Kelly Magazine
  • About
  • Mental Wellness Articles
  • Contact Us
    • Chat with Us
    • Follow Us >
      • Facebook
      • Instagram
      • Pinterest
  • About
  • Mental Wellness Articles
  • Contact Us
    • Chat with Us
    • Follow Us >
      • Facebook
      • Instagram
      • Pinterest
Search by typing & pressing enter

YOUR CART

Covid-19 & the Risk of Addiction Relapse

4/3/2020

Comments

 
By: Kristen Sohlman, MACP.RP
Picture
​The reality faced by many today is the difficult impacts that COVID-19 and social distancing, while necessary, have had on people coping with substance use and addictive disorders.  
For those in active substance use and addictive disorders, the impacts of COVID-19 and social distancing have been profound.  Whenever there are difficult situations, disruptions to routine, and trauma, there is increased substance use and abuse, increased risk of overdose, increased rates of physical and mental health issues, and increased risk of suicide.  

Loss of Connection

Isolation is a known risk factor for relapse. 

For those that are in active recovery from substance use and addictive disorders, interpersonal connection is an important part of maintaining sobriety. 
​
Being able to connect with others, to share personal experiences, to debrief, and to develop healthy coping strategies that replace unhealthy behaviours is essential. Social distancing makes these types of connections more challenging as interactions with supports, family, friends, and fellowship may be limited if one does not live with these people.  So, for those coping with substance use and addictive disorders, they are being forced to find alternative healthy ways of coping while being under significant new stressors because of the pandemic. 

Increased Stress, Fewer Supports

For those that are working from home or who have children in their care who are not currently in school, there can be increased stress.  For some this is a healthy distraction, a chance to develop a connection with those that they live with, a chance to develop new healthy routines at home, keeping busy, and spending less time thinking about those things that are triggering. But for others, the increased and ongoing stress can trigger negative thoughts that influence the addiction.

For some, having restaurants and bars closed can decrease risk, but not for others.  Those who rely on AA/NA/CA/GA meetings for support may find such meetings being closed for weeks at a time due to social distancing.  


Picture
Lack of Access and Privacy

Fellowship has been available online for years and has become increasingly more popular during this time. Counselling and therapy support is still available in modified formats as well, and instead of individual counselling, may include phone or online sessions. However, vulnerable individuals struggling with addictions issues often do not have access to the technology and privacy needed to participate fully in these sessions and are therefore left out in the cold with limited support.

The Risk of Withdrawal

Those that are currently dependent upon substances are put further at risk if they engage in social distancing that prevents them from accessing their substance, as they may become physically sick due to debilitating withdrawal symptoms. Symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, sweats, shakes, and seizures, and in some situations, may even lead to sudden death if they are unable to access that substance. Severe withdrawal symptoms are best managed in a clinical setting with experienced healthcare providers, and many will find that inpatient healthcare is not accessible at this time due to the impact of COVID-19.

Financial Stressors

If an individual is not working or has lost a job as a result of COVID-19 and social distancing, they cannot afford that substance that their body needs to function.  Consequently, there may be increased illegal activity as a means of being able to function.  It is important to know that this population of individuals is a marginalized population that is already facing many challenges including co-morbid mental health issues, poverty, homelessness, and in terms of physical health, may be a population that is immunosuppressed or compromised by acquiring hepatitis or HIV through drug use behaviour. 
Picture
Consequences

Relapse is a not a certain consequence for those struggling with addictions issues during the COVID-19 pandemic, but it is important to acknowledge the impact that increased stress, social isolation, financial hardships, and the lack of access to privacy, healthcare, and appropriate technological supports will have on vulnerable populations.

No matter how substance use and addictive disorders impact you, there is help and support available. Reach out and make a connection today.
Comments
    Picture

    Categories & Tags

    All Abuse Addiction Animals Anxiety Ask The Therapist Attitude Balance Betrayal Birth Body Image Boundaries Breakups Bullying Burnout Career Change Children Cognitive Distortions Communication Community Conflict Counselling Covid 19 Covid-19 Decisions Depression EMDR Emotions Exercise Exes Family Food Grief Guest Submissions Happiness Health Healthy Healthy Living Hobbies Holiday Home Letters From The Editor LGBTQ+ Lifestyle Loneliness Loss Men's Mental Health Mental Health Mindfulness Nature Pain Parenting Perfectionism PMS Quizzes Relationships Resiliency Respect Seasons Self Care Self-Care Self Harm Self-harm Self-help Self Love Self-love Sex Sexual Assault Sexuality Shame Sleep Stereotypes Stress Suicide Awareness Tattoos Technology Therapy Toxic Transition Trauma Trust Unhealthy Wedding Wellness Women Workplace Worrying Yoga

    Disclaimer: Kelly Magazine, along with all articles and blog posts, is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to provide personal support as an alternative to psychotherapy services. Please note that replies are viewable by the public, and we may take a few days to respond. If you require immediate assistance, please call Kelly Mental Health during business hours. 
    Picture
Picture

Overview

NWO’s source for all things relationships, mental health, wellness, lifestyle, and pandemic support. Kelly Magazine is a mental health outreach initiative created by Kelly Mental Health and supported by Kelly Mental Health Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the community in the area of mental health.

Magazine

About
​Articles

Follow Us

Contact Us
Clinic / Foundation

In support of @kellymentalhealthfndn

Picture

​© COPYRIGHT. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. ​WEB DESIGN BY KMH