The coronavirus pandemic has significantly changed our lives. As we learn to adapt to the new normal, many are finding it hard to survive. Recovering drug addicts, for one, can no longer attend recovery meetings, and this can have significant effects on their journey. Some may find it hard to stick and adhere to their programs, and this can pose problems. For those who may go astray, they run the risk of facing cocaine possession charges in New Jersey. What’s worse is that they are exposing themselves to the deadly virus while they stay in jail, which may have significant health effects. 

Targeting the Respiratory System

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the population that’s at highest risk of developing severe symptoms are those with weak immune and respiratory systems. This is why the elderly, the immunocompromised, and children are advised to stay at home and limit outside activities to prevent infection. Another population that is most at risk is substance abusers. 

The COVID-19 virus targets the lungs, and those that are addicted to marijuana, tobacco, and vape often have weak respiratory systems. Those abusing opioids and methamphetamines also have more vulnerable pulmonary health. Opioids can cause severely low levels of oxygen to the brain and the entire body, and this can only make the effects of coronavirus much more significant to substance abusers. With diminished lung capacity, COVID-19 poses a considerable threat to substance abusers. 

Exposure to the Virus

Most of the substance abusers are prone to becoming homeless. With many companies laying people off, the risk of more substance abusers losing their jobs and becoming homeless is high. Once they go out on the streets, there is always a chance that they can be exposed to the virus, especially when they stay in unhygienic places. 

On the other side of the coin are those substance abusers who are staying at home. Since their days are a lot less busy, there is a good chance that their usage would increase. Some give in to their addiction because staying in quarantine can cause an increase in depressive symptoms, which can worsen a person’s addiction.

The danger lies in getting incarcerated for their violations and having to spend their days in a cell with poor ventilation where the transmission of the disease is highest. 

What To Do

Fighting the temptation to resort to substance abuse can help. Here are some ways on how you can do that: 

Attend Virtual Recovery Meetings

If you used to attend recovery meetings, it would be a good idea to ask if they have virtual meetings that you can participate in. If they don’t have them yet, you can suggest the idea. Maintaining these meetings is vital to keeping your addiction in check. 

Engage in Productive Activities

When you keep yourself busy, you can spend your days accomplishing things rather than just wallowing in your emotions and going deeper into your depression. Start slowly and you can make it part of your daily habits. Sometimes, being productive can help take your mind off of your addiction. 

Manage Anxieties About COVID-19

COVID-19 can be a stressful thing to think about. You are not alone in this. Many people are scared and uncertain, but this should not be a reason for you to go deeper into your addiction. Instead, you should think about the silver lining. If you are staying at home with your family, you can view it as a much-needed vacation to spend quality time with your loved ones. 

While most look at the elderly and the immunocompromised as the most at-risk population, substance abusers should also be looked in on. Monitoring them and their activities can help minimize the threat of the coronavirus.