The outbreak of Covid-19, also called Coronavirus, has profoundly impacted the world since March 2020. Because COVID affects every continent and has spread to every city, it is considered a global pandemic. So far, the Coronavirus has caused social distancing protocols, stay-at-home orders, and ongoing rules about mask-wearing indoors.
The Coronavirus has also completely disrupted global economic activity. The result has, as we know, caused not only massive death amidst all age groups, but extensive job losses and new variants are surfacing as time goes on. Currently, the Covid-19 vaccines are available and effective and are required for patients admitted to all drug and alcohol rehab centers.
Precisely what is COVID-19?
The SARS-CoV-2 virus is what causes Covid-19. This virus is highly infectious and affects the respiratory system leading to a lack of breathing ability, and most people will require a ventilator to breathe. Covid-19 is transmitted by airborne particles and droplets carrying the virus. The mask mandates prevent infections by blocking the airborne droplets.
Unfortunately, part of the problem is that Coronavirus infected people to be asymptomatic or to develop only mild symptoms. At the same time, older adults and people with chronic illnesses will develop far worse symptoms and die more quickly. Sadly, the at-risk populations are becoming incredibly ill and requiring hospitalization.
COVID-19 vaccines currently approved or authorized by FDA are effective in preventing serious outcomes of COVID-19, including severe disease, hospitalization, and death. (CDC)
Do Rehab Places Have Protocols For The Coronavirus?
The National Institutes of Health and the Centers for Disease Control recognize the urgent need for treatment centers to remain available. Therefore, mental health and substance use disorders treatment centers can provide treatment as long as they adhere to the CDC guidelines. The rules apply to inpatient and outpatient care, limiting the number of people admitted and treated. In addition, masks and vaccines are required to participate in treatment in-person for any program format. River Walk Recovery Center offers detailed information about how we have modified our treatment center and what conditions we require to receive treatment with us.
What Do The Experts Say About Coronavirus and Treatment?
The American Society of Addiction Medicine recognized that the need for treatment during the pandemic is even greater than before. People are isolated and afraid, and new and worsening addictions have been documented since 2020. The AMSM provides up-to-date information from the CDC on Covid-19.
In addition to the risks associated with COVID-19, the current crisis is increasing risks associated with substance use and substance use disorder – due to the anxiety, social isolation, and stress associated with the pandemic and its necessary response. Addiction treatment services must remain accessible throughout this crisis. The goal is to protect the health of residents and staff in residential treatment facilities and reduce, or ideally prevent, the spread of COVID-19 in the community while maintaining treatment services in a therapeutic environment. (ASAM)
Is Drug Treatment Available At River Walk Recovery During Covid-19?
New precautionary guidelines are evolving that are being implemented across the country in all medical treatment facilities, including drug and alcohol rehab programs. At River Walk Recovery Treatment Center, we follow the strictest guidelines recommended by the federal government to protect our patients and staff. We do require that all our patients and staff be vaccinated. Considerations for parties and staff with underlying conditions who cannot be vaccinated are allowed on a case-by-case basis. The pandemic has instigated a surge of people needing help for their addictions, and River Walk has beds available. We are operating at a modified capacity to keep everyone safe.
Call now to be admitted today. Don’t let Coronavirus keep you from your recovery. Drug and alcohol addictions won’t rest either. We have the solutions that work.