Rehab and recovery patient describes treatment amidst changes to care during COVID-19

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — While recovery services have made adjustments to treat patients during these times, so have the patients themselves.

Mark is recovering from drug and alcohol addiction at a Horizon Health Service center.

He checked in a few weeks before the state’s PAUSE order went into effect and saw first-hand how services were impacted.

“We were told we were going to have to isolate, there would be no family or friends to visit. No outside visits. So meetings like AA meetings, NA meetings that are important to recovery are being done like we are now, being done via camera.”

Brandy Vandermark-Murray, VP of Horizon Village said early on people were trying to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and weren’t as mindful of their addiction needs, but in the past two weeks, the center has seen an uptick in those seeking care.

“We’ve had a lot more outreach because I think people at six, seven weeks in are really struggling. And some of them have medical issues already.”

A number of steps are being taken to care for patients that are getting in-patient treatment but for those who are contemplating getting help — now is the time.

“Today, I’m by no means cured but I’m a lot better than I was but I’m surrounded by good help and good people,” said Mark.

To be connected with services call Horizon Health at 716-831-1800.

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