Living through a global pandemic presents many challenges most of us have never faced. It’s natural to feel stressed and uncertain. The emotional strain caused by restrictions on social contact can be especially difficult if someone is isolated or feels pressure to provide for themselves, their family, and other loved ones during these extraordinary times. At the same time, social media is full of messages, memes, and jokes about using alcohol and other substances as accepted and expected coping mechanisms. For people in recovery or those who live with addiction, stressful times like these can lead to relapse or increases in substance use and misuse.
“Addiction thrives in isolation and dies in community — but this is a conundrum during the pandemic, because every day we’re being reminded to keep our distance and stop connecting in our usual ways,” said Brad Anderson, MD, chief of addiction medicine for Kaiser Permanente Northwest in Portland, Oregon. “Addiction is a daily disease, but many of the everyday interactions that people rely on when they’re struggling with substance use disorders have either fallen away or become much more challenging to navigate.”
If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol or other substances, it’s crucial that the current environment doesn’t prevent anyone from getting the support or treatment they need. “Many patients are weighing their fear of contracting COVID-19 against the benefits of getting treatment for substance abuse,” said Lauren Grawert, MD, addiction psychiatrist and chief of psychiatry for Kaiser Permanente in Northern Virginia. “But you don’t have to make a choice. At Kaiser Permanente, we’re offering all our services virtually, and there are other safe ways to get the help you need.”
Avoiding isolation is the best coping mechanism. Make a phone or video appointment to talk with your sponsor, counselor, or therapist; reach out to family and friends for support and connection; or find virtual group meetings to attend. “My patients have good feedback about virtual communities such as Alcoholics Anonymous, Sober Grid, and Sober Nation, which can link you with various kinds of virtual support,” said Dr. Grawert.
Follow the same routines that were helpful to you before COVID-19 or find replacements for activities that aren’t possible right now. Develop a consistent schedule you can follow every day. Find time to take a walk, do a virtual workout, cook your meals, or pursue a hobby that keeps you happy and engaged. “Don’t give up because it doesn’t feel familiar,” said Paul Bryant, director of addiction medicine, Kaiser Permanente Northwest. “Practicing self-care activities can actually help alleviate physical and emotional stress.”
If friends, family members, or trusted colleagues who care about you say they’re worried, pay attention. “Other people will often notice changes before you’re even aware you’re in danger,” explained Dr. Grawert. “Take their feedback seriously and let them help you. Accepting that kind of support can help prevent relapses and speed up recovery.”
If you notice that boredom or stress is leading to more thoughts about or cravings for alcohol or drugs, tell someone you trust, or reach out to your mental health provider. “If you’re actively using substances, this is the best time to get treatment,” said Dr. Grawert. “Don’t let shame, guilt, or anger hold you back. Addiction is a disease, and recovery is a process.” People will be there to help if you ask for it.
It’s important to understand everyone is dealing with the stress and anxiety of the current situation. “Find the things that work for you in this new reality, and if things aren’t working, don’t wait until the situation feels overwhelming,” said Bryant. “You don’t need to collapse and relapse. Treatment is effective.”
For Kaiser Permanente members, all our addiction care services are available, including our medication and detox services, which we’re providing with COVID-19 safety precautions in place. Our support groups, many of which are now virtual, are still going strong. Go to kp.org/mentalhealth to get connected to care.
Help is also available at SMART Recovery, and family and friends of those dealing with substance use disorders can access a number of resources through Al-Anon Family Groups.
For immediate help for a mental health crisis, including thoughts of suicide, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
These guidelines ensure we use artificial intelligence tools that are safe …
Shannon Parkin survived 7 suicide attempts. She shares her story of hope …
Advanced medical science improves patient outcomes. We urge lawmakers to …
Our investment in the Watts neighborhood of California, in partnership …
The Kaiser Permanente Colorado Health Action Summit gathered nonprofits, …
A Kaiser Permanente doctor shares key details. By learning more about autism, …
Funding from Kaiser Permanente in Washington helps to promote mental health, …
Behavioral health consultants can provide a better understanding of often …
Feeling emotional or overwhelmed after a new baby’s arrival? You’re not …
Prescription drugs are unaffordable for millions of people. With the right …
After a lifetime of feeling isolated, Moth Wygal finds connection thanks …
Naomi Girma, a sports ambassador for Kaiser Permanente, is passionate about …
Health care leaders and policymakers should each play their part to help …
One in 5 people experience depression, anxiety, or other mental health …
With the right policies and partnerships, artificial intelligence can lead …
Gabriel Abarca had no hope for his future. Then the team at Kaiser Permanente …
The Kaiser Permanente Watts Counseling and Learning Center started as a …
Kaiser Permanente supports the ballot measure to expand and improve mental …
You have only one heart. ‘Prescribe’ yourself a few changes to help protect …
Kaiser Permanente opens medical offices and a new home for the Watts Counselin …
CityHealth’s 2023 Annual Policy Assessment awards cities for their policies …
Supporting behavioral and mental health in communities where needs are …
Grateful for compassionate and successful Hodgkin lymphoma treatment at …
Better public policies can help address the challenges. We encourage policymak …
There aren’t enough mental health professionals in the U.S. to meet the …
Researchers and organizations are exploring inventive ways to reduce gun …
The health care industry is responsible for 8% to 10% of harmful emissions …
We offer housing-related legal help to prevent evictions and remove barriers …
Pavan Somusetty, MD, explains how people who need support and guidance …
Kaiser Permanente is working to address drug shortages and support policies …
Six steps help you prep for winter trips.
Nearsightedness, also known as myopia, is on the rise. To reverse that …
A child and adolescent psychiatrist shares tips on supporting your child …
Kaiser Permanente’s partnership with Fontana Unified School District brings …
The next phase for the Kaiser Permanente Center for Gun Violence Research …
The updated vaccine is recommended for everyone 6 months and older.
Use biofeedback to help manage stress.
Former Major League Baseball player Drew Robinson shares his story of hope …
San Diego Wave Fútbol Club star defender Naomi Girma, Kaiser Permanente …
Our clinicians help patients get the care they need to move forward with …
Organizations that provide public mental health crisis services must work …
Risk factors are not always associated with addiction or substance abuse.
Kaiser Permanente increases access to mental health services in Southern …
Expanding access to high-quality mental health services
Stories in the Department of Research & Evaluation 2022 Annual Report demonstr …
A new location-based vaccine strategy by Kaiser Permanente was successful …
These tips from Don Mordecai, MD, Kaiser Permanente’s national mental health …
Learn how lifestyle medicine is part of cancer care at Kaiser Permanente.
Many people with cancer experience depression and anxiety. Mental health …
Our approaches ensure effectiveness and safety, and drive cost savings. …
Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles Medical Center’s Bridge Program has become …
Unique challenges and societal pressures can impact men’s emotional well-being …
Kaiser Permanente and the San Diego Wave Fútbol Club host a second Wave …
Kaiser Permanente is here to help with care and valuable tools to support …
Take time to adjust to a new baby and lifestyle changes — and reach out …
Shared experience helps young people in Oregon build confidence for their …
Creating a healthy relationship with social media can help safeguard the …
Kaiser Permanente researchers led analysis of large, diverse group of young …
A Kaiser Permanente member shares his personal journey of navigating bipolar …
Changing my career and becoming a therapist revealed ways our country can …
Susan Sandhu struggled to find meaning in her life after an injury forced …
Trauma-informed outreach efforts in Orange County are being recognized …
Vaccinations, testing, and treatment are still widely accessible. Member …
Expanded access to high-quality, affordable mental health care supports …
Kaiser Permanente is working with community partners to reduce financial …
Testing is the most important way you can help control the spread of COVID-19.
Child psychiatrist defines anxiety, its symptoms, how to address it, and …
With the COVID-19 public health emergency ending, states, community organizati …
Kaiser Permanente offers many high-quality, convenient options to help …
Kaiser Permanente’s partnership with Special Olympics Southern California …
Treatment for bipolar disorder and opiate addiction helps a Kaiser Permanente …
Southern California psychiatrist offers practical advice for parents to …
Learning from this historic health crisis will better prepare us for future …
A Kaiser Permanente study finds COVID-19 patients treated quickly with …
Kaiser Permanente in Southern California partners with San Diego Wave Fútbol …
Kaiser Permanente provides members with convenient ways to improve their …
For America to build — and keep — a health care workforce big enough to …
From avid snowboarder to chronically ill patient. How Kaiser Permanente …
A sleep expert shares 4 practical tips for coping with the time shift and …
Almost 16 million people in the United States have chronic obstructive …
Project Nurture in Portland, Oregon, provides treatment and a path forward …
Expert shares 5 valuable tips for parents and guardians to help children …
Valerie Dionne wins our 2023 George Halvorson Community Health Leadership …
Kaiser Permanente invests $3.3 million to build healthy social connections …
Two leading infectious disease physicians discuss what to expect with COVID-19 …
A Kaiser Permanente psychiatrist shares advice for coping when stress won't …
Making key pandemic-era telehealth policies permanent and ensuring more …
Why paint yourself into a corner with a resolution you’re half-hearted …
Kaiser Permanente study shows that exercise is associated with lower rates …
Find addiction and recovery information, assessments, and ways to get support …
A behavioral health consultant in Portland, Oregon, shares how mindfulness …
To meaningfully improve health equity, we must shift our focus to outcomes …
Kaiser Permanente research finds that patient intervention is linked to …
Voters passed Proposition 31, allowing the law banning these addictive …
A statement of support from Kaiser Permanente chair and CEO Greg A. Adams …
As colder weather and rain arrive in Oregon, Katie Sharff, MD, an infectious …
New care option offers pregnant patients a mix of in-person and video visits.
National Voter Registration Day aims to register eligible voters and ensure …
Kaiser Permanente backs national efforts to ban flavored tobacco.
Support, talk about, and advocate for kids’ mental health. Otherwise, greater …