Living with Substance Use Disorder during COVID-19
The impact of COVID-19 and the resulting economic downturn have negatively affected the behavioral health of many people in our community and created new barriers for people already suffering from mental illness and substance use disorders (SUD).
As the impact continues, it is likely the behavioral health burden will increase as measures taken to slow the spread of the virus, such as social distancing, business and school closures, and shelter-in-place orders, lead to greater isolation and potential financial distress.
Though necessary to prevent loss of life due to COVID-19, these public health measures expose many people to experiencing situations that are linked to poor mental health outcomes, such as isolation and job loss. Additionally, feelings of anxiety are increasingly common, as people are fearful of themselves or loved ones falling ill and are uncertain of the repercussions of the pandemic.
To aid with this behavioral health burden, Care Resource is offering behavioral health telehealth sessions. During these sessions, Care Resource’s licensed therapists support individuals in adapting and in developing a road-map for recovery.
In addition to attending telehealth sessions, individuals living with SUD are encouraged to continue connecting with their support groups virtually. Virtual meetings are a viable strategy for maintaining sociality, recovery, and hope during COVID-19. Recovery meetings also aid attendees in becoming accountable for their sobriety and in connecting with others through their common struggles and successes.
According to Edith Caballero, Lead Clinical Counselor at Care Resource, “The pandemic is forcing people to face themselves while separating them from the situations and people that usually make them feel better. This may lead people to confront experiences such as abandonment, failure, and loneliness. While they may associate the onset of these feelings with COVID-19, they most likely existed well before pandemic. Moreover, asocial distancing may encourage individuals to re-engage with their addiction via their substance of choice, “softer drugs,” food, or activities such as online shopping addictive behavior that can be addressed with curiosity and compassion.”
The emotions associated with COVID-19 must be attended to with care and awareness. Care Resource’s therapists are licensed and trained to work with the sensitive issues faced by our diverse communities. Styles range from client-centered supportive psychotherapy for addictions, and cognitive behavioral counseling for depression, to assisted relaxation training and guided imagery for pain management or social anxiety.
For more information on Care Resource’s behavioral health telehealth services and Medication-Assisted Program (MAT) program, please visit https://careresource.org/services/behavioral-health
About Care Resource:
Care Resource is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization and a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) with four locations in Midtown Miami, Little Havana, Miami Beach, and Fort Lauderdale. The health center provides comprehensive health and support services to address the full health care needs of South Florida’s pediatric, adolescent, and adult populations.
