Truth matters. Community matters. Your support makes both possible. LAist is one of the few places where news remains independent and free from political and corporate influence. Stand up for truth and for LAist. Make your year-end tax-deductible gift now.
How COVID-19 Is Changing The Fight Against Addiction
Addiction treatment providers are turning to telemedicine in the face of COVID-19 / Getty
COVID-19 is upending the daily lives of people across the globe, and that includes people struggling with addiction who aren’t able to meet in-person for 12-step programs and therapy sessions.
Dr. Matt Polacheck, director of outpatient services at the Hazelden Betty Ford Center in West Los Angeles, said he’s happy the facility has been able to transfer more than 1,300 patients over to telehealth services.
“The beauty of recovery is really in community and when you see someone’s face that you didn’t think you were going to see because of this pandemic, it’s a very comforting safe feeling for people,” Polacheck said.
UCLA psychiatry Professor Dr. Timothy Fong said while he does have serious concerns about people with limited internet access, this is a brave new world for virtual treatment.
“It’s so interesting — patients are showing me their home environment,” Fong said. “It’s very informative where you get to see how people live and that brings up things to talk about in therapy.”
Fong says for some, expanding telehealth is making it easier to get treated for addiction, and he hopes that will continue well after COVID-19.
GO DEEPER:
Sponsored message
COVID-19 Is Changing The Fight Against Addiction
MORE ON CORONAVIRUS:
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
