Updated on February 6, 2024
2 min read

Helping a Loved One with Addiction during Coronavirus

In This Article

The outbreak of the COVID-19, officially known as Sars-CoV-2, has been labeled a global pandemic. It’s affected over a million people of all ages, all around the world.

Older people and people with pre-existing medical conditions (such as high blood pressure, heart disease, lung disease, cancer or diabetes) seem to develop serious illness more often than others.

online session of a psychologist with a blonde female teenager

People who are recovering from addiction are also being seriously affected by COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) outbreak.

Government lockdowns and mandated social distancing rules have caused thousands of support groups to cancel their meetings. Most inpatient and residential facilities have stopped taking in new patients.

And it’s taking its toll on patients in recovery.

Many people who have or currently suffer from a substance use disorder (SUD), or alcohol use disorder (AUD) rely on support groups, therapy sessions, and other outpatient treatment services. Many of these services have either gone virtual or been canceled due to COVID-19.

This is becoming an area of increasing concern for doctors, counselors, patients, and family members. Community, support, and other social responsibilities make up the foundation of most addiction treatments.

Many support groups are moving their meetings online. While this may not be a perfect solution because the nature of the online meeting might affect the success rate, it’s an alternative solution for those in recovery to keep in touch with their support group.

During these difficult times, it may be necessary for counselors, sponsors, and peers to be proactive and maintain communication digitally.

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction and the loss of services, here are some resources that may be able to help:

National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) COVID-19 Resources

American Society of Addiction Medicine COVID-19 - RESOURCES

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resources and Information

Michigan Medicine Department of Psychiatry Addiction Center Coronavirus (COVID-19): Addiction/Recovery Resources

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)

Narcotics Anonymous (NA)

SMART Recovery

Celebrate Recovery

Get matched with an affordable mental health counselor

Find a Therapist

Answer a few questions to get started

betterhelp-logo
Updated on February 6, 2024

Related Pages

e
Helping a Loved One with Addiction during Coronavirus

How to Choose the Right Rehab for You

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction and the loss of services during the coronavirus outbreak, here are some resources that...

FAQ

How Effective Is Rehab and Drug Addiction Treatment?

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction and the loss of services during the coronavirus outbreak, here are some resources that...

10 Types of Addiction Support Groups

What to Know About Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction and the loss of services during the coronavirus outbreak, here are some resources that...

Helping a Loved One with Addiction during Coronavirus

What Are the Seven Types of Drugs?

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction and the loss of services during the coronavirus outbreak, here are some resources that...

Addiction Resources

How to Cope with Isolation in Addiction Recovery

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction and the loss of services during the coronavirus outbreak, here are some resources that...

What is Alcohol Addiction?

Alcohol Addiction Resources

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction and the loss of services during the coronavirus outbreak, here are some resources that...