PROJECT RECOVERY

Where to turn in a time of crisis for someone struggling with addiction

Jun 12, 2020, 12:15 PM

time of crisis...

For those who are struggling with a substance abuse disorder, many current events can truly lead to a time of crisis with potentially deadly outcomes.

Dr. Matt Woolley, a clinical psychologist, recently spoke on the Project Recovery podcast to offer helpful ways to try and combat addiction in a pandemic.

Video chats with a licensed therapist to help in a time of crisis

In 2018, a survey of professional psychologists reported that only 48% of psychologists offered their services online. Due to the complications from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, that number has shifted dramatically.

Many patients have begun to question whether or not you even have a good experience to share that connection virtually. Luckily, people are adapting to the new standards according to Dr. Woolley.

“The numbers are starting to prove that yes you can,” Dr. Woolley said. “People who were in recovery and were going to meetings or people who haven’t ever done that, they should consider either continuing or starting these video support systems.”

Take advantage of your family practitioner

For many families who are already familiar with their family practitioner, that may be one of the best places to start when addressing a possible addiction.

“Most people have a relationship with a family practice doctor. They’re a great resource because you typically can get in fairly quickly and this affects the general health of your family,” Dr. Woolley said.

The benefits of choosing someone you are already familiar with to get assistance can be an incredible asset. Practitioners might not be able to help directly but they’ll be able to point you to other resources as well as send you to a specialist and give you further information on where to turn in a time of crisis.

Look into your benefits

While mental health benefits in the workplace are still adapting to the ever-growing landscape of mental health awareness, many business have begun implementing various EAPs (Employee Assistance Programs).

“Usually, when we sign up for healthcare plans through work, we’re not thinking about therapy or mental health,” Dr. Woolley described. “But most plans nowadays have some sort of mental health benefit so that’s a good place to start.”

According to a poll published by the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans (IFEBP), 68% of 619 U.S. organizations polled planned to increase their emphasis on mental health services by next year.

So, be sure to take a look into your healthcare package to find a list of providers appropriate to your insurance plan.

Download the SafeUT app

Many Utahns have found an incredibly valuable resource in combatting mental health disorders by using the SafeUT app. The app was originally developed in 2015 to help provide assistance regarding mental health issues, as well as to provide real-time crisis intervention for Utah’s youth.

According to Dr. Woolley, the app is used as an outlet for teens who may struggle with a major depression disorder and possibly have suicidal thoughts.

“Just think, unsafe. If there is something that feels unsafe, it’s a good resource to reach out and make some connections,” he added.

You can text or call in anytime if you feel like a member of your family is struggling with substance abuse.

Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255)

In such a dangerous time of crisis, psychologists are still unsure of the long-term effects that the pandemic will have. One of their main concerns though is a potential rise in suicide rates.

Dr. Woolley says that one way we can combat the negative effects of the pandemic is by “making a connection”.

“All recovery change starts with making a connection somewhere with someone and finding support that leads you to better ideas,” he explained. “If you’re depressed, you’re not thinking clearly and you aren’t problem-solving well. Let someone else who’s been there and can give you some professional and even peer-to-peer support.”

If you or anyone you know may be experiencing the following warning signs please call 9-1-1 immediately.

  • Increased substance use
  • No reason for living, no sense of purpose in life
  • Anxiety, agitation, unable to sleep or sleeping all the time
  • Feeling trapped — like there’s no way out
  • Hopelessness
  • Withdrawal from friends, family, and society
  • Rage, uncontrolled anger, seeking revenge
  • Acting reckless or engaging in risky activities, seemingly without thinking
  • Dramatic mood changes

Listen to the podcast to learn more about substance abuse awareness in a time of crisis

For more information on addiction or if you or someone you know is struggling, you can find more information on Facebook, KSL TV, or from Use Only as Directed. To hear more from Casey Scott and Dr. Matt Woolley, you can listen below or subscribe to the ‘Project Recovery’ podcast on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get major podcasts.

KSL 5 TV Live

Project Recovery

recovery...

Josh Tilton

How a Utah recovery center is innovating treatment for substance abuse

A Utah recovery center owner is redefining how others find recovery after he struggled to live a substance-free lifestyle for years. Jordan Burningham, who was once addicted to heroin and struggling to stay sober, is in charge of one of the leading innovative recovery centers in Utah. He’s currently 6 years sober himself and through […]

2 years ago

Instagram...

Josh Tilton

How Instagram became an outlet for a mother struggling with addiction

After struggling for years with being able to stay sober, Gentry Jones turned to Instagram to try and help curb her addiction to alcohol and get her on the road to recovery. Gentry, now a mother of four kids, began to experiment with alcohol throughout her teenage years. Her substance abuse began to escalate as […]

2 years ago

Tainted...

Josh Tilton

Utah artist on how his addiction help fueled the creation of his new single “Tainted”

Growing up in a traditional Utah household, Tyler Gould was living the all-American dream. He was active in multiple sports and even a member of the Church of Latter-Day Saints. But after getting an itch to sell extra ADD medicine that he had laying around when he was fourteen years old, his life would never […]

2 years ago

Project Recovery host Casey Scott talks to Sarah Frei about their experiences with drunk driving cr...

Ashley Moser & Jared Turner, KSL TV

Sarah Frei Gives Emotional Interview About Losing Legs In Crash

Project Recovery podcast host Casey Scott sat down with Sarah Frei, the young woman who lost both of her legs in a crash caused by a drunk driver.

3 years ago

Coming to understand what Casey Scott’s addiction was truly like for his children only came recen...

Aley Davis & Debbie Worthen, KSL TV

Addiction Through A Daughter’s Eyes: How Teen’s Letter Impacted Casey Scott

Addiction is a family disease. It doesn't just affect the individual struggling, but everyone who loves them. Former KSL-TV feature reporter Casey Scott took that message to heart after reading a paper written by his 16-year-old daughter, Preslee.

3 years ago

promote safe prescription drug use...

Josh Tilton

Helpful ways to promote safe prescription drug use with Know Your Script

SALT LAKE CITY — Between 2017-2020, Intermountain Healthcare has been successful in reducing opioids by 9.5 million fewer pills and reducing benzodiazepine and opioid co-prescribing by 49%. All the while, finding ways to promote safe prescription drug use for Utahns within our state. According to Kim Compagni, AVP Pain Management Services at Intermountain Healthcare, we […]

3 years ago

Sponsored Articles

Stack of old laptops with dark background...

PC Laptops

Old Laptop Upgrades You Need to Try Before Throwing it Away

Get the most out of your investment. Try these old laptop upgrades before throwing it out to keep it running fast and efficient.

Happy diverse college or university students are having fun on their graduation day...

BYU MBA at the Marriott School of Business

How to Choose What MBA Program is Right for You: Take this Quiz Before You Apply!

Wondering what MBA program is right for you? Take this quiz before you apply to see if it will help you meet your goals.

Close up of an offset printing machine during production...

Les Olson IT

Top 7 Reasons to Add a Production Printer to Your Business

Learn about the different digital production printers and how they can help your company save time and money.

vintage photo of lighting showroom featuring chandeliers, lamps, wall lights and mirrors...

Lighting Design

History of Lighting Design | Over 25 Years of Providing Utah With the Latest Trends and Styles

Read about the history of Lighting Design, a family-owned and operated business that paved the way for the lighting industry in Utah.

Fiber Optical cables connected to an optic ports and Network cables connected to ethernet ports...

Brian Huston, CE and Anthony Perkins, BICSI

Why Every Business Needs a Structured Cabling System

A structured cabling system benefits businesses by giving you faster processing speeds and making your network more efficient and reliable.

notebook with password notes highlighted...

PC Laptops

How to Create Strong Passwords You Can Actually Remember

Learn how you can create strong passwords that are actually easy to remember! In a short time you can create new ones in seconds.

Where to turn in a time of crisis for someone struggling with addiction