According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, using tobacco is the leading cause of preventable disease, disability, and death in the United States. There are almost 40 million adults and about 4.7 million middle and high school students who have at least used one tobacco product. This is including e-cigarettes.
Every year, almost half a million American citizens die due to smoking, whether due to primary or second-hand smoking. This is nearly one in five deaths. Almost 16 million also have serious illnesses caused by smoking. 1
Meanwhile, the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) states that 19.7 million American adults (aged 12 and older) battled a substance use disorder. 2
The problem of addiction whether to smoking, drug or substance abuse is also a global problem. Worldwide, alcohol has the highest death toll amongst substance use disorders. Deaths from opioid overdoses have increased significantly in recent years and now exceed 100,000 globally. 3
However, the numbers don’t have to stay this way. People who are dealing with smoking or drug abuse are particularly more vulnerable this time of coronavirus. And we can all do our share in helping somebody who may be of need. He or she may be a family member, friend, relative, or colleague. How can we help that person who has a smoking addiction?
Is it safe to enter a rehabilitation center during the pandemic time?
The answer is yes. There are strict protocols inside the rehabilitation center that help in avoiding coronavirus.
Weighing the pros and cons of staying at home as an addict, there is greater risk in staying addicted rather than going into rehab during the pandemic time.
Let’s deep digger into these…
Why is it safer to go into rehab?
- Smoking or drug abuse compromises the immune system.
People with a compromised immune system like the sick can be at greater risk. This includes those who are heavy smokers and are substance users. They are more vulnerable to catching the Covid-19 virus versus healthier people.
- Trying to detoxify alone and without supervision can be dangerous.
The addicts who desire to change or detoxify still need help. If you know someone you are like this, suggest to him or her to seek guidance from professionals who are highly experienced in dealing with the situation.
Detoxification process may add more fear and anxiety, most especially during this pandemic time. Given the uncertainties and panic everywhere, the addicted person can feel more anxious and nervous. Hence, such feelings may cause depression or untoward actions.
Given these, a professional and reputable rehabilitation center is the best option to help a person deal with smoking or drug abuse.
A rehabilitation center can provide a feeling of belongingness and community.
Dealing with substance abuse can make the person feel isolated. This is so much more this coronavirus outbreak.
Going into rehab can help the person deal with the situation better. In the rehabilitation, programs are done to help the individual. He/she is with professionals and with fellows who are in the same boat.
Hence, given the community atmosphere in a rehabilitation center can definitely help in removing the feeling of desolation.
What types of treatments are normally done in rehabs?
A good rehabilitation center can offer comprehensive treatment services. It is better to look for a facility that has programs designed to fully heal. Meaning, look for treatments that target the healing of the whole being or the whole self.
Treatments are better if it is aimed towards the healing of physical, mental and emotional problems. Physical problems can be respiratory or cardiovascular ailments that arose from long time use of a substance. Look for experts that deal with mental health issues like anxiety, trauma, fear, depression.
Suggest to go into rehab that offers medical detox for the likes of smoking, drugs, opioids, and alcohol. Treatment should be safe and medically supervised by professionals.
Types of treatments or services can be inpatient or outpatient. These can be inpatient rehabilitation, residential treatment, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, or dual diagnosis treatment programs.
What happens after treatment?
Aftercare is very important for the person who has been treated in a rehabilitation center. The person can fall into a relapse. Temptation is very high especially for those who have long been users.
Rehabilitation centers also offer an aftercare program for follow-through of the individual to avoid relapses and going back.
Family support, care and love are also very important for total healing and road to recovery. Family, friends and loved ones have pivotal roles in helping an addict fully recover. If he/she feels a strong sense of support and love, he/she has greater chances of succeeding in this difficult journey.
It may be a second or third chance at rehabilitation or recovering. But it should not be a point to give up. The person you are trying to help should feel that there is no shame in going into rehab. He/she has the choice of going anonymous still if the person wishes this. And that is fine. But he/she should feel that there is hope for a cleaner and better life.
In summing up, a person undergoing addiction should know that there are people who are willing to help and can help. Calm Rehab provides clinical and affordable treatments programs to individuals dealing with drug and alcohol addiction around the world. Check their website for more details!
