Addiction cases rise during pandemic
While many Arizonans have struggled adjusting to life without open stores or social events, experts say one group in particular likely has had a particularly difficult time — people struggling with addiction.
With most social events no longer viable, people with addictions have fewer ways to relieve stress and take their minds off the desire to find their substance of choice.
The lack of things to do and social isolation can be more than enough to make people want to avoid a reality that has only become bleaker as the COVID-19 pandemic continues.
Spike in substance abuse cases
Amy Samuel-Meda, a recovery coach at Scottsdale Recovery Center, said she has seen a spike in the number of substance-abuse cases since the state’s stay-at-home order went into effect in March.
Samuel-Meda credits an abrupt change in routine and lost support systems for the sharp uptick in cases. A lot of facilities no longer offer traditional outpatient treatment programs either, she added.
“A lot of the support that people would use to get and stay sober had not been available,” Samuel-Meda said.
Samuel-Meda said many addicts rely on recreational activities to help distract them from their craving. But with social events like attending a professional sports game or seeing a concert no longer being viable options, a person working with addiction could be more susceptible to falling back into their old habits.
“They’ve lost their routine,” SamuelMeda said. “And a lot of people have lost their support systems so they’re unable to attend treatment unless it’s inpatient. A lot of facilities aren’t doing outpatient (treatment) anymore unless it’s telehealth.”
Samuel-Meda also said people with addictions often find help through discussing struggles or successes either in meetings or with a sponsor, which were typically held in-person before the pandemic.
Most meetings have evolved into video chats on programs like Zoom so communities trying to stay sober can remain connected, Samuel-Meda said. Medical professionals are using telehealth to speak with their patients virtually.
However, those without proper devices or reliable internet could find themselves cut off from the doctors and groups they relied on.
However, Samuel-Meda said that while in-person contact is preferable under normal circumstances, video conferencing is a decent replacement during the pandemic.
“It’s a pretty close second,” she said. “It’s worth it. And it’s really the best we can do right now.”
Centers add safety parameters
Nick Jones, a director at Tucsonbased Recovery in Motion Treatment Center, said he’s seen a significant decline in the number of patients he and his staff treat since COVID-19 became a global pandemic.
Even though he believes more people are relying on alcohol and drugs to cope with the pandemic, Jones said he has had to lay employees off and reduce hours for others because they don’t have enough patients to fund the payroll.
Jones believes concerns over COVID-19 led to the reduced foot traffic, despite his staff constantly sanitizing rooms and equipment and taking temperatures of employees and patients before they enter the building.
Jones said they take the temperature of people who are detoxing, or in withdrawal.
“If somebody’s feverish, we’re going to take them to a hospital and have them checked out,” Jones said. “We don’t mess around with that.”
When asked how and when treatment centers might reopen for outpatient services, Samuel-Meda said it would be a decision for each facility.
“As far as slowly opening back up, I think that’s every treatment center’s own personal decision,” Samuel-Meda said. “Obviously, you listen to the guidelines of our government and public health.”
What can lead to seeking help
While it’s relatively common for addicts to be in denial about having a drug or alcohol problem, Samuel-Meda said some people have an inkling that there’s an issue but aren’t ready or willing to confront it.
But those who debate whether a substance is harming their life and others have a problem more often than not, Samuel-Meda said.
“If you think you have a problem you most likely do,” Samuel-Meda said. “Because normal people — or people who aren’t abusive in any way — don’t walk around wondering if they have a drug or alcohol problem.”
Samuel-Meda said those on the verge of or struggling with substance abuse might notice it takes larger amounts to achieve a desired effect as their body develops a tolerance to the substance over time.
Jones said even those who remain in denial about their addiction know something is wrong.
“Usually people will verbalize it during denial,” Jones said. “But deep, deep down in their heart, they know they got a problem.”
Ways to get help
Though traditional support group meetings aren’t viable for the time being, Samuel-Meda said virtual meetings with doctors and others in recovery remain a healthy option.
More severe cases might require an inpatient program to detox safely.
For those who suspect friends or family members might be struggling with addiction, Samuel-Meda recommends consulting with an addiction specialist on how best to address the issue.
Those who don’t feel comfortable addressing the problem with their friend or family member right away can contact a medical professional for further guidance, she said.
Jones said addicts often come up with numerous excuses as to why they shouldn’t seek treatment, like being too busy with work or needing to stay home to raise their children.
However, Jones said many treatment centers offer flexible options that work with a patient’s respective schedule. Jones said his staff is experienced and can talk to someone who’s struggling better than a friend or family member who hasn’t.
When asked how people who lost their jobs due to the pandemic — and consequently their health insurance — can pay for treatment, Jones said people can apply to the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System, or AHCCCS, the state’s Medicaid program, which covers some substance-abuse treatment plans. he said at an earlier Flynn hearing.
He told Flynn, “Arguably, you sold your country out. I’m going to be frank with you. This is a very serious offense. It involves making false statements to the FBI on the premises of the White House – in the West Wing.”