Valley Hope Provides Assistance For Those Struggling With Addiction

Valley Hope of Oklahoma City is using their resources to continue helping those who suffer from addiction during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. 

As many dealing with addiction may be in self-isolation, the treatment center said it’s important to communicate and continue treating patients online.

“We know the dangers of addiction dramatically increase in the face of heightened anxiety, stress, isolation and it’s expected to get worse with the coronavirus,” Valley Hope of Oklahoma City Program Director Melissa Rios said.

According to officials, alcohol sales are on the rise across the country. They’ve grown more than 55 percent. Hard liquor sales are up 75 percent. 

Drinking to cope with the pandemic can lead to a dangerous pattern. Rios said it’s important for people to realize they can still get the help they need.

“This is what’s happening. This is an unprecedented time,” Rios said. “We’ve never dealt with anything like this before, but addiction doesn’t stop.”

Valley Hope cited a study by the CDC that said binge drinking between 2006 and 2010 resulted in 88,000 deaths in the United States.

The Healthy Minds Initiative projects that an additional 13,000 Oklahomans may develop a substance abuse disorder.

Rios said it’s not just fear that causes substance abuse, but also people not having anything to do while home.

“We’re human beings, so we’re made for connection,” Rios said. “With the coronavirus where a lot of us are self-isolating, we’re quarantining, so boredom can play a big role.”

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