Clearfield and Jefferson Counties, PA – Although everyone is struggling with how to deal with COVID-19 and avoid contracting the illness, the risks could be especially troublesome for people who are addicted to drugs or alcohol or are in recovery.
People with substance abuse disorders could be at particular risk for severe symptoms if they become infected with COVID-19. Because it attacks the lungs, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 could be an especially serious threat to those who smoke tobacco or marijuana or who vape.
People with opioid use disorder (OUD) and methamphetamine use disorder may also be vulnerable due to those drugs’ effects on respiratory and pulmonary health.
Alcohol use, especially heavy use, weakens the immune system and thus reduces the ability to cope with infectious diseases.
People who are addicted to drugs or alcohol are more likely to experience homelessness or incarceration than those in the general population, and these circumstances pose unique challenges regarding transmission of the virus that causes COVID-19.
Because we still do not know entirely the long-term effects of COVID-19, you should avoid any unnecessary risks, including drug and alcohol abuse. Now is the time to take the steps into recovery.
Recovery programs, treatment, and rehab clinics are still operating. However, you might utilize telemedicine or appointments over the phone instead of coming into an office in person.
For more information, visit the Clearfield-Jefferson Drug and Alcohol Commission website.
Listen to the full interview with Susan Ford, the executive director of the Clearfield-Jefferson Drug and Alcohol Commission.
Read more information at the DrugAbuse.gov webpage.
RESOURCES:
Clearfield-Jefferson Drug and Alcohol Commission
[email protected]
Phone: 814-371-9002
Toll Free: 1-800-892-9002
Office Hours are Monday through Friday 8:30am – 4:30 pm
After Hours:
If you have used opiates, benzodiazepines or alcohol in the last three (3) days, please call any of the Detox facilities listing in the Get Help Now tab.
If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please visit your local hospital emergency room.
If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, please call 1-800-341-5040.
OP Providers
Cen-Clear Child Services, Drug and Alcohol Services (3 locations)
100 Industrial Park
Clearfield, PA 16830
http://www.cenclear.org/
814-765-1149
Clearfield-Jefferson Community Mental Health Center (2 locations)
100 Caldwell Drive
DuBois, PA 15801
http://www.cj-cmhc.com/
814-371-1100
Detox and Rehab
Clearfield and Jefferson County residents can obtain help after hours by calling any of the facilities listed below. Preferential services are provided to pregnant women.
Cove Forge Behavioral Health, Williamsburg
800-873-2131
Gaudenzia, Erie
814-459-4775
Pyramid Health Care, Duncansville
888-694-9996
Turning Point, Franklin
888-272-8922
Twin Lakes Center, Somerset
800-452-0218
White Deer Run, Allenwood
800-255-2335
Hotlines
Mental Health Crisis Hotline
1-800-341-5040
Child Abuse Hotline
1-800-932-0313
