Addiction Treatment During the Pandemic

by Karl Liebermann
in Uncategorized
on May 9, 2020

Isolation during the pandemic can be problematic to individuals in recovery, particularly those that are struggling. Contact with support groups, a counselor, or a physician, are traditionally done in a face to face setting. Respecting the social distancing recommendations will save lives by preventing the spread of the coronavirus, but many are missing out on the importance of in person communication. There are many treatment options available. Many involve telehealth or other video conferencing formats, and in person treatment is still available in some scenarios.

Many inpatient detox and rehab facilities remain open during the pandemic. Detox facilities are important in the transition from active substance abuse involving alcohol, opioids, and benzodiazepines (substances with strong physically addictive properties) to long term recovery.

Support Groups including AA/NA and SMART recovery are not meeting in person now, but there is online availability. Check your local chapter of AA. The link to the Worcester areas AA groups are here: http://www.aaworcester.org/Homepage.aspx?GRP=WAI

SMART Recovery link https://www.smartrecovery.org/

Counseling is extremely important in treating addiction. Many counselors are now utilizing telehealth platforms.

Physicians are able to assess and treat many conditions utilizing telemedicine. We are able to assess many new and existing patients via telemedicine using the doxy.me platform. Some individuals can be effectively treated using this mode of connection, some will ultimately need to be seen in person, and some will need inpatient evaluation.

Our telemedicine link is: https://doxy.me/drliebermann

Mindfulness is important

Mindfulness means to be consciously focused on the present moment.

The following are useful Apps related to mindfulness:

Headspace https://www.headspace.com/

Breethe https://breethe.com/

Calm. https://www.calm.com/

Books related to Mindfulness:

The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle

https://www.eckharttolle.com/power-of-now-excerpt/

Wherever You Go, There You Are by Jon Kabat-Zinn

https://www.mindfulnesscds.com/pages/books-by-jon-kabat-zinn