COVID-19 changed our world in many ways. During the height of the pandemic, medical and mental health professionals, including those treating substance use disorder (SUD), had to develop alternative ways to provide treatment and support. Enter the internet. Video conferencing platforms created for business use suddenly became the primary way for us to stay connected…
Addiction doesn’t follow a one-size-fits-all definition, everything about it varies. Some people become addicted very quickly, and for others, the addiction is a slower process with substance use slowly crossing the line to substance abuse and then full-blown addiction.
For the best chance for a good outcome, try to find a time that you are in a good mood, and the person with the addiction is in a place where they are at least willing to listen. Don’t be disappointed if your first conversation doesn’t result in their willingness to get treatment for their addiction. But don’t give up.
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.