Category Archives: COVID-19 Pandemic and Drug Addiction in Canada

Alcohol Consumption And The Stress During A Pandemic :: Alcoholism :: Alcohol Addiction Rehab Treatment In Alberta And BC :: Options Okanagan Treatment Centers

Alcohol consumption, addiction and the stress during a pandemic – Dealing with alcoholism. Alcohol addiction rehab treatment clinics programs in Alberta and British Columbia – Options Okanagan Treatment Centers in Kelowna and Salmon Arm (Shuswap), British Columbia treating drug opiate and alcohol addiction and recovery.

Alcohol Rehabs In Alberta And BC

Therapists who specialize in substance abuse have found that alcohol consumption under stress appears to be increasingly acceptable in today’s society. With a vast media industry dedicated entirely too catchy sayings about “drinking”, from home accessories to clothing, society seems to not only accept but expect people to drink to cope with everyday stressors. When a person becomes angry, anxious, or depressed, they may be tempted to reach for a drink to relieve the tension. If someone is overjoyed by good news and wants to be rewarded with a celebration, they also expect to have a drink or three at the same time. Some may jokingly claim to have a “mixed emotional drink,” but the truth is that drinking alcohol is not an adequate or sustainable way to manage emotions.

There are also many catchy phrases about coffee that attracts attention like “Depresso: The feeling you get when you’ve run out of coffee”, and may seem trivial and harmless at first, but actually increasing excessive caffeine intake, to the surprise of many, is also addictive and can trigger anxiety as well. If a person really needs caffeine every morning, it may indicate that the individual has a severe addiction that needs to be addressed. It is even worse when someone’s life motto is, “Coffee Keeps Me Going Until It’s Time For Wine.” In fact, one needs to find other ways to wake up in the morning and calm down at night, other than relying on stimulants and sedatives to control mood.

People Living with Alcohol and Drug addiction and Continuing Care Programs in Camrose, Whitecourt, Lethbridge, Medicine Hat, Fort McMurray, Edmonton and Calgary, Alberta

A recent study was published in 2021 found that adult alcohol consumption rose 16 percent during the COVID-19 crisis. With the pandemic lagging behind, it is no wonder many individuals now get the urge to reach for alcohol as a stress reducer. Not only does isolation lead to more anxiety and rounds of depression, but people also spend a lot more time with their electronic devices or vices some call it, electronic messages entice individuals to drink more. What is even more surprising is that the drinking slowly progressed from one drink to too many drinks at a time. An alarming statistic was uncovered about women, a 43 percent increase in heavy alcohol use among women during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Addiction treatment providers have heard many stories of relapse due to feelings of isolation and fear of the pandemic. However, these sometimes heartbreaking stories also make it clear that many people who drank too much during quarantine days are now seeking treatment.

Individuals Living with Alcohol an Drug addiction and Addiction Aftercare Programs in Lethbridge, Medicine Hat, Fort McMurray, Red Deer, Edmonton and Calgary, Alberta

The pandemic is forcing many people to work from home. It is this unique situation that lead many people to finally seek the treatment help they needed. Often family members notice unhealthy behavior in the household. The pandemic has allowed these family members to pay more attention to their relatives’ drinking habits that might otherwise go unnoticed. Often, family members initially recognize my clients and eventually encourage them to seek the help they need. For some, their alcohol addiction can easily escalate if their loved ones cannot see and observe their patterns. Addicts should thank family members for speaking up and motivating them to seek treatment.

Opiate Rehab in Alberta and BC

Alcohol Addiction Treatment in Alberta and BC

Make no mistake about it, alcoholism is a progressive disease. For those who are starting to notice that their tolerance has increased, or that their “favorite drink is next the drink” or that other areas of their lives are starting to become confusing, and the need or desire to drink, it may be time to see a therapist for a consultation. The reality is that it will only lead to more destruction, and life is too important and there is more to the individual than wasting away filling the body with toxins. Yes, alcohol = poison!

If you need help, seek professional advice. Help is available to those who seek it.

Alcohol Consumption And The Stress During A Pandemic

Alcohol Rehab and Interventions in Alberta and BC

Options Okanagan Opiate and Alcohol Treatment Centers in Kelowna, Salmon Arm and Vancouver, British Columbia – Men and Women are recovering and healing from Alcohol and Drug Abuse at our treatment center here in the Okanagan right now.

Individuals Living with Opiate & Alcohol Addiction and Addiction Aftercare Programs and Clinics in Kelowna

Our unique and distinctive Opiate Drug and Alcohol treatment program allow men and women to come in from Calgary as well as Edmonton as we offer airport pickup.

Numerous clients come to us from Vancouver, Calgary, and Edmonton and other locations in Alberta and even other provinces for Opiate addiction treatment, heroin drug treatment, many other drug and alcohol addictions for rehabilitation because of the uniqueness of our treatment center.

Our (Kelowna ) Alcohol and Drug Treatment Program Location:
(Not Mailing Address) Contact Us – Web Page
For Mail Delivery :: Please contact each center for correct mailing addresses, also this location is the location of our residential treatment programs in Kelowna. Please call Toll Free 1-855-335-0331 to contact the treatment center you are going to for the address and directions.

Prescription Painkillers or Abuse of Opiates

Options Okanagan Drug and Alcohol Treatment Center
551 Sherrydale Crescent, Kelowna, British Columbia, V1V 2E6
Toll-Free Phone Number: 1-855-335-0331

Oxycontin Caused The Opioid Crisis, But Stigma And Bans Fueled It (PART 02) :: Prescription Drug OxyContin Rehabs In Alberta And BC :: Options Okanagan Treatment Centers

Oxycontin caused the opioid crisis, but stigma and bans fueled it. (PART 02) Prescription drug abuse and addiction – Opiate and prescription drug OxyContin intervention in British Columbia and Alberta – Options Treatment Center in Kelowna, British Columbia treating prescription drug, OxyContin, opioid, opiate, fentanyl, heroin, and alcohol addiction and recovery.

Prescription Drug Oxycontin Rehabs In Alberta And BC

Oxycontin caused the opioid crisis, but stigma and bans fueled it
The research showcases that the illegal drug market will adapt to drug demand and law enforcement efforts.

Treatment barriers

And always, individuals who use drugs are hammered with messages unsupported by research that exacerbate the harm.

People in the public eye, like health officials and community leaders urging individuals to seek rehab treatment, stressing that recovery will happen. However, about 80% of the individuals seeking treatment do not have access to it. There are treatment barriers which include real health care costs, lack of treatment options, and of course the social stigma attached to addiction. Research also shows that some individuals are not ready for treatment or do not want to stop using or get sober.

Sobriety is advertised as the ultimate triumph or major goal by drug users. However, research shows that addiction is a recurring brain disorder and people are highly likely to relapse. Most drug users do it sporadically, which includes controlled and uncontrolled drug use and becoming sober from time to time. There is also ample evidence that the fear of arrest and shame drives individuals to conceal their drug use in ways that increase the risk of a fatal overdose. This is because when a person uses drugs alone, no one can call 911 or perform CPR in the event of an overdose.

People Living with Prescription Drug addiction and Oxycontin Addiction Aftercare and Continuing Care in Fort McMurray, Edmonton and Calgary, Alberta

The most effective drug treatment is medically assisted treatment and is considered the gold standard for opioid-related disorders, but is underutilized. An opioid, Buprenorphine which has a “ceiling effect,” meaning it is not like heroin or morphine, does not have the intoxicating action, but rather quenches the thirst for opioids. Buprenorphine helps individuals deviate from uncontrolled drug use and reduce their physical cravings. Individuals with Buprenorphine prescriptions are often ready to work again, attend their therapy sessions, and regain some of the joy of everyday life.

However, the availability of buprenorphine varies widely depending on where a person lives, and people of color are consistently not prescribed this life-saving drug. Methadone has been used to treat opioid-related illnesses since the 1950s but remains difficult to access in the long term. Researchers point to the role of persistent stigma in the inadequate use of both drugs.

People Living with Prescription Drug addiction and Oxycontin Addiction Aftercare and Continuing Care in Red Deer, Edmonton and Calgary, Alberta

Better road ahead

Public medical health officials, activists who are in harm reduction, and citizens who are concerned about drug use in the United States and Canada are working to provide safer injection sites for individuals to take these drugs in the presence of medical trained personal. These sites help prevent fatal drug overdoses by providing an appropriate and timely medical response and paving the way for further medical care and treatment for addiction. In response to the strains in the hospitals from the covid-19 pandemic, the availability of methadone for homes has expanded and these changes have some physicians and medical treatment experts hopeful that they will become permanent.

The effectiveness, contents, and potency of the drugs are often unknown to drug users. Drug screening programs allow individuals to check the drug for fentanyl at their home using a test strip, and these programs have grown in popularity with government support. Many areas of the country continue to expand the access to naloxone, an easy-to-use nasal spray for overdoses. Individuals who are using drugs or have friends or relatives who are drug users are encouraged to learn about how to take or administer naloxone and nasal sprays.

Opiate Addiction in Alberta and BC

Heroin Addiction Treatment in Alberta and BC

Anyone advocating safer supply and decriminalization of drugs is showing success overseas. Heroin/Fentanyl-assisted treatment has been shown to be effective at keeping individuals off the illegal drug market, and thus reducing the risk of drug overdoses. These assisted treatment programs in Germany have improved the physical and mental health of patients and at the same time drastically reduced the use of illegal drugs. Portugal had the highest fatal overdose rates in Western Europe and in response was the first to decriminalize all drugs in the early 2000s. Portugal spent their money on education and drug treatment rather than prohibition bans. Portugal, today has one of the lowest rates of fatal overdoses from drugs in Western Europe and also an overall decline in drug use. Prohibition will always fail all the time.

The United States contains the world’s largest number of drug users and consistently also has the highest rates of opioid and cocaine addiction in the world. In the studied research, it was concluded that individuals often describe their drug use as a struggle or battle between their sobriety or dying from a drug overdose. But the heartbreaking wave of accidents, fatal overdose deaths tells a much more complicated story. Ignoring the evidence would definitely cost more lives.

Oxycontin Caused The Opioid Crisis, But Stigma And Bans Fueled It

Fentanyl Addiction and Recovery Programs in Alberta and BC

Options Okanagan Opiate Oxycontin and Alcohol Treatment Centers in Kelowna, Salmon Arm and Vancouver, British Columbia – Men and Women are recovering and healing from Alcohol and Drug Abuse at our treatment center here in the Okanagan right now.

Individuals Living with Opiate Oxycontin Addiction and Addiction Aftercare and Continuing Care in Kelowna

Our unique and distinctive Opiate Drug and Alcohol treatment program allow men and women to come in from Calgary as well as Edmonton as we offer airport pickup.

Numerous clients come to us from Vancouver, Calgary, and Edmonton and other locations in Alberta and even other provinces for Opiate addiction treatment, heroin drug treatment, many other drugs, and alcohol addictions for rehabilitation because of the uniqueness of our treatment center.

Our (Kelowna) Alcohol and Drug Treatment Program Location:
(Not Mailing Address) – Contact Us – Web Page
For Mail Delivery :: Please contact each center for correct mailing addresses, also this location is the location of our residential treatment programs in Kelowna. Please call Toll Free 1-855-335-0331 – to contact the treatment center you are going to for the address and directions.

Prescription Painkillers or Abuse of Opiates

Options Okanagan Drug and Opiate Treatment Center
551 Sherrydale Crescent, Kelowna, British Columbia, V1V 2E6
Toll-Free Phone Number: 1-855-335-0331

Oxycontin Caused The Opioid Crisis, But Stigma And Bans Fueled It (PART 01) :: Prescription Drug OxyContin Rehabs In Alberta And BC :: Options Okanagan Treatment Centers

Oxycontin caused the opioid crisis, but stigma and bans fueled it. Prescription drug abuse and addiction – Opiate and prescription drug OxyContin intervention in British Columbia and Alberta – Options Treatment Center in Kelowna, British Columbia treating prescription drug, OxyContin, opioid, opiate, fentanyl, heroin, and alcohol addiction and recovery.

Prescription Drug Oxycontin Rehabs In Alberta And BC

Oxycontin caused the opioid crisis, but stigma and bans fueled it
The research showcases that the illegal drug market will adapt to drug demand and law enforcement efforts.

The highly controversial Purdue Pharmaceuticals, Sackler Family agreement by Judge Drain on Sept. 1, 2021. The drug overdose epidemic, which has spanned more than two decades, has claimed more than 800,000 lives since the late 1990s. Current estimates suggest that approximately 2 to 3 million people just in the United States alone use heroin and 2 million people use over-the-counter pharmaceutical opioids.

Since 2010 while researching and writing about the overdose crisis for rehab treatment centers, and to understand its roots and consequences, and as a person in the drug rehab treatment world more and more funerals are being held for people who had Opioid addictions every year. What I have found is an increasingly dangerous drug environment for drug users with Fentanyl entering into the picture, often exacerbated by guidelines that are not based on research and attitudes that are detrimental to those who are affected.

People Living with Prescription Drug addiction and Oxycontin Addiction Aftercare and Continuing Care in Fort McMurray, Edmonton and Calgary, Alberta

How the ban feeds a dangerous market
Research shows that the illegal drug market will adapt to drug demand and law enforcement efforts.

One of the first consequences of increased demand for drugs is that these illegal drugs become cheaper over time, such as the prices for heroin and cocaine have been declining for decades. Political economists explain that this demand, combined with globalization, increases competition and efficiency, resulting in more and more illegal drugs are on the black market, which in turn lowers prices.

Secondly, drugs are getting stronger in response to drug bans. Stronger products in smaller packages are easier to transport and harder to detect by law enforcement efforts. The US overdose crisis has been an example of the devastating interaction between demand and prohibition.

People Living with Prescription Drug addiction and Oxycontin Addiction Aftercare and Continuing Care in Red Deer, Edmonton and Calgary, Alberta

In 1996, OxyContin was launched and marketed as a revolutionary intervention in medical pain management. Purdue Pharma, the manufacturer, deliberately downplays the potential for addiction, they produced a false claim that less than 1 percent will get addicted. As an opioid and central nervous system sedative, OxyContin has effects similar to morphine or heroin. Not surprisingly, research shows that the pattern of opioid prescribing from 1999 to 2008 is directly linked to an increase in overdose deaths.

As concerns about opioid overdose increased, prescribing practices were monitored. Purdue Pharma in 2010 replaced the original OxyContin pill with a new “abuse prevention” formula that made it more difficult for individuals to crush the pill and inhale the powder. As a result, many people who are addicted to OxyContin turn to heroin which is cheaper and easier to obtain. This has led to an increase in fatal heroin-related overdoses, often referred to as the second wave of the overdose crisis.

Opiate Addiction in Alberta and BC

Opiate Addiction Treatment in Alberta and BC

The growing heroin market paved the way for Fentanyl to enter the US illegal drug market. Fentanyl, a drug for severe pain, is 50 times more potent than heroin. In terms of shipping and traffic efficiency, fentanyl is easier to transport and sell than heroin. Fentanyl’s entry into the illegal drug market, especially when combined with heroin, has resulted in a doubling and tripling of overdose deaths between 2012 and 2013.

Since then, Fentanyl has polluted the supply of illegal drugs in the United States: it is often found not only in heroin, but also in cocaine, MDMA, known as ecstasy, methamphetamine, and counterfeit prescription pills. The result is that individuals who take these drugs do not know what are the contents or percentage mixtures or even if it’s real heroin they are using.

With the growing overdose crisis, the community of color, in particular, has seen an increase in fatal overdoses, and these deaths that are often preventable. And recently, disruptions to the COVID-19 supply chain have caused individuals to use up everything available, leading to an increase in drug overdoses.

Oxycontin Caused The Opioid Crisis, But Stigma And Bans Fueled It (PART 01)

Oxycontin Caused The Opioid Crisis, But Stigma And Bans Fueled It (PART 02) – Nov.05, 2021

Opiate Addiction and Recovery Programs in Alberta and BC

Options Okanagan Opiate Oxycontin and Alcohol Treatment Centers in Kelowna, Salmon Arm and Vancouver, British Columbia – Men and Women are recovering and healing from Alcohol and Drug Abuse at our treatment center here in the Okanagan right now.

Individuals Living with Opiate Oxycontin Addiction and Addiction Aftercare and Continuing Care in Kelowna

Our unique and distinctive Opiate Drug and Alcohol treatment program allow men and women to come in from Calgary as well as Edmonton as we offer airport pickup.

Numerous clients come to us from Vancouver, Calgary, and Edmonton and other locations in Alberta and even other provinces for Opiate addiction treatment, heroin drug treatment, many other drugs, and alcohol addictions for rehabilitation because of the uniqueness of our treatment center.

Our (Kelowna) Alcohol and Drug Treatment Program Location:
(Not Mailing Address) – Contact Us – Web Page
For Mail Delivery :: Please contact each center for correct mailing addresses, also this location is the location of our residential treatment programs in Kelowna. Please call Toll Free 1-855-335-0331 – to contact the treatment center you are going to for the address and directions.

Prescription Painkillers or Abuse of Opiates

Options Okanagan Drug and Opiate Treatment Center
551 Sherrydale Crescent, Kelowna, British Columbia, V1V 2E6
Toll-Free Phone Number: 1-855-335-0331

Treatment Programs During This COVID-19 Virus Pandemic (Part 03) :: Mental Health Disorder Rehabs In Alberta And BC :: Options Okanagan Treatment Centers

Drug and alcohol abuse increases globally from the COVID-19 virus pandemic and the treatment programs during this COVID-19 virus pandemic. Mental Health Disorder Treatment Programs and Clinics in BC and Alberta – Opiate and prescription drug rehabilitation programs in British Columbia and Alberta – Options Treatment Center in Kelowna, British Columbia treating opiate, prescription drug, opioid, fentanyl, heroin, and alcohol addiction and recovery.

Drug Rehabs In Alberta And BC

[People Who Use Drugs – (PWUD)]
The health risks for drug and alcohol users or (PWUDs) during this COVID-19 pandemic

Ensuring effective treatment programs during this COVID-19 virus pandemic

Apply COVID-19 steps to prevent virus transmission in the locations used by PWUDs.

To reduce transmission of COVID-19, it is strongly recommended not to share drugs or medicines, and appropriate social and hygiene measures must be promoted. Communication strategies need to be developed to take into account different behaviors and different user groups, including marginalized groups such as homeless people, drug and cannabis users. PWUDs must be encouraged to consider where it is possible to stop or reduce drug use as protection, and steps are needed to provide medical, addiction support to those seeking access to services. As practiced by other health and social services, drug services, homeless shelters, and prisons must spread clear messages about how to reduce the risk of infection and provide appropriate materials for service users and their staff personal. This includes:

Personal precautions: Promote proper hand hygiene and reduce the risk of coughing and sneezing. Make sure the bathroom has soap and a hand dryer. Provide alcohol-based disinfectants that contain at least 60% alcohol at key locations in the facility, including registrants, entrances, and exits.

People Living with Prescription Drug addiction and Addiction Aftercare & Mental Health Disorder Programs in Fort McMurray, Edmonton and Calgary, Alberta

Environmental precautions: Clean surfaces that are frequently used, minimize objects frequently and ensure adequate ventilation.

Current practice in communicating with PWUD about the risks of treatment and exchange of medical devices must be reviewed to ensure that the risk of COVID-19 exposure in light of possible modes of transmission like droplets or on surfaces.

Current practices for the provision of clean injection equipment and other drug products such as smoking and inhalation equipment, to limit exchanges between drug users need to be reviewed and adjusted as necessary to ensure that they remain suitable for the purpose. It may be necessary to reduce the supply of devices to individuals independently.

Social distance measures for PWUDs and those working with these groups must be encouraged and implemented. This includes avoiding close contact like shaking hands or hugging, standing at a reasonable distance from each person and limiting the number of individuals who can use the service at the very same time. Social distancing is important at this stage. Special attention must be given to supporting and providing the resources needed for drug users, homeless shelters and detainees to help protect themselves and others from infection.

People Living with Prescription Drug addiction and Addiction Aftercare & Mental Health Disorder Programs in Red Deer, Edmonton and Calgary, Alberta

COVID-19 Pandemic & Drug Addiction In Alberta And BC

A protocol is needed for services to respond to PWUDs that show signs of possible COVID-19 virus infections. This may include the provision of masks for individuals with respiratory symptoms such as coughing or fever, and the establishment of isolation areas, zones and procedures suitable for the management and their notification in accordance with developing national guidelines. There are technical reports on the prevention and control of COVID-19 virus infections in health services, including long-term care facilities

Ensure continuity of care during this COVID-19 virus pandemic.

Ensuring the continuity of basic health services for drug users will be very important. In this context, it is important to ensure that services are carried out correctly, personnel protection measures are taken, and service planning is prioritized.

Ensure continuity of service:

Drug treatment and PWUD threshold harm reduction services are important health services that must continue to operate in limited conditions.

Therefore, ensuring the continued provision of drug treatment services, including opioid replacement drugs and other important drugs, will be the most important.

An emergency plan is needed for possible shortages of drugs and equipment.

Services must plan employee absence by developing a flexible attendance and sick leave policy, identifying jobs and important positions, and planning alternative coverage for cross-training members.

Opiate Addiction & Drug Rehabs in Alberta and BC

Drug Addiction & COVID-19 in Alberta and BC

Services may need to plan temporary alternatives if permanent locations need to be closed, providing online services, providing drugs and equipment through pharmacies, home visits, telephone calls or video calls for evaluation and tracking, plus adapting existing practices, such as expanding prescriptions to home treatment with opioid replacement therapy (OST).

Based on national guidelines, alternatives to the appointments of individuals, in person, and in groups may need to be stopped, reduced or implemented during this high-risk COVID-19 virus pandemic.

The availability and affordability of providing PWUD services for homeless individuals will be important because this can be in the form of groups with limited resources for self-protection and self-isolation.

Protection of service providers during a pandemic and important steps to consider:

Provide employees with necessary information about precautions.

Provide the necessary protective equipment for personnel and implement protocols to reduce the risk of transmission to staff and patients, including the use of physical barriers to protect personnel who interact with customers with unknown infection status.

Reducing the number of employees who interact directly and introducing appropriate risk management policies and procedures for clients with respiratory symptoms.

Review work practices for high-risk COVID-19 employees and volunteers, those who are older or have health conditions, including the introduction of remote working conditions if possible.

Arrange routine virtual meetings to quickly respond to problems in local situations and change actions quickly by local and national authorities.

The coronavirus pandemic trauma will cause more alcohol and drug abuse worldwide.

Options Okanagan Opiate and Alcohol Treatment Centers in Kelowna, Salmon Arm and Vancouver, British Columbia – Men and Women are recovering and healing from Alcohol and Drug Abuse at our treatment center here in the Okanagan right now.

Individuals Living with Opiate Addiction and Addiction Aftercare & Mental Health Disorder Programs in Kelowna

Our unique and distinctive Opiate Drug and Alcohol treatment program allow men and women to come in from Calgary as well as Edmonton as we offer airport pickup.

Numerous clients come to us from Vancouver, Calgary, and Edmonton and other locations in Alberta and even other provinces for Opiate addiction treatment, heroin drug treatment, many other drugs, and alcohol addictions for rehabilitation because of the uniqueness of our treatment center.

Our (Kelowna) Alcohol and Drug Treatment Program Location:
(Not Mailing Address) – Contact Us – Web Page
For Mail Delivery :: Please contact each center for correct mailing addresses, also this location is the location of our residential treatment programs in Kelowna. Please call Toll Free 1-855-335-0331 – to contact the treatment center you are going to for the address and directions.

Prescription Painkillers or Abuse of Opiates

Options Okanagan Drug and Opiate Treatment Center
551 Sherrydale Crescent, Kelowna, British Columbia, V1V 2E6
Toll-Free Phone Number: 1-855-335-0331

People Who Use Drugs (PWUDs) and The Risks During This COVID-19 Pandemic (Part 02) :: Mental Health Disorder Rehabs In Alberta And BC :: Options Okanagan Treatment Centers

Alcohol and drug abuse will increase in Canada and the US, but also globally from this COVID-19 virus pandemic. Mental Health Disorder Treatment Clinics and Programs in Alberta and BC – Opioid and prescription drug rehab programs in Alberta and British Columbia – Options Treatment Center in Kelowna, British Columbia treating opiate, prescription drug, fentanyl, heroin, and alcohol addiction and recovery.

Drug Rehabs In Alberta And BC

[People Who Use Drugs – (PWUD)]
What are the dangerous risks for People Who Use Drugs (PWUDs) during this COVID-19 pandemic?

Sharing devices for drug use can increase the risk of infection.

While the PWUD that share the injection materials increases the risk of infection with blood-borne viruses such as HIV and hepatitis B and C viruses, sharing inhalation, smoking, or injection devices contaminated with COVID-19 can increase the risk of infection and also increases the chances in spreading the virus. The majority of the time the COVID-19 virus will spread from one individual to another, which may occur between individuals who are close together (within 6 feet) of each other, and through the breath drops that occur when infected individuals sneeze or coughs. This virus can also survive for a relatively long time on several surfaces. While mitigation reports generally focus on risks associated with injection, less attention is given to other administrative routes. COVID-19 outbreaks can involve additional risks that are currently not widely known, such as drug paraphernalia, sharing of joints, cigarettes, vaping devices, and others.

People Living with Prescription Drug addiction and Addiction Aftercare & Mental Health Disorder Programs in Fort McMurray, Edmonton and Calgary, Alberta

COVID-19 Pandemic & Drug Addiction In Alberta And BC

Population density will increase the risks of COVID-19 exposures.

The characteristics of several facilities visited by drug users (PWUD) can increase the risk of exposure to the COVID-19 virus:

Leisure drug use is often carried out in a crowded group or environment, increasing the risk of exposure to COVID-19. This can be managed and reduced to some extent by the use of socially distancing by following established security policies or other actions to reduce the use or access to high-risk places.

Alcohol and drug treatment facilities, low threshold services, and social assistance services for PWUDs can have areas where social distancing is difficult, such as waiting rooms or public facilities. As with other settings, proper distance recognition and hygiene practices are very important.

People Living with Prescription Drug addiction and Addiction Aftercare & Mental Health Disorder Programs in Red Deer, Edmonton and Calgary, Alberta

Homeless PWUDs often have no choice but to spend time in public spaces and do not have access to personal care resources. Seclusion is a major challenge for the homeless and access to health services is often very limited. For answers in this field, it is important to answer the needs of PWUD who are homeless or in unstable homes.

Managing the risk of transmission of COVID-19 seems very difficult in prison. The prevalence of drug use and infectious diseases is high in prisons. This is a closed environment where overcrowding, poor infrastructure, and late diagnosis have been documented.

The risk of disruptions to drug services, clean drug use devices, and vital drugs.

Opioid Addiction & Prescription Drug Rehabs in Alberta and BC

Substance Abuse Treatment Programs in Alberta and BC

Continuation of care for PWUDs who use drug services can be a challenge in terms of staff shortages, interruptions and closures, self-isolation, and restrictions on freedom of movement. In this context, emergency planning and sustainability are very important. Small medical facilities and services funded locally and managed by NGOs that operate together with the formal structure of the public health system may be very vulnerable and may not have access to additional resources needed to ensure continuity of care.

There is a risk of limited access to opioid replacement therapy and other major drugs, as well as clean devices for drug use, especially when community pharmacies need to reduce hours and services and stop methadone control. Access to treatment is likely to be very difficult for entrepreneurs who are locked up or quarantined.

Traffic restrictions in some places because COVID-19 can also disrupt the drug market and reduce the supply of illegal drugs. This can have a number of implications, especially for drug addicts, and can lead to increased demand for drug services.

The coronavirus pandemic trauma will cause more alcohol and drug abuse not just in Canada but world drug abuse.

More risks for drug users or (PWUDs) during this COVID-19 pandemic. – [ Part 03 April 21 ]

Options Okanagan Opiate and Alcohol Treatment Centers in Kelowna, Salmon Arm and Vancouver, British Columbia – Men and Women are recovering and healing from Alcohol and Drug Abuse at our treatment center here in the Okanagan right now.

Individuals Living with Opiate Addiction and Addiction Aftercare & Mental Health Disorder Programs in Kelowna

Our unique and distinctive Opiate Drug and Alcohol treatment program allow men and women to come in from Calgary as well as Edmonton as we offer airport pickup.

Numerous clients come to us from Vancouver, Calgary, and Edmonton and other locations in Alberta and even other provinces for Opiate addiction treatment, heroin drug treatment, many other drugs, and alcohol addictions for rehabilitation because of the uniqueness of our treatment center.

Our (Kelowna) Alcohol and Drug Treatment Program Location:
(Not Mailing Address) – Contact Us – Web Page
For Mail Delivery :: Please contact each center for correct mailing addresses, also this location is the location of our residential treatment programs in Kelowna. Please call Toll Free 1-855-335-0331 – to contact the treatment center you are going to for the address and directions.

Prescription Painkillers or Abuse of Opiates

Options Okanagan Drug and Opiate Treatment Center
551 Sherrydale Crescent, Kelowna, British Columbia, V1V 2E6
Toll-Free Phone Number: 1-855-335-0331

Risks for Drug Users or (PWUDs) During This COVID-19 Pandemic (Part 01) :: Mental Health Disorder Rehabs In Alberta And BC :: Options Okanagan Treatment Centers

Drug and alcohol abuse increases in Canada and the United States and also globally from the COVID-19 virus pandemic. Mental Health Disorder Treatment Programs in BC and Alberta – Opiate and prescription drug rehabilitation programs in British Columbia and Alberta – Options Treatment Center in Kelowna, British Columbia treating prescription drug, opiate, fentanyl, heroin, and alcohol addiction and recovery.

Opiate Rehabs In Alberta And BC

[People Who Use Drugs – (PWUD)]
What are the specific risks for drug users or (PWUDs) during this COVID-19 pandemic?

While PWUDs have the same risk of COVID-19 infection as do the rest of the population, PWUDs have additional risks that need to be addressed and mitigated. For instance, elderly opiate users in Canada are very at risk because of the high level of existing health problems and lifestyle factors. The use of recreational drugs is often done in an environment where people can meet and share drugs or drug items such as pipes. In general, stigma and marginalization related to some forms of drug use can not only increase risk but also create obstacles to promote risk mitigation measures.

COVID-19 Pandemic & Drug Addiction In Alberta And BC

People Living with Prescription Drug addiction and Addiction Aftercare & Mental Health Disorder Programs in Fort McMurray, Edmonton and Calgary, Alberta

Serious chronic illness is associated with some form of drug use and increases the risk of developing a serious illness. Because of the high prevalence of chronic diseases in PWUD, many are at risk of serious respiratory disease if they are infected with COVID-19. There are many examples of problems and some of them are described below.

The prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma is high in patients treated, and smoking heroin or cocaine can be a contributing factor. There is also a high incidence of cardiovascular disease in people who inject drugs and individuals who use cocaine. Methamphetamine shrinks blood vessels, which can cause lung damage, and there is evidence that opioid abuse can affect the immune system. The prevalence of HIV, viral hepatitis and liver cancer, which leads to a weakened immune system, is high in people who inject drugs. Smoking and nicotine addiction are very common in most PWUDs and can increase the risk of more negative outcomes.

People Living with Prescription Drug addiction and Addiction Aftercare & Mental Health Disorder Programs in Red Deer, Edmonton and Calgary, Alberta

PWUDs infected with COVID-19 are at a higher risk of overdoses

Opioids such as heroin have life-threatening effects like slowing down and stopping the breathing process of individuals. Because COVID-19, such as a serious lung infection, can cause breathing difficulties, opioid users may have an increased risk of overdose. The antidote to naloxone inhibits the effect and reverses shortness of breath caused by opioids. This is used in clinical and community settings to prevent overdose. COVID-19 virus is not known to affect the difficulty of breathing when using naloxone.

Opioid Addiction & Drug Rehabs in Alberta and BC

Opiate Addiction Treatment Programs in Alberta and BC

The coronavirus pandemic trauma will cause more alcohol and drug abuse not just in Canada but world drug abuse.

More risks for drug users or (PWUDs) during this COVID-19 pandemic. – [ Part 02 April 18 ]

Options Okanagan Opiate and Alcohol Treatment Centers in Kelowna, Salmon Arm and Vancouver, British Columbia – Men and Women are recovering and healing from Alcohol and Drug Abuse at our treatment center here in the Okanagan right now.

Individuals Living with Opiate Addiction and Addiction Aftercare & Mental Health Disorder Programs in Kelowna

Our unique and distinctive Opiate Drug and Alcohol treatment program allow men and women to come in from Calgary as well as Edmonton as we offer airport pickup.

Numerous clients come to us from Vancouver, Calgary, and Edmonton and other locations in Alberta and even other provinces for Opiate addiction treatment, heroin drug treatment, many other drugs, and alcohol addictions for rehabilitation because of the uniqueness of our treatment center.

Our (Kelowna) Alcohol and Drug Treatment Program Location:
(Not Mailing Address) – Contact Us – Web Page
For Mail Delivery :: Please contact each center for correct mailing addresses, also this location is the location of our residential treatment programs in Kelowna. Please call Toll Free 1-855-335-0331 – to contact the treatment center you are going to for the address and directions.

Prescription Painkillers or Abuse of Opiates

Options Okanagan Drug and Opiate Treatment Center
551 Sherrydale Crescent, Kelowna, British Columbia, V1V 2E6
Toll-Free Phone Number: 1-855-335-0331

Drug and Alcohol Abuse Increases Nationally and Worldwide from the COVID-19 Pandemic :: Mental Health Disorder Rehabs In Alberta And BC :: Options Okanagan Treatment Centers

Drug and alcohol abuse increases in Canada and the United States and also globally from the COVID-19 virus pandemic. Mental Health Disorder Treatment Programs in BC and Alberta – Opiate and prescription drug rehabilitation programs in British Columbia and Alberta – Options Treatment Center in Kelowna, British Columbia treating prescription drug, opiate, fentanyl, heroin, and alcohol addiction and recovery.

Opioid Rehabs In Alberta And BC

The coronavirus pandemic trauma can cause an increase in drug and alcohol use and abuse not just nationally but worldwide abuse.

Researchers studying drug and alcohol use disorders have found that this pandemic trauma can increase addiction. A study that was conducted in 2008 and the analysis was published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It was found that inpatient rates for alcohol consumption disorders had increased by more than 37% since Hurricane Katrina. 9/11 and Katrina are still geographically limited, but with the COVID-19 virus, it is everywhere in the world and almost at the same time.

COVID-19 Pandemic & Alcohol Addiction In Alberta And BC

People who work in a liquor and beer store business have noticed a big increase in individuals buying alcohol in larger amounts and a surge in the delivery of alcohol products which shows that many are turning to their old form of relieving anxiety in this COVID-19 pandemic.

People Living with Prescription Drug addiction and Addiction Aftercare & Mental Health Disorder Programs in Fort McMurray, Edmonton and Calgary, Alberta

Who does not at least think about reaching for a bottle in this pandemic? And according to leading addiction and medical experts, this can lead to a sharp increase in drug abuse.

The past crisis shows that a trauma experience will accompany individuals for years to come, and the way some people deal with it can be a source of sadness and other burdens on the overall health care system.

And in the example after Hurricane Katrina, survivors smoked more, consume alcohol and more often experience alcohol-related health issues. This information emerged from a study conducted by researchers from a leading university after the storm.

There are many individuals who are dealing with trauma and stress, and the majority of addiction counselors and medical experts know that these stressors and other traumatic events, as well as other types of disasters, have made people increase their drug and alcohol use.

People Living with Prescription Drug addiction and Addiction Aftercare & Mental Health Disorder Programs in Red Deer, Edmonton and Calgary, Alberta

So far, substance abuse and psychiatric services that operate toll-free hotlines that provide 24-hour information, and treatment recommendations for those who struggle with drugs and alcohol say that call volumes will not increase much in the first few weeks from the normal volumes. But if the past is a prologue, the effect of what happens today when addiction starts will not be fully visible for a while.

And in 2008, three years after Hurricane Katrina landed, hospitalization rates for drug use disorders in the southern state of Louisiana had increased by more than 36% of illnesses compared to the year before the storm, according to an analysis published by the United States Center for Control and Prevention.

Medical experts and addiction counselors fear this will happen again, and this time it will be at the national and global levels.

The important signal factor to consider is this is a real pandemic and has many addiction counselors and medical professionals very worried. Because, Hurricane Katrina was very much geographically limited to an area of the country in the United States, but with the virus COVID-19, it is all over the world at the very same time.

Opioid Addiction & Mental Health Disorder Programs in Alberta and BC

Opiate Addiction Treatment & Mental Health Disorder Programs in Alberta and BC

Medical professionals have compared the effects of surviving a major disaster, losing close friends, family and other relatives, and patients returning from wars and developing PTSD, (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders). There are many, besides PTSD, will also develop addictions, including alcohol use disorders (AUD).

But, this trauma will not only lead to drug and alcohol abuse in the future for many people; today, it will also cause people to relapse to their drug of choice and other addictions that individuals have and they are not at this time ready or willing to kick them right now. On top of all, this is also a very bad time for the suppression of an individual’s immune system.

One addiction can encourage another, and about 50% of individuals who have alcohol abuse issues also smoke cigarettes. As a result, they also have chronic lung problems and are more likely to develop more complex medical symptoms of COVID-19, including respiratory failure. This is a vicious medical, addiction circle.

Drug Addiction & Mental Health Disorder Programs in Alberta and BC

Options Okanagan Opiate and Alcohol Treatment Centers in Kelowna, Salmon Arm and Vancouver, British Columbia – Men and Women are recovering and healing from Alcohol and Drug Abuse at our treatment center here in the Okanagan right now.

Individuals Living with Opiate Addiction and Addiction Aftercare & Mental Health Disorder Programs in Kelowna

Our unique and distinctive Opiate Drug and Alcohol treatment program allow men and women to come in from Calgary as well as Edmonton as we offer airport pickup.

Numerous clients come to us from Vancouver, Calgary, and Edmonton and other locations in Alberta and even other provinces for Opiate addiction treatment, heroin drug treatment, many other drugs, and alcohol addictions for rehabilitation because of the uniqueness of our treatment center.

Our (Kelowna) Alcohol and Drug Treatment Program Location:
(Not Mailing Address) – Contact Us – Web Page
For Mail Delivery :: Please contact each center for correct mailing addresses, also this location is the location of our residential treatment programs in Kelowna. Please call Toll Free 1-855-335-0331 – to contact the treatment center you are going to for the address and directions.

Prescription Painkillers or Abuse of Opiates

Options Okanagan Drug and Opiate Treatment Center
551 Sherrydale Crescent, Kelowna, British Columbia, V1V 2E6
Toll-Free Phone Number: 1-855-335-0331