{"id":4497,"date":"2023-08-02T12:55:48","date_gmt":"2023-08-02T12:55:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/?page_id=4497"},"modified":"2025-02-07T12:07:18","modified_gmt":"2025-02-07T12:07:18","slug":"addiction-treatment-during-coronavirus","status":"publish","type":"blog","link":"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/resources\/addiction-treatment-during-coronavirus\/","title":{"rendered":"Addiction Treatment During the Coronavirus Pandemic"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Addiction treatment is more vital than ever due to the pandemic\u2019s effects on mental health and substance use. Rehab facilities have adapted to ensure safety during COVID-19.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic presents a difficult situation for millions of Americans. Many are struggling with isolation, general uncertainty and financial stress \u2014 not to mention the fear of catching coronavirus. These complex factors have caused mental health<\/a> to decline across the nation, while rates of substance abuse<\/a> have risen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s a greater need than ever for accessible mental health and addiction treatment. Fortunately, rehab facilities and community organizations throughout the country are up to the task. Many have taken steps to increase patient safety, increase accessibility and find ways to get Americans the help they need during the pandemic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

COVID\u2019s Impact on South Florida Mental Health and Substance Abuse<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Florida has been in the midst of an opioid epidemic<\/a> for years, and COVID-19 is only worsening rates of substance abuse and addiction. A survey<\/a> from The Recovery Village shows that 44% of South Florida residents reported an increase in past-month alcohol use, while 48% of residents who use drugs reported increasing their use. Additionally, 75% reported that COVID-19 had impacted their mental health, with 31% stating they used substances to cope with stress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Relapses and Drug Overdoses Increasing Among South Florida Residents<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The stress, isolation and fear surrounding the pandemic have caused many people<\/a> in recovery to relapse. This is especially dangerous for people who have stopped using drugs and have lower tolerance; they may return to using the same amount of drugs as before and unintentionally overdose. In many cases, that\u2019s exactly what has occurred<\/a>: Overdose rates have increased by 46% in Orange County and 65% in Seminole County, while overdose deaths jumped 63% from January to June when compared to 2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Addiction and Mental Health Treatment Must Continue<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Without access to recovery resources like medication-assisted treatment, support groups and harm-prevention services, long-term sobriety can be difficult. Many in-person options are no longer available, meaning people are missing much-needed support. Because of the stress stemming from the pandemic, there\u2019s an even greater need for accessible treatment. However, treatment must also be safe to avoid transmitting coronavirus among patients.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Safety Concerns Over Substance Abuse Treatment Programs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Some people may be second-guessing the safety of attending treatment while a virus is rapidly spreading throughout the country. However, health and safety remain a top priority at The Recovery Village at Baptist Health. At each of our South Florida facilities, we have<\/a>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n