CleanSlate Blog

The coronavirus continues to cause tremendous stress around the globe. With worries about getting sick, the health of loved ones, job security and social distancing, many people are struggling at this time. In particular, increased isolation and disrupted routines are especially difficult for individuals in recovery. Isolation can lead to conditions like anxiety and depression, which are often co-occurring disorders with addiction. Maintaining contact with your loved one is a crucial part of supporting them on their recovery journey. A simple text or call can have a large impact, or get creative while social distancing. Do an activity you both enjoy virtually or have a safe hangout outdoors, distanced and wearing masks.

The holidays can be a special time to be close to loved ones, but this year the COVID-19 pandemic is a source of increased anxiety. In addition to typical holiday stressors – like the need to find the perfect gift or tension among extended family members – families will be trying to navigate the holidays while staying safe from the virus.This holiday season may be an especially difficult time for individuals in addiction recovery as stress and loneliness caused by social distancing measures can lead to a return to negative coping habits. If your loved one is in recovery, your support and consideration during the holidays could greatly ease their anxiety and make it more enjoyable.Here are our tips for supporting a loved one in recovery during the holiday season:

It’s tradition to focus on what we’re thankful for during the holiday season, but in recovery striving to consistently incorporate gratitude in your life is essential. Addiction is a disease that thrives on negativity, so actively practicing gratitude is a great tool when trying to maintain recovery.

Individuals managing a substance or alcohol addiction face challenges every day when it comes to maintaining their recovery. Many of the principles of recovery depend on physical interactions with mentors, health care providers, friends, support groups and other networks. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to limit physical interactions in many places across the country, people struggling with addiction should seek alternatives to help maintain their recovery

Addiction and isolation can be a dangerous combination.

Last year Ohio witnessed the first decline in drug-related fatalities since 2009. Fatal drug overdoses decreased more than 22% across the state. Unfortunately, Franklin County did not experience the same decline. The county totaled 476 drug deaths in 2018 – the largest death toll in the state and a 10% increase from the year prior. Deadly surges continue to occur:

Addiction is affecting people across the country. Rural areas in particular are struggling with the increase of substance use disorder cases because access to treatment options is typically scarce.

Cape Cod residents now have expanded addiction treatment options. CleanSlate recently acquired three new centers in Hyannis, Falmouth and Wareham, Massachusetts, from Hyannis Family Medical Care, which will continue providing primary care services in Mashpee as Mashpee Family Medicine. The centers recently reopened under the CleanSlate name and retain some of the staff previously employed by Hyannis Family Medical Care. This brings the total number of CleanSlate locations in Massachusetts to 18, impacting close to 6,000 lives monthly.

In 2017, Philadelphia had the highest overall fatal overdose rate in Pennsylvania. In 2018, they had the second-highest rate. But the statistics aren’t all negative: last year Philadelphia County was among 41 counties that experienced a decrease in overdoses. The decrease was small but positive. Twenty-three counties reported increases in deaths and three remained the same.

Ohio’s leading cause of injury-related death is accidental drug overdose. The state has experienced a nearly 800% increase in drug fatalities since 2000, driven by heroin and fentanyl abuse.