JourneyPure Revolutionizes Addiction Treatment During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Nation's Addiction Experts Make Treatment More Accessible Through Virtual Reality, Digital Applications, Telehealth and Online Forums

NASHVILLE, TN / ACCESSWIRE / April 21, 2020 / Before the COVID-19 pandemic began dominating the nation's news cycle, there was another epidemic being battled across the nation - addiction. The battle against addiction, which impacts over 21 million Americans annually, has not ceased during the COVID-19 crisis. In fact, while social distancing has slowed the spread of COVID-19, it has negatively impacted those struggling with their addiction. In response, JourneyPure, the nation's leading experts in drug and alcohol addiction treatment, have adapted their treatments for these challenging times.

According to a national survey released by JourneyPure on April 13, the COVID-19 pandemic has made it more difficult for those in recovery to avoid relapse and less likely for those struggling to receive treatment. The survey concluded that the data shows an increase in indirect COVID-19 deaths by way of drug and alcohol overdoses is inevitable. Some of the key findings included:

• 39% stated the pandemic made them give up on seeking treatment for their addiction
• 52% cited isolation from friends as the number one reason for increased difficulty in their addiction management
• 20% reported an increase in the difficulty in managing addiction during the crisis; however, JourneyPure alumni only reported a 5% increase

Addiction is a complicated disease. The national restrictions resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic may have placed some obstacles in the way of obtaining drugs and alcohol due to the closure of bars along with social distancing and stay at home orders, the underlying causes behind substance abuse still remain. Additionally, the U.S. alcohol beverage market has not experienced any major disruptions, despite the closure of bars across the nation as sales on delivery platforms have seen sales increases of 300% to 500% during the lockdown. For many, the stress caused by the global pandemic has only exacerbated the underlying mental and emotional issues that underlie addiction. Stress, loneliness, depression, isolation and boredom and more are becoming issues for many as a result of the impacts of COVID-19 - all of which are closely linked with substance abuse.

"Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic is fueling the addiction epidemic. We do not want to see the casualties continue to grow. Mental health treatments need to become more accessible permanently," said Dr. Stephen Lloyd, chief medical officer at JourneyPure.

Dr. Lloyd, who currently serves as a member of the Governor Bill Lee's subcabinet and as an associate professor at East Tennessee State University, understands addiction personally and is in recovery. His impressive 22-year career has seen him serve as an expert witness for the U.S. Attorney, Federal Bureau of Investigation and Drug Enforcement Administration against doctors improperly prescribing addictive medications. As trusted expert on addiction and the best treatment methodologies, Dr. Lloyd has been advocating for the use of technology in the field for years.

"At JourneyPure, we've seen for years the success of technology in this field - from virtual reality therapy to self-management via a phone app," Dr. Lloyd stated. "Mental healthcare is about meeting people where they are at and this industry needs to catch up or we risk losing more people than ever before."

While rehab facilities remain open as essential services during the COVID-19 pandemic, JourneyPure has made their innovative treatment options more widely accessible.