COVID-19 Pandemic Disrupting Addiction Treatment Services

As has been expected, the global COVID-19 pandemic is having a negative impact on those with substance use disorders (SUDs).

Not only is the COVID-19-induced stress and depression a potential trigger for relapse for those in recovery, but evidence suggest that greater numbers of people are turning to drug and alcohol consumption as a form of stress and depression relief. Meanwhile, the pandemic is also hindering the delivery of addiction services, making it more difficult for those with SUDs to get needed help. Additionally, many facilities are also experiencing COVID-19-related financial problems, further limiting treatment options around the country.

Evidence for the impact can be found anecdotally and in the thus-far limited research into the problem. Alcohol sales numbers have increased by more than 25 percent since the onset of the pandemic, according to a CNN business news story that noted “Americans are dealing with coronavirus by drinking. A lot.” Perhaps more worrisome, a recent analysis of 500,000 urine drug tests by Millennium health showed a 32 percent increase in non-prescribed fentanyl results, 20% rise in methamphetamine, and a 10 percent increase in cocaine from mid-March to May. Suspected drug overdoses are also on the rise, with the University of Baltimore’s Overdose Detection Mapping Application Program recording an almost 18 percent climb over two months since mid-March. A Virginia hospital reported that its monthly overdose numbers had climbed over 60 during the first few months of the pandemic, equaling a 1,000 percent rise.

A recent survey from The Addiction Policy Forum showed a 20 percent increase in substance abuse from substance use disorder (SUD) respondents, with one-third of respondents also reporting “changes in treatment or recovery support services.” Almost 15 percent of respondents also reported that they were no longer able to access their needed services.

To respond to the disruption in services, many addiction facilities have turned to teletherapy to offer treatment services remotely via Zoom, Skype, and other teleconferencing tools.

Such remote counseling was not possible pre-COVID-19, but federal rules governing telemedicine and Medicare/Medicaid payment for such were eased as part of the overall pandemic response.

Teletherapy is proving to be a mixed bag depending upon a variety of factors. The remoteness and apparent privacy of teletherapy makes it easier for many people struggling with SUD to seek help. Teletherapy takes some of the perceived stigma of seeking treatment out of the equation because people don’t actually have to go to a physical public location. It also provides easier access to those who don’t live near a treatment facility. On the downside, not everyone has access to the necessary technology and, with online only connections, it’s much harder to establish a level of trust needed for effective counseling and group sessions.

Going forward, teletherapy will probably continue to play a role in treatment services. The degree of that role will likely be determined by research into its effectiveness and the development of guidelines to help drive the best teletherapy results.

If you or someone you care about, has an ongoing history of trauma-related alcohol or substance use and/or relapse, contact Gulf Breeze Recovery or call: 833.551.2356 to speak to an addiction expert to learn more about their residential program, out-patient program, and intensive out-patient program, and which of these can best fit your individual needs.  These programs have helped many people overcome their addiction and embrace a new happy, healthy, substance-free lifestyle.

We help people not just to survive, but to THRIVE!