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Recovery Centers: How We Keep Our Clients and Staff Safe with COVID-19

COVID-19 has taken its toll on the economy and people’s mental health. To deal with the effects and stress of social distancing and loss of a job, people turn to comfort, which could mean abusing drugs or alcohol. However, those who develop an addiction and need rehabilitation also have to feel safe in their environment. Read further about how Ardu Recovery Center keeps our clients safe, amidst a pandemic.

 

Stress in a Crisis

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) put out tips for people struggling with mental health and anxieties associated with COVID-19. Utah is in the orange or Phase Two of the pandemic, meaning specific recommendations the governor has stipulated for a soft opening of the economy. However, because we don’t know everything about this novel virus, recommendations change constantly. This can put stress and pressure on people, especially if they’re already dealing with addiction.

 

Fear and anxiety increase the need to feel calm and in control, which increases the need to mask those feelings with numbing substances like drugs and alcohol. The added stress of whether a substance abuse disorder can increase the risk of contracting COVID because of suppressed immune systems is another area of stress.

 

CDC Recommendations for Covid-19

Even though the CDC has guidelines for the different phases of reopening the economy, states have their guidelines with strict regulations, such as mask-wearing. Some cities in Utah have required wearing masks in public places; however, Utah County has not gone this far — only strongly encouraging them. Yet, the CDC has asked to adhere to the following:

 

  • Wash hands for at least 20 seconds, particularly after touching frequently used items or surfaces.
  • Sneeze or cough inside of your elbow. If you use a tissue, throw it away immediately after.
  • Avoid touching your face.
  • Disinfect frequently used items and surfaces often

 

Those who feel sick should take extra precautions — stay home, utilize video conferencing with their doctor, and if they have symptoms of COVID-19, getting tested at their local clinic or a drive-by service.

Guidelines for Employers

Ardu Recovery Center treats its employees with the same caution and care they do their clients. We implement appropriate policies, following Federal, State, and local guidelines, informed by industry best practices such as:

 

  • Sanitation
  • Social distancing 
  • Protective equipment
  • Temperature checks
  • Commercial cleaning
  • Monitor workforce
  • Quarantining of COVID-19 positive employees and clients

 

What Ardu is Doing to Keep Clients Safe

With many people stuck at home, treatment centers are concerned about overdoses, but they’re also hopeful that people will seek treatment more now than before. And although many businesses are still closed due to COVID-19, counselors may offer video chat and phone calls with patients. Here at Ardu, we are still open and have ensured extra precautions have taken place, including professional cleaning services that come in daily. They disinfect and clean every surface, along with every piece of equipment we use. Other changes we have implemented include:

 

  • Hiring extra cleaners that come in and sanitize all touchpoints several times a day
  • Taking temperatures of all the staff daily, and if there are any symptoms, they are not allowed in
  • Require face masks

 

Upon admission, we screen for COVID by taking an instant blood test to ensure the safety of everyone involved. Note, we have never had a positive case. If by chance, any staff member tests positive, they will be quarantined for their and others’ safety. Visitors will be screened as well, and group therapy practices social distancing and masks are required when in contact with people.

 

If you’re a loved one concerned about someone in addiction recovery, rest assured we are doing everything possible to ensure their safety. Even though changes in routine and physical distancing policies can be particularly challenging for people with a substance abuse disorder, know that we are going above and beyond to ensure their physical and mental health is considered and addressed.

 

Let Us Help 

If you or a loved one struggles with dependency on drugs and alcohol and needs help, we’re here. There’s no need to go it alone and increase COVID-19 induced stress. Our staff is trained and experienced to ensure regular care and support with customized methods for addiction recovery. Contact us to learn more.