“When you’re finished changing, you’re finished.”

Covid-19 has had a profound impact on the health and well-being of the nation.  The devastation is, unfortunately, even greater for those living with addictions. Consider a couple data points.

Times are hard, and the treatment community is not immune. Many treatment programs face declining revenue from insurers and health plans at the same time the programs are confronting the rising cost burdens of Covid-19 (social distancing limits on capacity and the costs of personal protective equipment, to name just two).

For many people, the terms “addict” and “alcoholic” evoke strong negative feelings and images of people who have chosen drugs and alcohol over their families, their jobs, public safety, and their health. Developing problems with drugs or alcohol is still commonly believed to be a choice, a moral failing, or even a sin.

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused sudden and unprecedented challenges to health, work, finances, relationships, and emotional well-being for many people. These stressors combined with social isolation have contributed to increased use of drugs and alcohol, which in turn can cause further problems, and further emotional and financial crisis.