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 Virginia open during the Coronavirus pandemic? Outpatient and Inpatient rehabilitation centers for addiction are still open in Virginia 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 Virginia 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 adequate for everyone. For those with a severe drug or alcohol problem, entering into a residential inpatient short or long-term treatment program in Virginia 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.

Private inpatient drug and alcohol rehabilitation facilities in Virginia have been reworking their programs to help reduce the risk of contracting the COVID-19 virus. Virginia Private rehab centers for addiction are following the same ASAM and CDC guidelines for delivering treatment while the pandemic is still a concern.

Is Telemedicine the right option for the treatment of addiction to drugs or alcohol? Telehealth is a new addition to drug and alcohol treatment programs and is now offered through some drug and alcohol treatment programs in Virginia. Telehealth drug and alcohol rehabilitation services are starting to make significant changes to how treatment is delivered while we are in the midst of the Coronavirus pandemic. Call us now to see if Telehealth is right for you. We can help you determine if you would be better serviced in a COVID-safe residential inpatient treatment facility in Virginia.

How to tell if the drug rehab center you have chosen for treatment is set up to deliver a safe program while the coronavirus pandemic is still a concern? Seeking treatment for an addiction is a hard decision without adding the stresses of the Coronavirus, and the risks of contracting COVID-19. Seeking treatment can be difficult under normal circumstances and exponentially harder during the pandemic. The apprehension to enter an inpatient drug treatment center is not unwarranted. This is why it is very important to be certain that the center that you choose, is taking the appropriate precautions and following ASAM’s protocols for delivering a drug or alcohol treatment program during the coronavirus pandemic.  

When looking for inpatient treatment programs for alcohol or drug addiction, there are a few changes to treatment protocols and the way treatment should be handled while the COVID-19 Pandemic is still spreading,  Since March 2020, there have been many changes that affect how programs are administered and delivered. The most important changes are those that keep all staff and patients safe while undergoing treatment in a residential drug or alcohol rehabilitation facility in Virginia. 

Do not enter into a program that cannot tell you exactly what they are doing to keep their clients safe from the COVID-19 pandemic, while enrolled in their treatment facility. A good private drug treatment program for addiction will have strict protocols in place to ensure the safe as possible delivery of their addiction treatment program. Although there are still risks involved in entering into inpatient treatment centers in Virginia, the risks can be less if they follow the CDC and ASAM recommendations. Below we have listed a few changes to treatment delivery and protocols to mitigate the risks of contracting COVID-19 while undergoing inpatient drug or alcohol rehabilitation. All recommendations are from the Center for Disease Control, and the American Society of Addiction Medicine.

Patient Screenings Prior to Entry: New patient screenings over the phone should be conducted prior to entry into any outpatient or inpatient drug or alcohol rehabilitation program. Patients should be screened for fever (confirmed or subjective @ 100.4F or above), new or worse cough, shortness of breath, muscle aches, and sore throat. Screening should include any close contact with someone who has tested positive for the coronavirus, social distancing practices, and any risky behaviors that could have exposed the patient to the coronavirus. Patients should have a plan in place to return home if they contract the virus to help limit exposure to other patients. 

Some Virginia 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 Virginia 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 Virginia 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 Virginia 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 Virginia 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 above recommendations are not required by the state of Virginia 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 Virginia.

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 Virginia are working to ensure their patients stay as safe as possible while undergoing treatment.

1-800-513-5423

Find COVID SAFE Drug Rehabs Near Me

We can help you locate treatment for addiction in your area or anywhere in the country. To locate AA meetings, group meetings, 12-step programs, inpatient treatment, or outpatient services in your town give us a call. There are many options for drug rehab services in many cities in Virginia.

Alexandria, Virginia Drug Rehabs
Arlington, Virginia Addiction Treatment
Ashburn, VA Drug & Alcohol Rehabilitation
Chesapeake, Virginia Substance Abuse Treatment
Norfolk, VA 30/90-Day Treatment Centers
Portsmouth, VA Inpatient Drug Rehab Programs
Richmond, Virginia Treatment Centers for Addiction
Virginia Beach, VA Detox Centers, and Rehab Facilities

Sources
COVID-19
CDC Covid Updates
Coronavirus

Erik Epp – Content Author