HAMPTON, Va. - In the midst of the COVID-19 health crisis, many in Hampton Roads are turning to alcohol and drugs to pass the time and cope with stress and isolation.
"With the prolonged extended period of the pandemic, emotions escalate and continue to grow, as well as depression and anxiety," said Stacey Johnson, Executive Director of Riverside Behavioral Health Center.
The center in Hampton has is a 126-bed psychiatric facility for both adults and teens. This facility will now be expanding its services to help a growing need.
"Our goal is to help medically stabilize symptoms of withdraw and connect with next-level care," said Johnson.
The detox program is being revamped to accommodate those dealing with substance abuse.
"One of the things that has happened is there has been some state hospital closures as a result of the COVID outbreak, so the need on community hospitals has certainly increased," she said.
Related: Coronavirus presents challenges for those suffering from addiction
Normally, the detox program would have been offered to patients with a co-occurring mental health disorder, but Johnson says Riverside will open its doors to anyone wanting to focus solely on detox.
"There is a daily group programming, individual therapy and substance abuse therapy," said Johnson.
Johnson says average length of stay in the new program is three to five days. Crucial time needed for a road to recovery.
Medicaid, Medicare, private health insurance, military insurance and self-payment are accepted. Admissions screenings are available 24/7 by calling the Admission Department at 757-827-3119.
