The COVID-19 pandemic has spurred tragic, unprecedented loss around the world. Unfortunately, a recent study indicates that addicts are at a higher risk of contracting COVID-19 and often have worse outcomes from infection than other patients. The findings of this study are crucial to consider for those struggling with SUD amid the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Study Outcomes

Conducted by researchers at The MetroHealth System, Case Western Reserve University, and the National Institute on Drug Abuse, this study revealed that COVID-19 infections and adverse outcomes from the virus are more common among people with substance abuse disorder (SUD). The link between substance abuse and COVID-19 infection was the most prevalent in patients with opioid and tobacco addictions. 

Cocaine triggers one of the strongest psychological dependencies in users, second only to methamphetamine. This makes it one of the most highly addictive drugs in existence.

How Does Drug Addiction Develop?

Drug addiction, whether to cocaine or another addictive drug, develops with repeated use. As the drug causes the release of neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, the brain may stop naturally releasing them as frequently, so addicts may develop a dependence on the drug to attain a chemical balance in the brain. 

When addiction takes hold in a person, it can impact every aspect of their life. The ramifications of addiction are far-reaching and brutal, affecting not only the person struggling with addiction, but also their loved ones. In cases of addiction, relationships, careers, and lives are at risk.

Relationships

Addiction has extensive consequences, and the burden doesn’t fall on the shoulders of the addict alone. All types of relationships, whether it’s between family, friends, or significant others, suffer when one individual develops an addiction. Addiction diminishes trust and independence between loved ones, and it can put the sober individual under a lot of stress. Feelings of anger, resentment, and fear can build over time, too often leading to broken relationships as a result of addiction. 

Addiction doesn’t only impact the life of the addict; it also has a significant effect on the people who are close to them, whether it be friends, family members, and significant others. This can make for a very complicated situation as loved ones try to navigate their relationships with an individual who’s struggling with addiction. The behaviors of the addicted individual don’t affect that person alone; risky and unhealthy behaviors will have a ripple effect on loved ones. 

Trust

One of the main aspects of a relationship that’s lost when a person becomes addicted is trust. Addiction makes a person less capable of staying true to their word and following through on their promises. People who are suffering from addiction also have more difficulty keeping up with their responsibilities. No matter the type of relationship, whether it be between romantic partners, a parent and child, friends, or siblings, addiction can lead to a major loss of trust that can be enormously difficult to rebuild. 

Having a loved one who’s struggling with addiction is always extremely difficult. However, parents of adult children who have developed an addiction face a unique set of challenges. As a parent, your instinct is to always protect your child. In cases of addiction, there’s a fine line between protecting your child and enabling his or her addiction. This makes it important to understand how to support your adult child in addiction recovery in a productive manner. 

Set Boundaries.

It’s important to set boundaries with your adult child to build a healthy relationship, rather than a codependent one. Codependency can actually lead to parents unintentionally exacerbating their child’s addiction. Setting boundaries, such as not habitually loaning them money or not taking phone calls in the middle of the night, can encourage your child to be independent. This will better prepare them for a healthy lifestyle after they’ve fully recovered.  

Anyone who has started AA, NA, or gone to rehab has at least been directed to write a recovery plan. Your addiction recovery plan is your step-by-step outline of what you are going to do to stay sober. This goes far beyond listing and avoiding triggers and people or situations that could lead to relapse. There are a lot of things that need to go into a recovery plan if it is going to work.

Engagement in sobriety

This is a step that a lot of people miss. Introverts don’t want to sit around with other people in a group, and it was probably one of the reasons they rejoiced to be leaving the rehab setting. Some people avoid these resources because they are embarrassed or simply afraid someone will find out they can’t be sober for long. 

Drug addiction or alcoholism often begins with a schism within the family, or it begins with addiction in the family. In either case, it can be difficult to go to your family and tell them you are considering getting help for your addiction. Here are some tips for making the decision.

Is your family likely to try to talk you out of substance abuse treatment?

If your family believes that religion can save you, or that you don’t need help at all, you’re going to be dreading that conversation. But honestly, should you tell them before you go to rehab? If the family member or friend doesn’t understand why you want to get clean and live a better life, they could try to talk you out of it. 

Are you recently sober, or have you tried to get sober before and relapsed? In either case, you probably figured out pretty quickly that staying away from drugs and alcohol is harder than you thought. Often, these things are completely ingrained into our lives, from our daily habits to the people we hang out with. How do you get away from it?

Sober living exists specifically for these types of situations. These programs allow you to slowly reintegrate into society with a job and/or education opportunities, but they do so much more. Sober living arrangements also remove triggers and influences that could cause you to relapse while you learn coping skills for when you are ready to go back to a normal life.

There are thousands of ways that you can get and stay sober. No one plan works for everyone. You are a unique individual, and what you require may be different than another addict. Regardless of your personal circumstances, there are some all natural and holistic ways that you can work to stay sober after rehab.

Cut out caffeine and nicotine.

Caffeine and nicotine are technically stimulants and could be classified as drugs. Although these are relatively harmless, they can contribute to substance abuse triggers. If you are antsy because you had too much caffeine, you could be tempted to chill out with drug or alcohol use. People who have issues coping with cravings or triggers often smoke more cigarettes, which can be hazardous to your health and doesn’t really teach you how to cope with the triggers.

When you are trying to get sober, the last thing you want to do is take more medications to cope with the stress of kicking addiction. There are a lot of great ways that you can calm your mind and body without any type of medication assistance. These activities can help you get through moments of anxiety, as well as cravings. 

Meditation

Most people think that meditation requires emptying your mind of everything, but that isn’t exactly necessary. You can meditate by simply allowing your thoughts to drift by, acknowledging them but not focusing in on them. This state is just as beneficial as emptying your mind as the yogis try to teach.