PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WMBB)–With Americans across the country forced into isolation, those recovering from drug and alcohol addiction can face extremely difficult challenges. Local experts say that a sense of “community” is crucial for those on the road to recovery. Isolation and social distancing can be very dangerous for recovery.
“Anytime you have a difficult set of circumstances and you’re anxious like we are with COVID-19, it does increase substance abuse,” said Brittany Cole, Marketing and Public Relations Director for Life Management Center of Northwest Florida.
And the demand for help is on the rise.
“We’re not being able to meet the demands of the community right now because of mental health, the need is so great,” Cole said.
Local experts say isolation creates a void; something that can be very dangerous for addicts.
“What they do if they want to fill that void, they think that drugs and alcohol will fill that void and they’ll return to that,” said Xuripha Ancrum, the Outpatient Program Director for CARE.
Many recovering addicts rely on in-person meetings and counseling like alcoholics and narcotics anonymous.
Due to social distancing, many are losing access to the things their lives depend on.
“That can be very difficult. You can feel very alone if you’re not being able to sit next to someone and connect with someone especially when you’re talking about something so personal as any type of addiction,” Cole said.
Both Ancrum and Cole recommend people take advantage of telehealth visits and modern-day technology.
“Social distancing doesn’t mean disconnect so it’s really important that they stay connected,” Ancrum said.
Life Management says their 24-hour crisis line is available for those finding it difficult to deal with being isolated.
“It’s important that if you feel like you are going to relapse that you do talk to someone. If you don’t have a sponsor, then make sure you go and look for groups online,” Cole said.
CARE is also actively helping local individuals in recovery throughout the pandemic.
To learn more about CARE’s resources, visit http://care4000.com/
To learn more about Life Management, visit https://lmccares.org/
