The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the world around you, and things likely don’t feel the same as they used to. If you’re struggling with addiction or seeking out treatment, you may have considered recovery programs like rehab before but are wondering how COVID is affecting admission. The thing about recovery is that it doesn’t wait for a good time. No matter what’s going on in your life, addiction needs to be taken seriously. You can still get help during the pandemic, but it may look a bit different.
What is Partial Hospitalization?
Partial hospitalization, or PHP, is just one of the addiction recovery programs you can choose from. The benefits of PHP evolve around the flexibility of the program. While it typically the second step in recovery for most people, it offers the ability to get intensive treatment while living at home. You can benefit from the support of both medical staff and others that have walked the road before you as you begin to heal. Other benefits include:
- The ability to continue to work while receiving treatment
- Reduced costs compared to in-patient rehab.
- The opportunity to work on your learned skills in real-time outside of treatment
- An opportunity to build your support system outside of treatment
- The ability to keep up with responsibilities at home or in other areas of your life
With PHP, you’ll get a personalized treatment plan, an essential component of effective treatment. Your care at a PHP is based on treating addiction’s mental, physical, and spiritual sides. Medical staff is on hand to help administer medications and take assessments, so you are in good hands, just like with in-patient rehab.
Why Might COVID-19 Mean I Need Partial Hospitalization Even More?
The stress of COVID-19 can hinder addiction recovery, but a partial hospitalization program can help. With COVD-19 disrupting your everyday routine, you may experience:
- The boredom that leads to unhealthy behaviors
- Excess stress about current events
- Less access to resources or activities
- Feelings of detachment, isolation, or hopelessness
- Lack of accountability
By enrolling in a PHP, you can increase your level of accountability and have an outlet during your recovery. You will benefit from connecting with others and can continue treatment that may otherwise be difficult to obtain.
How is COVID-19 Changing Things?
COVID-19 has changed recovery in several ways. First, although you’ll be getting help while living at home, which does reduce your risk of exposure, you’ll also need to maintain your resilience. Try to:
- Find ways to keep in touch with family and friends for accountability, even if only by video chat.
- Establish a routine and fill it with meaningful activities to keep you engaged
- Eat a healthy diet and get enough sleep.
- Keep a journal or notebook of your goals, routines, changes you experience, etc.
- Work on reducing your stress through mindfulness, yoga, meditation, and exercise
- Remove any unhealthy distractions or temptations from your home.
COVID-19 has changed things regarding extra health measures that will need to be taken during your time at a partial hospitalization program. Like most places, there will be special rules to follow. Most include:
- Wear a mask while in public spaces
- Wash hands frequently and thoroughly.
- Avoid touching your face.
- Sit six feet apart from your PHP group members.
- Be honest about any symptoms you are experiencing.
Some PHPs will allow certain parts of the programs to be done online via teletherapy sessions, while others have arranged for some of the therapy to come to your home. And all PHPs will adhere to their state guidelines regarding cleanliness standards and social distancing to keep participants safe.
How Midwest Recovery Center Can Help
While Midwest Recovery Center is taking ample precautions during COVID-19, we know that your recovery is important. That’s why we still offer our partial hospitalization program for those that need it. For more information, visit our website, call us at 833.627.0039, or contact us online.
