With coronavirus anxiety ravaging the lives of millions worldwide, self-care rituals and healthy coping mechanisms have gained increasing importance in the wake of record-high unemployment rates and nationwide business closures.
Despite these worldwide lockdowns and social distancing measures’ good intentions to flatten the curve, millions of Americans have paid the emotional price and stumbled into debilitating bouts of depression as mandatory lockdowns become commonplace. Upon second glance, the collateral damage of lives spent six feet apart is overwhelming.
With coronavirus anxiety tightening its grip, reports illustrating a 13.3% increase in substance for the second quarter of 2020, compared to the same period last year, shouldn’t come as a surprise. This spike in drug dependency coincides with large increases in anxiety and depression due to unemployment-related woes and lack of social contact.
Unfortunately, the addiction treatment community in South Florida isn’t exempt from the destructive forces of COVID-19. From one rehab to the next, residential beds fill one-by-one as many substance-use disorder sufferers wait for the opportunity to barge through the doors of sober living.
In startling news out of South Florida, 52% of respondents to a recent survey stated they should cut back on alcohol consumption. Similarly, 60% of drug users expressed similar disappointment regarding their dependencies on illicit substances, such as marijuana, cocaine, and heroin.
While these statistics may stir feelings of hopelessness, there’s a silver lining in these alarming numbers. Based on the reported dissatisfaction above, substance-use disorder sufferers are clearly ready to claw their way out of their addictive behaviors and retreat to the nearest rehabilitation facility for help. If your loved one is a substance-use disorder sufferer, encourage them to undergo the detox process, either at home or at local Tampa detox centers. If you want to know other ways to show your support, here’s a how-to-guide that will lead you through the maze of this emotionally-trying time.
At-home detox vs. detox centers
Upon recognizing your loved one shows signs of addiction, your first inclination might be to see if you can help your loved one detox at home. While the option might seem practical, it comes with significant risks. Why? Some withdrawal symptoms can result in severe and potentially life-altering physical and mental health problems.
With these health risks in mind, it should be clear that medical detox centers are the best way to go. Under the watchful eye of medical professionals, your loved one would receive constant monitoring. If they encounter significant pain or discomfort, a medical professional will step in and assure you that your loved one is in good hands.
Signs of withdrawal
Recognizing the signs of withdrawal in your loved one is critical. Common withdrawal symptoms include breathing problems, heart rate and blood pressure issues, tremors, convulsions, and hallucinations. To help your loved one stay safe, stock up your detox coping kit and follow the instructions below.
- Refrain from passing judgment
- Avoid getting other friends and family involved if possible.
- Learn about medical detox options
- Be prepared to make decisions on your loved one’s behalf.
How to support a loved one through the detox process
Due in large part to South Florida residents having to deal with the COVID-19 mental health crisis, loved ones need family support. That’s particularly true when faced with the obstacles of journeys towards sober living.
To lend your support, you need to be diligent about understanding the detox process, ensuring you bar your loved one from accessing and abusing illicit substances. Besides being physically there for positive reinforcement purposes, stay hypervigilant and keep your eyes peeled for possible relapse signs.
Additionally, avoid shaming your loved ones for their impulses and cravings. Instead, maintain a positive attitude and reassure the substance-use disorder sufferer in your life that sobriety lies within the realm of possibility. Should your spouse, parent, child, or significant other become discouraged, suggest counseling or distract them with mentally-stimulating and engaging activities.
Conclusion
Educating yourself on the detox process should be a top priority for those in a substance-use disorder sufferer’s immediate support network. While emotionally turbulent, these phases can pass in an instant. That said, equipping yourself with the knowledge and emotional tools necessary can make these transitions from pre to post-detox a breeze.