DENVER — As we witness businesses close and people staying home you may wonder how people who rely on group connections to stay healthy are doing amid the COVID-19 outbreak.
It's an important question to ask.
Dr. Hunter Kennedy is the executive Director at Footprints to Recovery, a drug and alcohol treatment center in Centennial.
“We do outpatient and day patient for people who are suffering from a multitude of addictions substance abuse as well as mental health issues," Dr. Kennedy said.
As the COVID-19 outbreak changes our lives and routines, staff members at the center want to make sure people who have made positive changes don't fall into old habits.
“One of the key components of addiction is boredom and isolation," Dr. Kennedy said. "Isolating and not having any place to go or things to do, not being able to attend meetings, that's going to initiate the boredom factor”.
They're encouraging everyone, especially those in recovery to stay connected.
“Get on zoom, telephone call into meetings, create your own small meetings, and small groups”, Dr. Kennedy said.
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Relapse is always a concern and that’s why Dr. Kennedy emphasizes there needs to be a plan in place.
“That has to incorporate exercise and time mediating, reflecting, do yoga and some sort of practice to keep yourself lifted up so you don't fall in some sort of depression or despair or loneliness,” Dr. Kennedy said.
“This is short term and we need to stay focused on this too shall pass, and we need to weather the storm and get through it”.
The staff says they are reaching out to clients daily and accepting patients that need help. All of their groups are now telehealth for the time being.
For info about addiction and recovery you can visit the footprints to recovery website or call call 303-519-0372.
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