Is the Epidemic of Addiction Getting Lost in the Pandemic?
What IS happening out there for addicts and alcoholics seeking treatment? A recent New York Times article In Shadow of Pandemic, U.S. Drug Overdose Deaths Resurge to Record (July 15, 2020) reports that “drug deaths in America, which fell for the first time in 25 years in 2018, rose to record numbers in 2019 and are continuing to climb, a resurgence that is being complicated and perhaps worsened by the coronavirus pandemic…It looks as if 2020 will be even worse. Drug deaths have risen an average of 13 percent so far this year over last year, according to mortality data from local and state governments…”
The isolation of quarantine has been challenging for many people, especially challenging for those in early recovery, and devastating for those actively using. Addiction is a disease that feeds on isolation and loneliness. Inpatient and outpatient treatment centers across the country have been forced to close or drastically reduce their capacity and services, due to fear of COVID-19 infection, financial difficulties related to the pandemic, or simply because of stay-at-home orders.
“When the need to prioritize health and safety required us to pivot quickly to telehealth in mid-March, we wondered what the impact would be, as we have always been known for our high level of personalized treatment and the warmth and care of our staff,” says Rachel Russell, president and chief clinical officer at Freedom Institute. “We were unsure how these things would translate in a virtual world. Our experience has been that we are still able to provide responsive and individualized care. Telehealth works well, and actually offers a number of advantages. We are able to help anyone who has a secure smartphone or computer connection, even if they are nervous about how to use the technology.”
Freedom Institute’s model integrates Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Relational Family Therapy and we have been using telehealth for more than ten years. Often family members are not in the same city and will video conference in to attend a family session. Telehealth works for many as it takes the stress out of travel time for treatment, it’s especially convenient for the working professional, and some clients report they open up more easily when not in the same room with a clinician or others.
While we are currently developing our plan to return to in-person services once it is safe, responsible, and cleared by the State licensing agency, Freedom Institute is treating existing and new clients with the full range of our services.
“We have definitely seen an uptick in individuals struggling with alcohol and an increase in opiate use,” says Rachel Russell. “We are here to help and take great pride in being the first step for many trying to get and stay sober. We start with an in-depth telehealth assessment that ideally includes key family members. From there, we design a program that fits their particular stage of recovery and work with each person through their first year of sobriety. "
As the pandemic marches on, we are cautiously optimistic about our reopening. Until then, Freedom Institute is available to connect with anyone who needs help with substance use, strengthening their recovery, or reducing their isolation and preventing relapse. If you or someone you love is struggling, please call us at 212.838.0044.