May 21, 2020|Addiction, Mental Health, Substance Use

Why It May Be Harder to Cope With Substance Abuse During Coronavirus Isolation (And Where to Find Support)

For an individual struggling with addiction, COVID-19 is a particularly challenging experience. The virus has resulted in a shift with regards to how some addiction programs and supports are delivered, disrupting the recovery process and leaving those afflicted at a higher risk of relapse.

In fact, even those without a previous addiction may succumb to the temptation of substance abuse while isolating in their homes.

Being aware of the connection between COVID-19 and addiction is essential for anyone who:

• Has a genetic predisposition to addiction
• Has depression, anxiety, an eating disorder, or a psychiatric condition
• Is living in an unhealthy home environment where physical/mental/emotional/sexual abuse is present
• Is experiencing high levels of stress (financial instability, job loss, death of a family member, etc.)
• Has struggled with addiction in the past and is currently in recovery
• Has a loved one who is struggling with addiction (or has in the past)

When we arm ourselves with accurate information, we can quickly identify warning signs and begin implementing supports and prevention plans, if necessary.

The Impact of COVID-19 Isolation

Social distancing and coronavirus safety protocols can affect those living with addiction (or those who are at risk) in many ways, including:

1. Lack of Person-To-Person Support

Many people who struggle with substance abuse rely on support groups, AA or NA meetings, or individual therapy sessions to maintain a healthy, substance-free routine. Furthermore, these interactions are often cathartic for those who struggle with substance abuse, and serve as a safe space where they can connect with others and communicate freely.

For a large portion of those struggling, the support of family members, social circles, or online communities is either non-existent or isn’t as effective.

2. Inability to Escape an Unhealthy Environment 

Isolation is forcing many who live in the same household to spend far more time together than they would typically— for better or worse. When a relationship is already toxic, being confined to a single space with one another can worsen tensions and increase the severity of domestic abuse.

The residual impact of domestic violence is significant, as it has been directly linked to a higher risk of chronic disease, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, risky sexual behaviour and substance use.

3. Higher Stress Levels

One of the most concerning correlations between addiction and COVID-19 is stress. The virus has caused a sudden and substantial change in how businesses operate, with many being forced to lay off employees, reduce work hours, or close completely.

Furthermore, COVID-19 isolation is also readjusting our home lives. Many parents who aren’t typically home with their children around-the-clock are trying to adapt to their “new normal”. People who typically visit with family and friends regularly are unable to do so.

These drastic and abrupt changes can be triggering for those prone to addiction, making temptation more difficult to ignore.

What to Do If You are Struggling with Addiction During COVID-19 Isolation

If you begin experiencing any of the following triggers:

• Feelings of hopelessness
• Low energy/fatigue
• Consistent anxiety 
• Irritability
• Change in sleep patterns
• A lack of interest in things they once loved to do

You could be at risk of developing an addiction or relapsing.

Below are some steps you can take to prevent substance abuse and remain healthy:

1. Practice Self-Care

Watch a movie that makes you laugh. Go for a walk, even if it’s just around the block. Journal about how you are feeling to get it off your chest. Even the tiniest acts of self-care can have a significant impact on how you feel. 

2. Develop a Routine

Substance use is a form of instant gratification. At first, it seems to make you feel better. But in the long run, it leaves you feeling guilty, defeated, and ill. 

Boredom can be a trigger of substance use. Developing a healthy, positive routine is one of the most effective ways to curb the enticement of drugs and alcohol caused by boredom.

Try committing to waking up at the same time each day, going for a walk each morning, taking a bath before bed, etc. The more you dedicate yourself to a routine, the less idle time you’ll have to think about using unhealthy habits to cope with difficult thoughts or emotions.

3. Focus on Your Next Step

One of the biggest mistakes those struggling with addiction make when trying to avoid substance use is thinking “I don’t think I can do this forever”. 

Breaking the process down into small, achievable goals makes it feel more manageable and increases the likelihood of success.

For example, a mom-of-two who was recently laid off and is now spending the majority of her time at home may start to feel confined and overwhelmed by the drastic change in routine.

To cope, she has a bottle of wine in the evenings, which soon becomes a regular part of her daily regime. 

Instead of focusing on not drinking wine, this mom may want to consider going for a bike ride in the evenings, listening to soothing music for stress relief, or chatting with a trusted friend. Time will pass by more quickly this way and make her feel “alive” rather than “deprived”.

The recovery process can be overwhelming if you think about the entire journey ahead. It’s best to take it one step at a time. 

Where to Find Support When You Need It

There are two types of supports you can seek out when struggling with substance abuse:

1. Community Support

This form of support is not provided by healthcare professionals or addiction specialists. It is found through social networks, loved ones, and your greater community as a whole. Joining a recreational sports team, attending a prayer service at your preferred place of worship, or attending an addiction support group are all excellent ways to find encouragement, support and guidance within your community.

2. Professional Support

For more severe cases of substance abuse, community support alone may not be enough to conquer an addiction. Reaching out to your local health authority, entering an in-patient or out-patient program, calling a mental health crisis line, or visiting your local emergency room may be necessary. If you aren’t certain which option would best suit your needs, it is always a good idea to contact the mental health helpline in your area. They will be able to speak with you about your symptoms and substance use, and then connect you with the right supports.

Remember, all addictions are treatable and wellness thrives in connection— the more support you have, the more possible recovery becomes.

There are a ton of amazing services and organizations that can support you as you try to abstain from alcohol and drug use.

We’ve included an entire list of credible and high-impact resources on our website.

CLICK HERE FOR OUR FULL RESOURCE LIST

For more information about why connecting with others is so important for addiction recovery, we highly encourage watching the YouTube video below.

Everything You Think You Know About Addiction is Wrong – Johann Hari – TEDTalks

Do You Live in Alberta and Require Immediate Support? 

Call the Alberta Health Services Addictions Helpline today. They are available to provide information and referrals 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

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Canada’s opioid crisis is a symptom of a much larger, unaddressed issue— our approach to treating chronic pain in our country.

It is a prevalent misconception that opioid addiction primarily affects illegal drug users. Perhaps Canadians feel more comfortable dismissing opioid addiction as a “them” problem (“them” being illicit drug users), or perhaps many of us simply aren’t aware of how widespread prescription drug abuse has become.

Regardless of why this misconception exists, it is dangerous. It prevents us from collectively acknowledging the truth: our country is facing a public health emergency.

How We Got Here

We know that 37 per cent of opioid-dependent patients admitted to the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in Toronto reported receiving opioids solely from physician prescriptions, compared to 26 per cent of patients who received opioids from both a prescription and “the street,” and 21 per cent from the street alone.

We also know that just 2 per cent of Canadians who use opioid pain relievers report using them for non-medical reasons.

What does this tell us about Canada’s opioid crisis? 

Firstly, it tells us that chronic pain is at the root of opioid addiction. It is estimated that 20 per cent of Canadians suffer from chronic pain and it is reasonable that they would seek a solution to their discomfort.

But this leads us to our second, most urgent lesson: opioids are over-prescribed in Canada.

Here are just a few examples of studies that verify this statement:

• Between 1991 and 2007, the number of prescriptions written for oxycodone in Ontario increased by 850 per cent. (Source)
• Nearly 79 per cent of Canadian patients are prescribed opioids after an operation. By comparison, just 11 per cent of Swedish citizens are prescribed opioids after a medical procedure. (Source)
• The overall number of prescriptions for opioids in Canada increased by almost seven per cent between 2012 and 2016. (Source)

The bottom line? Opioid addiction isn’t a “street” problem. It’s an epidemic that’s impacting all Canadians, regardless of their socioeconomic status, prior history of drug use, or social vulnerabilities.

What We’re Facing

Canada’s opioid crisis was further exacerbated by the introduction of powerful synthetic opioids like Fentanyl to the illegal drug market.

In 2016 alone, there were 2,861 opioid overdoses and 16 opioid-related hospitalizations in Canada each day.

In total, there have been nearly 20,000 opioid-related deaths in Canada since 2016, and the provinces of British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario account for 85% of all opioid toxicity deaths in the country.

But it isn’t just opioid-related deaths that are a concern— opioid hospitalization rates place immense pressure on our healthcare systems, depleting resources that are much-needed, especially in the midst of a global pandemic.

In 2020 alone, 5,215 opioid-related poisoning hospitalizations occurred (approximately 14 hospitalizations per day), of which 68% were accidental (unintentional).

To put it simply? The opioid crisis in Canada has reached a critical point, and permanent, systemic solutions are urgently required to address the issue.

What Can Be Done

There are three core shifts that need to occur in order to adequately address Canada’s opioid crisis. These shifts include:

1. Increasing Access to Treatment and Addiction Services

Studies show that just one in three Canadians suffٴering from addiction are able to access effective treatment. This simply is not sufficient enough to address opioid addiction in our country.

2. Improving Our National Approach to Pain Management

Medical professionals must be educated on safe practices for pain management and be willing to stop using opioids as a first-line therapy. Currently, Canada rates second only to the United States in per capita consumption of opioids. We must reevaluate our healthcare protocols and begin shifting our focus to alternative treatments (when it is reasonable to do so), like physical therapy, acupuncture, and radiofrequency ablation, among other options.

3. Investing in Overdose Prevention and Reversal Education

We can combat Canada’s opioid crisis by teaching our citizens how to recognize the signs and symptoms of addiction, providing them with the skills and confidence to discuss addiction with someone who may be experiencing it, and also promoting life-saving overdose reversal techniques, like the use of Naloxone.

Together, we can create a major shift in the way we view, treat, and prevent opioid addiction in our country.

How We Can Help

We cover substance-related disorders in our Mental Health First Aid (MHFA): Basic training session. It is the perfect course for individuals who want an introduction to crisis intervention strategies, and who are interested in gaining confidence to properly engage a person who’s in distress (and ultimately connect them to appropriate support).

Contact us for more information.

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