The coronavirus pandemic ravaging across the country and around the world—is not to be taken lightly. That’s why at On Call Treatment FL, our top priority is keeping our clients and staff safe during this challenging time in our nation.
Our efforts include following the guidelines recommended by the state and federal government. Most importantly, the recommendations from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Read on to find out about the On Call Treatment FL protocol and resources for coronavirus (COVID-19). Also, should you still go to drug rehab during this pandemic?
Protocol for Coronavirus (COVID-19)
At On Call Treatment FL, our team has implemented protocols to fight this disease. These steps are to prevent the spread of the virus and keep both staff and clients safe. Our protocol measures stem from the guidelines of the CDC, which include:
- Disinfecting “high touch surfaces” such as tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, sinks, etc.
- Thorough cleaning of all areas in the facility with disinfectants.
- Send home staff if they exhibit any signs of the virus.
- Practice social distancing of at least 6 feet between all individuals and avoid any contact with clients and staff.
- Hand sanitizer is available at all times.
- Closely monitor the health of clients, looking for symptoms of coronavirus.
- Extra care for those who are at high risk, which includes older individuals and those with underlying conditions.
How to Prevent the Spread Amongst Clients
We urge our clients to practice guidelines we have informed them of, per the CDC:
- Washing your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds. Wash them often!
- Avoid touching your face.
- Cover your mouth when you sneeze or cough with a tissue or your elbow. Immediately wash your hands or use hand sanitizer. Dispose of the tissue safely.
- Wear a mask if you are sick.
- If you have symptoms or feel sick, self-isolate 7-14 days. If you test for the virus and it’s negative, you can release yourself from self-isolation quicker. Until then, symptoms must subside indefinitely.
- No meetings of more than 10 people in a small area.
To see extended guidelines, please visit the CDC website.
Should You Go to Rehab Despite Coronavirus Threat?
While many states are on lock-down, it may be challenging to enter rehab at this time. We encourage you to use your own due diligence during this matter.
However, a rehab is a “controlled” environment with medical staff around the clock that can monitor you, unlike being home alone, for instance. Also, according to a blog post by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), those suffering from drug addiction may be at more risk.
The blog post by NIDA states:
“….Because it attacks the lungs, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 could be an especially serious threat to those who smoke tobacco or marijuana or who vape. People with opioid use disorder (OUD) and methamphetamine use disorder may also be vulnerable due to those drugs’ effects on respiratory and pulmonary health…”
Furthermore, coronavirus has shut down many businesses, with many losing their jobs. This may lead to an increase in drug addiction and its especially hard time for those in recovery. A controlled environment during this perilous moment in our country may be an option to consider.
Resources for Clients During Coronavirus Pandemic
During this time, many entities have gone “virtual.” Here are resources to continue meetings for your path to recovery.
- AA Online Meetings General Page: http://aa-intergroup.org/
- AA Email Meetings: http://aa-intergroup.org/directory_email.php
- AA Text Chat Meetings: http://aa-intergroup.org/directory_chat.php
- AA Audio Video Meetings: http://aa-intergroup.org/directory_audio-video.php
- AA Website Discussion Meetings: http://aa-intergroup.org/directory_forums.php
- AA Telephone Meetings: http://aa-intergroup.org/directory_telephone.php
- LGBT AA Meetings: http://aa-intergroup.org/directory_glbt.php
- Deaf and Hard of Hearing AA: http://aa-intergroup.org/directory_dhoh.php
- NA Web Meetings: https://www.na.org/meetingsearch/text-results.php
- NA Phone Meetings: https://www.na.org/meetingsearch/text-results.php
- Unity Recovery Individual and Family Meetings: https://unityrecovery.org/digital-recovery-meetings
- Al-Anon Meetings via phone: https://al-anon.org/al-anon-meetings/electronic-meetings/#Phone_Meetings (You can click on Skype, Facebook Messenger, Zoom, Bulletin Board, WhatsApp, Email.)
- In the Rooms: https://www.intherooms.com/home/category/community-and-meetings/
Links for Treatment Providers from Federal Agencies:
- NIDA Links
NIDA Director, Nora Volkow on COVID-19 and Potential Implications for Individuals with Substance Use Disorders
NIDA Emerging Trends and Alerts: COVID-19 is an Emerging, Rapidly Evolving Situation - SAMHSA
Samhsa General Resources Page
SAMHSA: 42 CFR Part 2 regulations on use and disclosure of patient identifying information for tlehealth treatment services - SAMHSA: guidance on flexibilities for take home medication and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
SAMHSA Considerations for Care of Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Patients
SAMHSA Alcohol and Benzodiazepine Withdrawal during COVID-19
SAMHSA Facts for Opioid Use Disorder Prescribing and Dispensing
SAMHSA Opioid Treatment Programs Guidance – Take-Home Doses
CMS
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) expands telehealth benefits for Medicare and Medicaid patients. View CMS’ FAQs on billing add-on codes for take-home medication and the threshold for billing the weekly bundled payment codes for additional assistance applying these flexibilities to Medicare claims.
Companies are offering free access to their “wellbeing” content, such as:
- https://grokker.com/individuals: The app contains stress reduction, meditation, and sleep programs that can support you with your mental health. It includes fitness classes, yoga classes, nutrition, and cooking classes for your physical wellbeing. Free trial available.
- https://www.onepeloton.com/app: Peloton has extended its free trial membership to 90 days. You can enjoy resources on cycling, outdoor running, treadmill runs, strength training, HIIT classes, yoga classes, boot camp, meditation, strength training, and stretching.
- https://www.headspace.com/covid-19: Known for meditation and mindfulness, headspace is offering limited content for free.
- https://www.downdogapp.com/: Down Dog, Yoga for Beginners, HIIT, Barre, and 7 Minute Workout – completely free until May 1st. Free access to healthcare professionals until July 1st.
Get Help for Drug Addiction in Florida
On Call Treatment FL is a facility dedicated to addiction recovery in South Florida. Please call us for 1-855-492-1515 for consultation.
For more information about the coronavirus (COVID-19), please visit the CDC website.