The world is constantly changing, however the changes we have seen within this past year have happened swiftly and unforgivably.
The coronavirus pandemic has turned our lives upside down. We are no longer operating the way we used to, as we cannot visit family, hang out with friends, go to the movies, etc. That way of life has been put on hold and we do not have a time or date lined up for when we can resume our normal activities. The stress that coronavirus pandemic has placed on each person in America is insurmountable. With more than 200,000 people dead and a rising death toll, the future remains unclear for everyone.
For those people in recovery, however, they face a new type of challenge that they have never experienced before — innovating new, effective ways to continue to do the things that help them stay sober. This is unchartered territory for all, including recovering addicts and alcoholics. The added challenge here is that while trying to adjust and adapt to their surroundings, those people in recovery might be struggling more than ever before considering the country’s current state of affairs. Thankfully, there are addiction treatment telehealth services that can be utilized.
Why is Telehealth Important in Keeping Sober?
Right now, recovering addicts and alcoholics are facing challenges that they never have experienced before — we all are. However, addicts and alcoholics can be more vulnerable to the stress produced by the pandemic that their recovery can become jeopardized. Recovering from drug or alcohol addiction takes a great deal of work and effort, as it is not easy by any means. So, at a time when their usual resources are unavailable, it is imperative to utilize telehealth services to keep sober.
By now, most everyone has gotten familiar with the idea of having to utilize their computers and phones to connect with people, including healthcare providers. This is the new normal. Those who are in recovery or who are in the process of recovering from drug or alcohol addiction are utilizing telehealth services to help maintain their sobriety and continue working on their recovery. Telehealth services are important in keeping sobriety for the following reasons:
- You can still see your therapist. Telehealth appointments allow you to remain connected to your therapist/therapists during this time. You may not be able to go to his or her office for a session, but you can still see them on your computer or on your phone. This isn’t only helpful for you as a source of comfort and support, but also imperative for your therapist. Part of a therapist’s job is to physically see their patients to ensure that they are staying healthy. Telehealth does just that, so if you are beginning to slip in your recovery, your therapist can still work to help get you back on track.
- You can see your doctor. Recovery can be more than just abstaining from substance abuse for many. Several people who are in recovery are being treated for the physical effects their substance abuse has caused. If you are getting treated for an addiction-induced condition, you can still see your doctor through telehealth services, allowing for continued care. In the event that you need to be seen in person, you can still visit your doctor’s office, but telehealth helps to reduce that possibility.
- You can go to meetings. Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) meetings have historically helped keep people sober for nearly 100 years now. However, not being able to congregate in groups safely has prevented many meetings from occurring. Meetings in communities throughout the country have taken themselves online in order to maintain some sense of semblance and support at this time. If your community has not gone online with local AA or NA meetings, you can still attend meetings through other nationwide website or in communities anywhere else in the country. Your local community meetings may also be set up in an outdoor area, where participants can remain safely distanced from one another.
- You can continue your program. If you were enrolled in an addiction treatment program at a facility but had to leave due to the pandemic, you may still be able to continue on with your program. If your facility is offering it, you can participate in telehealth services such as group counseling and family therapy. Of course, it may not feel the same to be conducting these sessions online, but you can still benefit from them.
Being able to access these resources with a click of a button is an essential element to maintaining your sobriety. When you involve yourself in addiction treatment telehealth, you can benefit significantly. Consider the following benefits:
- You can maintain a sense of structure. Depending on the level of treatment you are receiving, your continued participation in telehealth services can give you a sense of structure. This is extremely important because usually, recovering addicts and alcoholics struggle to keep themselves structured. Having telehealth services built into your days can keep you feeling organized and prepared.
- You can remain at home with your family members. Many people find it difficult to commit to going to a treatment program because they will either need to reside at the facility or spend a large portion of their time there. This takes them away from their families. But utilizing telehealth at this time allows patients to continue to stay home with their loved ones while still getting effective treatment.
- You can build a schedule for yourself. At a treatment facility, your schedule is typically built out for you. This is extremely beneficial in so many ways, but being able to create a schedule for yourself can be empowering and confidence-boosting. Your schedule can include telehealth appointments but also other activities such as exercising, participating in a hobby, or doing something with your immediate family members.
Of course it can be difficult trying to get treated for a substance use disorder while unable to actually go to a facility or partake in in-person exercises, but it is much better than doing nothing. The coronavirus pandemic is a fluid situation that shows little sign of stopping. Doing what you can to make the best of your care at this time is vital, and addiction treatment telehealth can help.
Are You Interested in Telehealth Treatment? Call Us Right Now.
If you are in need of professional addiction treatment or continued care as you recover, reach out to us right now. We may not be able to do things how we normally do, but we have adapted well to telehealth treatment. Do not let the pandemic sway your opinion about asking for help. No matter where you are or what you are doing, we are here for you.
So, do not wait. Call us right now. We can help.