Supports available for locals battling drug & alcohol addiction during pandemic

“The more you disturb the routine and the schedule, the more you can go into those dark places and medicate with drugs and alcohol,” said Hillock.

Public orders to physical distance and stay home have been met with compliance from most of the general public, however have isolated some vulnerable groups like those dealing with addiction.

“When you’re isolated there’s a lot more stress in terms of connectiveness,” said Hillock. “So, what’s happening is people can see it basically as a never-ending weekend. People that are out of routine, out of schedule, out of purpose, out of meaning, out of showing up for work can overuse.”

Last week, the provincial government announced $53 million in funding towards mental health and addictions related initiatives specifically aimed at online resources during the pandemic.

A move that Hillock said is needed with families across Alberta and Canada now worrying about their futures.

“It’s prudent and timely,” she said. “The echo pandemic is the drug and alcohol piece, so they’re on the ball with that. In the Great Depression we saw for every one percent of unemployment, there was a one percent increase in suicide rates.”

British Columbia has reported a 40 percent increase in liquor sales amid the pandemic, while a recent study from the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction cites the number of Canadians who are reporting an increase in their alcohol intake has jumped by 18 percent.

McMan Youth, Family and Community Services is one of several local groups that deal with addiction, running a free mobile addictions program to provide supports such as supplies and treatment.

Outreach worker Alison Richards said it’s important to keep clients on track with so many triggers that could lead them to relapsing.

“They might just fall back into their addiction unfortunately,” said Richards. “The triggers are there and all the skills that they’ve learned are kind of falling away a little bit. They no longer have the routine of going to a 12-step meeting or ‘Living Sober’ in the morning and they might just feel the stress too.”

Hillock added stress surrounding the disease has also compounded things for people dealing with addiction, as they are at an increased risk of contracting the virus.

“Their immune systems are already compromised, typically their lungs and heart,” she said. “So, what we could see is more potential deaths with people who have a lifestyle where they do medicate through the use of drug and alcohol.”

According to Richards, she’s seen a substantial increase in the number of locals reaching out to her and McMan to receive help during this pandemic.

While no longer offering in-person services due to physical distancing regulations, McMan said there are still a variety of services that are available to those struggling in Medicine Hat.

“Our doors are closed, but our phones are always on,” said Richards. “We’re able to do no-contact deliveries for harm reduction supplies, food security. I’m on my phone a lot more than I’ve ever been before. But, we’re definitely still able to have those one-on-one addiction conversations, they just look a little bit different.”

Those seeking to access McMan’s mobile addiction program are asked to call 403-952-6228 or 403-527-1588.

by Scott Roblin

Supports available for locals battling drug & alcohol addiction during pandemic

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