steps you can take to limit your risk for contracting COVID-19.
Heal from Addiction at Silver Maple Recovery
Silver Maple Recovery offers expert addiction treatment in Cleveland. We offer medically supervised detox services to help ensure that your recovery is as safe and comfortable as possible. As an essential healthcare provider in Ohio, we are open during the COVID-19 outbreak and are dedicated to helping you overcome addiction.
COVID-19 has turned life upside down for everyone. While you might think that drugs or alcohol are helping you cope, it’s actually putting your health at greater risk. At Silver Maple Recovery, there’s no judgment or lectures, only healing.
And with our expert clinical staff, you’ll have peace of mind while you push forward to recovery. Substance abuse has built a wall around your potential, but we can break it down together. Contact our friendly staff today. We’re ready to hear your story and help you find a path forward.
