Many are continuing to struggle with substance abuse, which has been magnified by COVID-19. Substance Abuse practitioners are doing their best to continue to provide the best care for their patients but having the same level of connection during times of social distancing can be challenging.
COVID-19 and Substance Abuse – What Providers Should Know
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, those suffering from substance abuse disorders can be more vulnerable to the virus and its respiratory side effects. Upwards of 2 million people in the United States suffer from Opioid Use Disorder, and more than 10 million people misuse opioids. This population can also be at risk of developing underlying health conditions, which render them immunocompromised. Examples of underlying conditions include cancer, diabetes, and heart or respiratory disease.
Recovery efforts are also seeing impact from COVID-19 as in-person social support has changed. Patients may experience social isolation, which has been proven to be a key factor in those experiencing relapse. Social isolation may lead to feelings of fear, anxiety, or stress – leaving patients to turn back to substance abuse to curb negative feelings. The good news is that treatment efforts such as peer recovery groups, which play a major role in positive patient outcomes, are still being offered virtually by many providers.
How Providers Can Help
Destigmatize Substance Abuse Disorders
Destigmatizing substance abuse disorders can be one of the most crucial steps towards ensuring positive health outcomes for patients. As mental and behavioral health providers, you can help by advocating for the importance of continued care for your patients as key to continued recovery efforts and encourage other health care providers to do the same.
Know the Signs
Providers, family and friends should be alert to the possibility of relapse in those struggling with substance abuse. With COVID-19, levels of stress, fear and even grief may be at an all-time high. It is critical during these times that those with close relationships to the patient check in with them regularly. When working with patients, providing resources such as a Stages of Change worksheet can help them to reflect on their circumstances and create a plan to achieve positive outcomes.
Continuing virtual care through telehealth
Providers of mental and behavioral health care can continue to offer one-on-one therapy or group sessions through telehealth – a video platform that is easy to use and HIPAA-compliant. Due to COVID-19, changes have been made by federal and state agencies, making it easier for you to offer mental or behavioral health services virtually:
- The federal government is allowing healthcare providers to use telehealth to replace in-person visits for patients with opioid and alcohol abuse disorders
- The Department of Health and Human Services updated guidelines to allow healthcare providers to use telehealth options without the risk of penalties.
- Payments have been authorized by The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for remote healthcare assistance
- Virtual visits are being reimbursed at the same rate as in person
Telehealth gives mental and behavioral healthcare providers the ability to stay in closer contact with patients than they would during outpatient check-ups. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, telehealth proved to be highly effective with substance use treatments. Learn more about our integrated telehealth solution today!
Procentive’s Trusted Solutions for Mental Health, Behavioral Health, and Substance Abuse Providers
Procentive offers an ONC-Certified EHR and award-winning practice management and billing services. We continue to grow and offer more features to help our customers continue to provide continued care, even at a distance.
