Safety protocols are always a top priority for addiction treatment centers, but even more so during a worldwide pandemic. Although the COVID-19 pandemic has forced most of the country to rethink how they do business, socialize, and get the health services they need, rest assured that treatment centers are still open.
Even with the virus at the forefront of everyone’s minds, drug and alcohol abuse continue to cause overdoses and destroy families. So, it’s important to know that you or a loved one will be in the safest environment possible while getting treatment.
If you or your loved one struggles with addiction, it is possible to get into recovery, even amidst a public health crisis. But you shouldn’t hesitate to ask potential treatment centers what their safety protocols are. At the Addiction Recovery Institute of America, we are certified as ‘Covid Clear’ in Florida. Contact our specialists today to learn more about our safety protocol in treatment.
Safety Protocol In Treatment
Every treatment center should develop screening and follow-up procedures in coordination with a medical team or a public health authority. You need to know your health or a loved one’s health and safety is a priority through every step of the treatment program, so be sure to inquire what protocols are in place at any treatment center you are considering.
Treatment center policies should address the safety of clients and the treatment team by putting the following protocols into place.
- Screening clients before arrival to ensure they are COVID-19 symptom-free
- Developing waiting room precautions like signs about hand hygiene, cough etiquette, and social distancing
- Expanding access to medications to ensure those in outpatient treatment are getting the medication they need without having to make unnecessary physical in-office appointments
- Implementing telehealth options to minimize in-person contact and provide safe assessments
- Increased cleaning and hygiene such as regular disinfection of surfaces, enforcement of client and staff handwashing, and sanitizing
- Decreasing or limiting traffic from outside sources, including family visitation
Managing The Threat Of Coronavirus
To feel safe in your environment while you are receiving treatment, you should know how a treatment center will handle monitoring clients and residents for identifying and reporting cases of COVID-19.
Ask questions like:
- What symptoms should raise a concern?
- Under what circumstances will a resident be evaluated for potential testing?
- How will that resident be isolated from other residents and staff while awaiting evaluation and potential testing?
- What plans are in place for isolating or quarantining residents and staff who were either exposed to individuals with symptoms or have tested positive for the coronavirus?
- What are the protocols for immediately contacting the individual’s primary care doctor or the facility medical director for further guidance?
- What are the processes for contacting and informing any contacts of a resident or staff member who tests positive or is suspected of having COVID-19?
- What is the quarantine requirement of new clients or residents?
We Are Covid Clear In Florida
Yes, rehab is still safe. Right now, most treatment centers like ARIA have safety protocols in place to ensure that their facilities remain coronavirus-free. This means minimizing person-to-person interaction, regularly testing clients and team members for COVID-19, and strictly enforcing physical distancing, masking, and hygiene protocols.
At the Addiction Recovery Institute of America, we are an accredited rehab program center in the state of Florida by the Joint Commission. We continue to keep our staff and residents safe by being ‘Covid Clear.’ This means that our team – staff and guests included – are tested, our facility sanitized continuously with Covid Clear products, and CDC guidelines for safety are in place.
Contact Aria To Learn More About Our Safety Protocols
If you are ready to move forward with your recovery, then we can help. You might feel that now is the time to stay home and worry about your addiction later, but with safety protocols in place, treatment centers are equipped to help you now with your recovery. In fact, isolation and loneliness may worsen your substance abuse.
The Addiction Recovery Institute of America can provide you with everything you need to break the cycle of addiction. To find out more about our treatment programs, contact us online or call 844.973.2641 to speak with a treatment specialist today.