Opioids are highly addictive. With over two million Americans addicted to opioids, it’s become a national crisis. If a loved one is addicted to opioid use, they may be spending more time alone, avoiding interactions with friends and family, sleeping odd hours, or experiencing an erratic schedule. Many individuals addicted to opioids are experiencing financial hardship and suffer from depression.
Battling a substance use disorder presents many challenges for those seeking treatment. Add on the fact that the spread of COVID-19 across the country has resulted in strict public health precautions, including self-quarantine and social distancing restrictions, and there are even more challenges for someone struggling with opioid addiction. With increased stress and more time alone, many people will look to self-medicate to cope with their current situation. This can lead to a surge of opioid use and serious health risks.
In this article, a treatment specialist with Phoenix House Florida will discuss ways that friends and family members can provide support to loved ones that are battling addiction during the pandemic. If you or a loved one requires opioid addiction treatment in Tampa, learn more about how the treatment professionals at Phoenix House Florida provide the highest quality of care to patients.
Related: What Are the Warning Signs of Opioid Addiction?
Focusing on the Daily Routine
Although there may be many elements around us right now we can’t control, one thing we can control is our daily routine. For many of our patients that undergo residential treatment in Citra or utilize our outpatient services in Brandon, the road to recovery begins by changing their daily routine. Whatever struggles a person battling a substance use disorder is experiencing right now, refocusing their attention to their daily routine will help with recovery. Some elements of a successful daily routine include:
- Waking up at a certain time every morning
- Having a set time to go to bed
- Exercising daily
- Cooking and having designated meal times
- Daily meditation and yoga exercises
- Scheduling socializing time with loved ones
- Scheduling time to focus on hobbies
- Having a daily cleaning routine for your home
- Creating a personal hygiene routine
- Developing a routine for taking care of children’s needs
- Regular attendance for recovery classes, including telehealth services
Establishing a routine can help a person find structure and stability. A routine can improve sleeping patterns, promote regular exercise and healthy eating habits, reduce stress, increase productivity, eliminate boredom, and make certain that the individual recovering is spending quality time with their friends and loved ones.
Utilizing Technology for Supportive Resources
Although many states have deemed in-person recovery meetings to be considered essential, many people seeking treatment remain at home and lack person-to-person treatment options. If a loved one has become dependent on illicit substances during this pandemic, help them connect through a virtual recovery meeting. A number of treatment providers, including Phoenix House Florida, offer telehealth services to help individuals seek the supportive resources they need during this difficult time.
Whether it’s encouraging a loved one to establish a daily routine, providing them with the emotional support they need during a trying time, or assisting them with seeking recovery through online recovery meetings, there are a variety of support systems and innovative ways we can help the individuals we care about during a difficult time, such as the present day.
If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, speak with a treatment specialist about drug addiction treatment in Tampa. To schedule a consultation with Phoenix House Florida, please request an appointment today.
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