21 million people in America will struggle with addiction at some point in their lives — so if you are facing this battle you’re in good company!
Unfortunately, a large number of people struggling with addiction don’t reach out for support. But whether you are struggling with drug, alcohol, sex, or gambling addiction help is available. Accepting this can make long-term recovery much easier.
That said, ever since the outbreak of the COVID 19 pandemic in November 2019, a lot of health services have been limited. So what does this mean for inpatient rehab programs?
Luckily, a lot of rehab centers are still up and running. Read on to find out everything you need to know about safely accessing inpatient support during the pandemic.
What Is Inpatient Rehab?
Inpatient rehab programs offer a lot of essential services to help you overcome addiction. This includes:
- Counseling
- Detox programs
- Support for family and friends
- Mental health support
- Specialized programs for specific patients (such as veterans)
If you choose an inpatient drug rehab program then you will stay in your rehab facility for the duration of your treatment. These centers provide accommodation and 24/7 medical support for the patients staying there. So why is this so helpful?
Benefits of Inpatient Drug Rehab Programs
When it comes to tackling addiction, everyone has their own journey. For some people, inpatient drug rehab centers can be extremely beneficial.
They offer you time and space to focus on your recovery away from environments or people that might trigger your addictive behavior. This can make a big difference if you are struggling to take the first step towards sobriety.
If you live with family members and loved ones then you may also want to work on your recovery away from them. This gives you the space to authentically go through the recovery process without worrying about returning to the family home at the end of the day.
If you are struggling with long-term drug addiction then you will also usually face a period of withdrawal. It can be safer and easier to go through this in a facility that provides medical expertise and detox programs.
So what has the global pandemic meant for inpatient facilities in America? Let’s take a look.
Are Inpatient Rehab Facilities Centers Open During COVID?
Inpatient rehab facilities offer a vital and urgent health service to people across America. Because of this, they have remained open throughout the pandemic.
In fact, due to the isolation and mental health strain caused by COVID-19, a lot of people have struggled with addiction for the first time. So more people than ever are reaching out for support.
That said, a lot of rehab facilities have had to put measures in place to protect their inpatients and staff.
If you are looking for support from a center then it’s a good idea to ask exactly how they are handling the pandemic. The following questions will help you find out everything you need to know about inpatient programs during COVID-19.
What Protective Measures Are in Place?
When speaking to a rehab center it’s worth asking about what sort of protective measures they have in place. This might include:
- Regular staff and patient testing
- Social distancing within their facilities
- More rigorous cleaning schedules
- Mandatory masks in communal areas
- Limited numbers in group therapy sessions
- Isolation procedures for patients or staff who test positive
- Use of personal protective equipment by staff
They may also request that any new patients take a COVID test and isolate before coming into the facility. This will help to limit the risk of bringing COVID-19 into a rehab center in the first place.
Are Visitors Still Allowed?
Different rehab centers will have different rules on allowing inpatient visitors, particularly during COVID-19. If you are planning to take some time away from your family and friends to focus on your recovery then this won’t be a problem.
However, a lot of facilities do encourage bringing loved ones in for counseling sessions as you start to make progress. This can help to create support for your recovery at home.
Unfortunately, the pandemic may have affected your rehab center’s visitor policies. They may ask visitors to take a COVID test before coming in or might limit to the number of visitors you can have.
It is worth asking about this before you sign up for a program.
Are Any Other Resources Available?
Of course, not everyone will feel comfortable attending an inpatient rehab program during the pandemic. You might not want to be isolated from your family or you may need to stay at home in order to work.
Thankfully, there are other options for getting support with tackling your addiction. Make sure you ask about these when you get in touch with a rehab facility.
They may be able to offer you alternative treatment such as:
- Socially distanced outpatient therapy
- One-on-one or family online therapy sessions
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Information about managing triggers for your addiction
- Referrals to support groups in your areas
- Helplines to contact for addiction support
All of this can help you to face up to your addiction until you feel that it is safe to join an inpatient program.
Get Support Today
When it comes to accessing inpatient rehab resources, the global pandemic should not stop you from getting the help that you need. Asking these questions will ensure that you can get support while protecting yourself from the COVID-19 virus.
Are you concerned about yourself or a loved one? Then get in touch today to take your first step on the road to recovery. We’re happy to help.