Hospitality Workers, COVID-19, and Addiction
Hospitality Worker, COVID-19 and Addiction
We have all been impacted by COVID-19 in some form of another.
Those working in the hospitality industry, however, have been hit especially hard during this pandemic.
With the uncertainty of work status and with having to work during a global pandemic, these individuals are looking for ways to handle stress.
Unfortunately, for some hospitality workers, that involves relying on substances and potentially developing an addiction.
Read on to learn more about the link between hospitality workers and COVID-19 and addictions; and how one can get help with a possible addiction during these times.
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What is Addiction?
Addiction is serious and should not be ignored.
Many of us who start off using drugs recreationally or occasionally think to ourselves that we will not get addicted.
However, we fail to realize that by merely using drugs, we open the door to addiction.
Some drugs are so powerful that one use hooks you.
Trying to figure out how to break an addiction once you are hooked is hard.
Addiction presents itself with distinct symptoms, such as:
- You are unable to go long periods without the drug.
- You crave the drug.
- You become secretive when using.
- You resort to illicit and dishonest ways of getting the drug.
- You tell yourself and others you do not have a drug problem, but you continue to use it.
During this time of COVID-19, we are seeing a link between hospitality workers and COVID-19 that sometimes leads to addiction or substance abuse.
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Understanding Potential of Addiction for Hospitality Workers During COVID-19
According to a recent Kaiser Family Foundation poll: “Nearly half (45%) of adults in the United States reported that their mental health had been negatively impacted due to worry and stress over the virus.”
For those working in hospitality, that statistic is likely higher than the national average given their current job, money, health, and stress levels.
And there’s a staggering correlation between increased anxiety and addiction.
According to anxiety.org’s Anxiety and addiction part 1: the connection: “A study from the journal Psychiatric Services found that in a sample of 326 patients with substance abuse disorder, a full 48% also had significant anxiety or anxiety mixed with depression.”
Unfortunately, this connection is bringing rehab centers more hospitality workers struggling from addiction during coronavirus.
Effects of COVID-19 on Hospitality Workers
Servers are losing their jobs, and restaurant owners have to shut down their establishments.
Job loss and money issues have always been linked to an increased risk of addiction, but that’s even more so now due to the pandemic.
During COVID-19, hospitality workers have to face the stress of potentially losing their jobs, along with extended time alone. Thus, there is no doubt that more hospitality workers nowadays need substance abuse treatment due to this pandemic.
Signs of Addiction
Just as with any addiction, there are signs to pay attention to determine if help should be sought out. Specifically, experts recommend hospitality workers and their loved ones pay attention to the below signs between hospitality workers and COVID-19:
-Drinking more alcohol than usual, drinking an unsafe amount of alcohol
-Increased drug use
-The onset of drug use or drinking following coronavirus job loss
-Withdrawing from human interaction, whether it be not answering the phone or making video calls.
-Depression or anxiety
-Irritability
-Mood Swings
-Lack of sleep
The Link Between Mental Illness and Addiction for Hospitality Workers During COVID-19
Increased Risk of Addiction During Tragedy for Hospitality Workers and COVID-19
Emotional therapy is almost always included during addiction rehabilitation, but research finds that it is even more crucial now.
During the National Institute of Health’s Coping with Addiction During COVID-19, the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) Director Dr. Nora Volkow discussed the negative impact on mental health during past tragedies.
She stated, “And when that has happened in the past, we see an increase in the number of people that are drinking, smoking cigarettes, smoking marijuana, taking illicit drugs, and increases in the casualties associated with that drug-taking, and increases in relapse.”
Dr. Volkow went on to state that the coronavirus is like nothing the world has ever seen.
Therefore, the toll on mental illness and addiction is that much worse.
Social Isolation’s Effect on Mental Illness and Addiction
Sadly, the coronavirus is resulting in new triggers to mental health that many patients have never experienced.
Hospitality workers must tackle issues such as loneliness and hopelessness to best help recovery during this time.
This is especially true for hospitality workers as many have been out of work and at-home for a long time.
Because as Dr. Volkow noted, the coronavirus is even more detrimental to mental illness and possible addiction than past tragedies because of the necessary isolation.
She stated, “And so right now that we have this social distancing, it is much harder to get those social reinforcers that… can help a person buffer the strong desires to take drugs.”
If you or a loved one works in the hospitality industry and struggles with addiction, read on to learn how you can get help during COVID-19.
Hospitality Worker Addiction Treatment at Resurgence Behavioral Health
At Resurgence Behavioral Health in California, if you are a hospitality worker, we want to ensure you can beat your alcohol or drug addiction/dependence during COVID-19. We offer detox programs, rehabilitation programs, and an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) post-recovery tailored to the needs of hospitality workers.
Read on to learn more about our treatment options:
Inpatient and Outpatient Programs
We understand that you may have to approach recovery differently due to the coronavirus.
While our inpatient programs are still available, we also offer outpatient treatment options.
Our outpatient drug and alcohol treatment are alternative options for those who cannot attend our residential program. It is ideal for employed people and cannot leave their jobs, or those who are high-risk and need to quarantine.
Your safety and health are of the utmost importance during your rehabilitation with us.
If you choose to attend our inpatient program, that is still an option.
Each inpatient facility provides close supervision by highly trained staff, 24-hour medical care, individual and group therapy sessions, healthy meal options, and a relaxing environment.
Our Approach to Rehabilitation
We take a customized, patient-centric approach to rehabilitation.
If you come to us as a hospitality worker, we will be sure to assess the underlying triggers COVID-19 is causing.
Our treatment programs address all the underlying conditions for addiction to allow you to take ownership of your recovery. Our customized approach, coupled with our staff of highly motivated and well-trained professionals, ensure that you or your loved one will receive excellent care during and after treatment.
Some of the rehabilitation treatments we offer include:
-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or CBT
-Stress Management
-Group Therapy
-Medication to alleviate withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings
Intensive Outpatient Program
If you complete recovery with us during the coronavirus or a former addict needing extra help during this time, please check out our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP).
In IOP, you will have the flexibility to maintain much of your normal daily routine while working on maintaining sobriety.
IOP is a good treatment option if you do not have the means to leave your job or if you have to stay home because you are at high-risk for the coronavirus. You will receive support from therapy groups and gain the ability to apply the skills you learned during treatment, all from the safety of your home.
Resurgence Payment and Insurance Coverage
We firmly believe that every patient should receive the best care possible to treat your addiction.
And this means not having to worry about the cost, especially while dealing with work instability.
At Resurgence, we will ensure your treatment plan is affordable while still providing the best care possible. We accept most PPO insurance as well as private forms of payment for treatment.
We will also negotiate with your insurance provider on your behalf to ensure that you or your loved one is provided with a custom recovery program for your situation at an affordable cost.
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Contact Us
We are here to help and support you through finding your truest self while leaving your most destructive self behind.
We understand what it takes to get you through your addiction and the emotional and psychological support you’ll need from us, to become your best self.
Please contact us today with questions or concerns.
