How Coronavirus is Affecting Opioid Addiction in Our Country

Coronavirus is Affecting Opioid Addiction through Isolation

Due to social distancing and isolation, the coronavirus is affecting opioid addiction in negative ways. Because of being isolated and sheltering in place at home, many recovering addicts are not receiving the support and encouragement that they do in their normal day-to-day activities.

Each recovering addict should take advantage of all of the online services and virtual support meetings you can attend online. Keep in touch with family and friends who will continue to support you. Phone calls and text messages can go a long way in helping you remain sober during this crisis. If you have a sponsor through a support group such as AA or NA, call them when you are feeling cravings or temptations to use. Take advantage of every area of support you can reach. Remember, others are struggling as well.

Individuals who are abusing opioids may be using more of the drugs at this time to self-medicate their loneliness, depression, or boredom. Physicians prescribe opioids for chronic pain. However, individuals abuse these drugs because of the euphoric or “high” feelings that they receive from this substance. It can be very tempting to abuse your medication during isolation and loneliness. However, taking too much of your opioids can be very dangerous.

Should a person overdose on opioids during isolation, there will be no person available to call for help or medical assistance for this individual. More than likely, the overdose will end as a fatality. Time is of the essence if a person overdoses on opioids (or any other substance). If a person is all alone, the chances are more likely to be tragic.

Lifestyle and Vulnerability for Coronavirus Infection

The lifestyle of many addicts makes them more vulnerable to becoming infected with COVID-19. First of all, addicts are more likely to be smokers which leaves them with all sorts of underlying conditions. They already have lung issues and probably cardiovascular disease among many other underlying conditions resulting from the addiction.

Individuals who have severe addictions, such as heroin, for instance, may possibly be homeless and living on the streets in other groups of addicts. With immune systems that are already compromised, they are more susceptible to contracting this disease. And, they more than likely won’t be able to receive medical attention and overcome it. Addicts who are serving jail or prison terms because of non-violent drug charges are more vulnerable to contracting coronavirus also. Living in these close quarters with others makes them more vulnerable to contracting the disease.