Substance Use Disorders During the Pandemic; Getting Help in Chester County

BY CHESTER COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF DRUG AND ALCOHOL SERVICES

Over the past two years, Chester County, just like the rest of the world, has faced ongoing challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. There is no question that these challenges have created or increased feelings of anxiety, uncertainty, stress, and loneliness for everyone.

In addition to navigating the pandemic and accompanying challenges, Chester County, much like the rest of the country, continues to address another public health crisis, substance use disorder (SUD); most recently accentuated by the opioid epidemic. While opioids have greatly contributed to the SUD crisis, it is important to recognize the crisis involves all substances, including alcohol.

When we consider how people deal with increased feelings of anxiety, stress, uncertainty and loneliness, not all coping mechanisms are healthy, such as using substances, and could result in substance use disorder. Over the course of the pandemic, we have seen increased rates of alcohol consumption, among other substances, and subsequent related problems.

In addition to those who developed a substance use disorder from challenges associated with the pandemic, there are individuals who had a substance use problem before the pandemic and will continue to have those problems unless treatment services are accessed. In some ways, those problems may be worse due to sudden, reduced access to a substance of choice, and additional stress, isolation, loneliness.

For those in recovery from a SUD, the pandemic presented a significant challenge with a change in the way recovery supports were available – with many no longer available in person or limited in capacity. The recovery community thrives from connection and relationships, which has been challenged during the pandemic. However, our community is resilient and adapted with alternative formats such as virtual recovery supports.

As our communities continue to navigate the current pandemic, the impact of substance use disorders may be felt even greater, not just by the individual who is using a substance, but their family as well. If you or a loved one are struggling with substances, help is available regardless of insurance. Treatment and support services, which include 12 step meetings and other supports, have, and will continue through the pandemic.

Accessing the drug and alcohol services will be dependent upon individual insurance coverage.

If the individual has insurance, including Medicaid, please call the number listed on the back of your insurance card to get information on how to access drug and alcohol services.

If the individual does not have insurance, funding is available through Chester County. To access drug and alcohol funding through the county, please call one of the following agencies which is closest to you, for help: •Gaudenzia Coatesville (Coatesville) - 610-383-9600 •Mirmont Outpatient (Exton) - 484-565-1130 •Holcomb Behavioral Health Systems (Kennett Square) - 610-388-9225 •Creative Health Services (Pottstown) - 610-933-1223 •Gaudenzia West Chester (West Chester) - 610-429-1414

Chester County offers a free information and referral line which residents can call 1-866-286-3767 Monday through Friday, 9:00am-5:00pm for assistance accessing drug and alcohol treatment or general information.

Additionally, the PA Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs offers a 24/7 Get Help Now line which residents can call 1-800-662-HELP (4357) provides accessing services assistance.

For more information on drug and alcohol information and services, please visit the Chester County Department of Drug and Alcohol Services website.

Accessing Drug and Alcohol Services in Chester County

Experiencing life threatening Situation such as a medical or psychiatric emergency?

If ambulance is needed call 911. If ambulance is not needed, go to nearest Emergency Department.

Once admitted to the Emergency Department, patient will be stabilized.

If detox is needed, hospital staff will attempt to set-up a transfer to a contracted residential drug and alcohol program.

If detox is not needed, patient will be advised to contact a contracted drug and alcohol program for an assessment.

Not experiencing a life threatening situation, but looking to access treatment?

REGARDLESS OF INSURANCE TREATMENT IS AVAILABLE.

If patient has insurance (private, CCBH or Medicaid)...

Patient should contact the number on the back of their insurance card for behavioral health treatment services. Insurance will advise next steps.

If patient does not have insurance...

Patient should contact the nearest Outpatient Assessment Provider * to schedule an assessment.

Outpatient Assessment Providers*

Gaudenzia (West Chester ): 610-429-1414 Holcomb (Kennett Square): 610-388-9225 Creative Health Services (Pottstown): 610-933-1223 Gaudenzia (Coatesville ): 610-383-9600 Mirmont Outpatient (Exton): 484-565-1130

Other Resources

Information and Referral Line For questions regarding drug and alcohol services or funding, please call this toll-free Information and Referral Line: 1-866-286-3767

PA DDAP Get Help Now Assistance in finding a treatment provider or funding for substance use disorder treatment 24/7. Hotline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)

Refer Web Community Resource Directory online application for the Chester County Department of Human Services. http://www.referweb.net/chesco/