Los Angeles and Orange County: Helping Others Recover from Addiction

Since the beginning of the pandemic, thirteen percent (13%) American adults began or increased substance use to cope with corresponding distress (Centers for Disease Control). Overdoses increased by seventeen percent (17%) since stay-at-home was ordered (Overdose Detection Mapping Allocation Program). Hard liquor sales spiked seventy five percent (75%).

Fewer Los Angeles and Orange County residents in need of drug and alcohol treatment are accessing it. Relapse is increasing for those in recovery. Social distancing and isolation have disrupted the mutual support and structure vital for maintaining recovery.

The great anthropologist Margaret Meade was once asked what prehistoric artifact would indicate civilization. Rather than tools, shelter, or organization, she stated that a broken and mended leg bone indicates the rise of civilization. In the wild, a broken leg means death. Only by being protected and cared for by others does a leg bone heal.

The basis of civilization is taking care of one another. Recovery from alcoholism and addiction relies upon it!

More than before, today we experience personal choice and behavior corresponding with life and death consequences for others. The pandemic demands interpersonal responsibility. One person’s good time can result in another’s death. The same correlates are found in both addiction and recovery. Drug and alcohol misuse or addiction create detrimental to dire consequences for others. Recovery produces hope and a path toward better living.
How many accidental deaths in Los Angeles and Orange County result from driving under the influence? Have you seen the emotional cost of a family member’s addiction?
How many of us in recovery need to help others recover? We know its possibilities and paths. We can’t keep our recovery if we don’t give it away.

Barriers have risen between those with drug and alcohol problems and caregivers who often help- doctors, therapists, colleagues/ co-workers and hospital professionals. Employers, authorities and family who often identify the signs of addiction are no longer close enough to notice.
The disease of addiction flourishes in isolation. The pandemic has promoted drug and alcohol problems to be upper-hand.

Connection with a mutual support group and developing a support network can happen with the use of modern technology. Help find recovery and teach addicts how to connect using their phone, pad or computer. A Zoom invitation or a phone call can open new, life-saving opportunities for someone trapped inside by the virus and addiction.

David, Twin Town (866) 594-8844 www.twintowntreatmentcenters.com

Twin Town Treatment Centers is immediately accessible to all Los Angeles and Orange County residents, is accredited by The Joint Commission, and is certified by the California DHCS. All network HMO/PPO/EPO insurance plans and Medi-Cal contract with Twin Town Treatment Centers to provide drug and alcohol rehabilitation. Our phone is answered by real people. We can see people on the same day you call. (866) 594-8844

Mental Health, Substance Use, and Suicidal Ideation During the COVID-19 Pandemic — United States, June 24–30, 2020; August 14, 2020 / 69(32);1049–1057; Mark É. Czeisler1,2; Rashon I. Lane, MA3; Emiko Petrosky, MD3; Joshua F. Wiley, PhD1; Aleta Christensen, MPH3; Rashid Njai, PhD3; Matthew D. Weaver, PhD1,4,5; Rebecca Robbins, PhD4,5; Elise R. Facer-Childs, PhD1; Laura K. Barger, PhD4,5; Charles A. Czeisler, MD, PhD1,4,5; Mark E. Howard, MBBS, PhD1,2,6; Shantha M.W. Rajaratnam, PhD1,4,5