Questions and Answers

Is it safe to enter into an Inpatient treatment program for addiction with the COVID-19 pandemic still spreading in the country? Yes, it is still safe to go to drug or alcohol rehabilitation centers. Inpatient and outpatient treatment programs for addiction to drugs or alcohol have been changing how they deliver a safe treatment program during the Coronavirus pandemic.  The virus may give you some worries as to whether you should seek treatment right now, but the alcohol and drug overdoses still are destroying families and the virus doesn’t care. Starting your recovery today is still possible to stop the cycle of addiction from destroying your life. It is sometimes beneficial for the client to go to treatment further away from home. Getting away from temptations and friends who may still be using is often better for many people. Clients who go to rehab in another state also have a harder time leaving treatment early as well. Depending on the situation, our counselors may suggest looking for substance abuse programs that are a plane flight away.

Are drug rehabs in Iowa open during the Coronavirus pandemic? Outpatient and Inpatient rehabilitation centers for addiction are still open in Iowa and are considered an essential service, especially while the COVID-19 pandemic has a foothold in the United States. Give us a call if you are looking for a drug rehab center in Iowa that is following the ASAM and CDC guidelines for the delivery of their residential inpatient treatment program amid a pandemic.

Is it safer to enter an Outpatient Drug Rehab Center than an Inpatient Treatment Program? Outpatient treatment programs for addiction can be a good option for some people looking for recovery but it is not effective for everyone. For those with a severe drug or alcohol problem, entering into a residential inpatient short or long-term treatment program in Iowa is the best option for long-lasting recovery. In an inpatient drug treatment program, the client will receive care and support, 24 hours a day 7 days a week.

Some Iowa treatment programs are already set up to quarantine new patients through their in-house or contracted detox facilities. The length of stay at a detox facility may increase to make sure that the patient seeking treatment has not been exposed to the virus. 

Limiting patients from “hot spots” during the pandemic will ensure that the center does not put itself or the clients at risk of spreading the Coronavirus. Give us a call to discuss local options for treatment to limit exposure by traveling to the center of your choice. 

To ensure a safe environment during the coronavirus pandemic, residential inpatient treatment programs for addiction in Iowa have been implementing enhanced sanitation schedules. A treatment program should be able to tell you what they are doing for sanitation and to keep their clients safe. You will need to find out exactly what their cleaning and disinfectant schedule consists of. Private residential treatment programs in Iowa have had cleaning schedules in place already and have increased their cleaning and sanitizing schedules to multiple times a day during the coronavirus pandemic. Some centers will have UV light cleaning capabilities and air scrubbers that will help kill the virus that sticks to surfaces and in the air. It is recommended that hand wash be available in all common areas to avoid someone becoming poisoned or trying to drink hand sanitizer. 

The American Society for Addiction Medicine has set up guidelines for healthcare and drug rehabilitation facilities to find out more visit HERE

While we are still seeing a rise in COVID-19 cases, there have been significant changes in how drug and alcohol inpatient treatment centers are handling their new arrivals. A good treatment program will have an intake quarantine area, or even a separate facility for new arrivals to ensure that the center and residents are not exposed to the coronavirus. The implementation of rapid result testing and careful monitoring of the temperature of the client will be part of the intake process. A longer than usual stay in the intake area or detox facility should be expected and planned for. Drug and alcohol treatment programs have now been set up for being able to still deliver their program during the quarantine and transition period. Once cleared, the client can enter the facility to continue their treatment.

Physical or Social  Distancing: Inpatient Drug Treatment Centers in Iowa have been adopting new protocols to accommodate social distancing while still being able to deliver their drug and alcohol rehabilitation program.  Revamped group therapy models are now allowing for video conferencing in a group setting. Groups are to be limited to 10 people,  This will ensure that support and sharing with other patients continue. Group therapy is an integral part of recovery and aftercare.

Mask Policy for staff and patients: Masks should be required in all common areas and worn by staff at all times when working with patients and the public. A strict mask policy is needed to maintain the safety of patients and staff.  A single point of entry for deliveries, intakes, and visitation will help to keep the treatment center safe and virus-free. ASAM has laid out guidelines for a single point of entry and social distancing with delivery personnel.

Residential drug and alcohol treatment programs in Iowa are limiting visitation through video conferencing software apps. Family and friends’ visitation should be limited or restricted. Since the onset of the Pandemic, there have been significant changes in how aftercare and visitation can be delivered. The new video conferencing apps are transforming the delivery of treatment, aftercare, and family therapy. 

The state of Iowa does not require the above recommendations to operate a drug and alcohol rehabilitation program.  These are guidelines to follow to ensure the safety of all clients in the rehab facility. Many of the treatment programs are following ASAM’s recommended actions, but to be sure, ask questions, and be informed. Or you can give us a call with any questions or to receive recommendations on where to find a COVID-safe treatment facility for addiction in Iowa.

While there are still risks of contracting Coronavirus when deciding to enter into a treatment program for addictions, the best drug and alcohol treatment centers will be prepared to help keep their patients safe while getting help for their addictions to drugs or alcohol.  Call us now to find out which drug and alcohol treatment centers in Iowa are working to ensure their patients stay as safe as possible while undergoing treatment.