For some of us, the shutdown due to COVID-19 has offered some reprieve from the busyness of everyday life. I personally delved into the world of sourdough starters while my daughter has been honing her TikTok dance skills. The three of us have also checked off some of our local bucket-list, seeking solace in the great outdoors. But for others, the combination of social isolation, financial insecurity, and the fear of a potentially deadly virus has triggered a mental health crisis. To understand the mental health effects of the shutdown, specifically with regards to addiction, we spoke with Soba Recovery, an organization that helps those seeking treatment for substance abuse.
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Addiction and the Global Shutdown
Like all other mental and physical illnesses, addiction does not cease in the midst of a global pandemic. The reality is that social isolation can trigger depression and/or anxiety, leading to a relapse for those who struggle with addiction. Access to treatment may still be limited in some areas due to closures and the need for physical distancing.
Soba Recovery Centers
Soba Recovery Centers provide quality treatment for those addicted to drugs and alcohol. Their comprehensive treatment plans include: detox, residential inpatient, outpatient, and aftercare services with their highly trained professional staff. Soba Recovery Centers’ focus is on individual treatment, but patients also have access to a supportive community to ensure they are not alone during recovery. Some of the features of their residential treatment centers include elegant living spaces, designer kitchens, fitness center, 10-acre ranch, outdoor pool, and a Zen Meditation Garden. The facility also provides an in-house chef and cleaning services multiple times throughout the day to reassure those who are concerned with our current public health crisis. Support does not stop after a patient leaves Soba Recovery Centers and their mission is to help provide patients with the tools they need to live a productive, sober life after facility treatment.
Interview with Soba Recovery Centers – COVID-19
1. Are you seeing an increase in addiction/substance use/abuse due to the lockdowns? If so, what are the stressors that are leading to an increase in substance use/abuse?
Without a doubt there is a significant increase in substance abuse. A day in an individual’s mind who is battling an addiction can be very difficult and dark on a normal day for them without any lockdowns or restrictions.
Once you add those two factors mixed in with a possible loss of job, a toxic “at home” relationship, adjusting to a stay-at-home schooling schedule with kids on top of daily struggles… The list can go on for these individuals, so turning to alcohol or a drug of choice may seem like the only coping-mechanism they have.
2. What are the barriers people face when it comes to seeking treatment for addiction and how does Soba help to mitigate them?
The barriers are commonly within themselves, they have to be open to the idea of asking for help, sometimes it’s being ashamed of admitting you have a problem, a fear of losing a job, a loved one or financial barriers. Family and friends can be the key factor in this process, feeling you have support could be essential.
90% of our staff are in recovery, our intake staff can relate and talk to them, help understand the process and answer any questions or concerns with no judgment. At any time someone can pick up the phone and call Soba Recovery at (866) 948-9014.
3. When should someone seek help?
The question that needs to be answered is “Do drugs or alcohol consistently interfere with having a good life?” If the answer is yes, someone should seek help as soon as possible. Noticing negative patterns in their day-to-day life, the loss of drive to wake up and continue pushing forward are signals. Another blatant signal is if they see or hear concerns from their loved ones, hoping for them to get in a better place.
4. What resources are available for those who are social distancing?
Soba Texas alone has around 50 beds to offer; anyone who prefers themselves to be isolated from other clients would have the options under proper guidelines.
5. Has Soba changed the way they approach addiction due to Covid-19?
Absolutely, Soba Recovery is staffed with doctors; nurses; therapists and residential techs who look over and care for the clients 24/7 around the clock. Each client is screened by our physicians and monitored accordingly. Any signs of a client or staff showing symptoms of Covid-19 will immediately be transferred to the closest hospital for proper treatment. We have in-house cleaning services that work together to clean the facilities multiple times a day, 7 days a week. Soba Recovery will continue to grow and absorb change within our states regulations. In June 2016 we were accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation Healthcare Organization (JCAHO) and hold a high standard in keeping this honorable status. Soba’s Administration department is working hand in hand with each state’s “Department of State Health Services” to assure procedures are being followed and a safe environment is offered to all.
Learn more about Soba Recovery Centers by visiting their website. You can also find them on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @SobaRecovery.
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