COVID-19 Recovery and Mental Health Resources

During this difficult time, it is even more important to make our wellness is a top priority, especially for those in treatment and recovery from substance use disorder (SUD). Check out the resources below for individuals with SUD and their families as we cope during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Stay on top of the latest COVID-19 alerts and research from trusted sources:

Mental Health Support

Does COVID-19 have you feeling stressed, upset, or worried? It helps to talk to people that you can trust. Click on the flier for more information brought to you by Family Services of the Merrimack Valley: FS-Flyer-COVID-Helpline 2020
Psychiatric Emergency Services teams are 24 hour resource for every community in Massachusetts. Each team focuses on providing supports to individuals and families of all ages whom are experiencing a behavioral health crisis. You will be able to talk to a professional who will provide support, information, and/or guide you or your loved one in the right direction. These services can be community based, in partnership with local police, and in hospitals.
- Billerica – Lahey/Northeast Behavioral Health: 800-830-5177
- Chelmsford – Lahey/Northeast Behavioral Health: 800-830-5177
- Dracut – Lahey/Northeast Behavioral Health: 800-830-5177
- Lowell – Lahey/Northeast Behavioral Health: 800-830-5177
- Tewksbury – Lahey/Northeast Behavioral Health: 800-830-5177
- Tyngsborough – Lahey/Northeast Behavioral Health: 800-830-5177
- Westford – Lahey/Northeast Behavioral Health: 800-830-5177
- Wilmington – Advocates: 781-893-2003

** These teams are specific to your region. To find your region and what office services you, click HERE.**

Recovery Resources

Below are comprehensive lists of online and phone recovery, parenting, fitness, family support, and COVID-19 resources, including online meetings, apps, and helplines:
- IHR Recovery-Parenting-COVID-19 Resource List 07-31-2020
- mhiv-covid-19-resource-digest-volume-33
Below are comprehensive lists of online and phone recovery, parenting, fitness, family support, and COVID-19 resources, including online meetings, apps, and helplines.
The Front Door Recovery Meeting: The Front Line Initiative would like to welcome all those in recovery or seeking recovery to join our weekly Thursday night gathering from 7pm-8pm. This meeting typically held at the Tewksbury PD has moved virtual during this time of social distancing. We invite anyone who feels the desire to join. The meeting can hold up to 100 people.
Recovery Cafe Lowell is now open. Click HERE for more information or check out their website.
Many Veterans are trying to live/maintain recovery of some sort. In this climate we find the opportunities to interact, socialize, or get information are dwindling. This newsletter gives pointers on staying connected while we practice social distancing: VOICES Aug 2021 Vol1Iss2 , VOICES Sep 2021 Vol1Iss3

Treatment and Supportive Services: Treatment and support for SUD does not stop during a public health epidemic. Many SUD and recovery treatment providers are switching to phone screenings and tele-medicine platforms as a means to continue providing services for their clients. Call you current provider(s) if you have questions about your upcoming appointments and/or how their services may or may not be impacted by COVID-19. Many providers are still accepting new clients; if you are interested in starting with a new treatment provider, call them directly to ask if they are accepting new clients during this time.

Community Resources

Front Line – General Community: The Front Line Initiative provides access to local mental health clinicians, peer recovery coaches, and licensed drug and alcohol clinical interns. The Front Line Initiative also provides services to the elder community: Front Line – Elder Services Flier.

Coping Skills and Self-Care

Taking Care of Your Emotional Health: Self-care during an emergency will help your long-term healing.
Manage Anxiety and Stress: Coping with stress in a healthy way will make you, the people you care about, and your community stronger.
Free Virtual and Live Stream Exercise Classes: The Phoenix is offering FREE online classes, including meditation, yoga, and body-weight.

High Risk Populations

Guidance for People Who Use Substances on COVID-19
COVID-19 – What People with HIV Should Know
Are you concerned how vaping and smoking may impact your health? Check out this resource provided by the Massachusetts Smoker’s Helpline: Massachusetts – Covid-19 and Massachusetts – Covid-19 (Spanish)

Holidays: Worried about the upcoming holidays? Click HERE to check out articles written by those in recovery and those who have experienced loss due to substance use disorder.

Youth and Family Resources

Looking for tips on how to talk with your children about COVID-19? Click HERE for an article from the National Association of School Psychologists.
Click HERE to check out a list of ways that parents/guardians can help children navigate stress.
Free Online Events: This blog post contains a list of free online events, including drawing lessons, music performances, games, and tours.
Check out the weekly COVID-19 newsletter created by your local Substance Abuse Prevention Collaboration (SAPC). This newsletter is designed to provide your family with a variety of educational links, activities, and resources on overall wellness and substance abuse:

COVID-19 Recovery and Mental Health Resources

Resources

Online/Phone Resources for Recovery Support Compiled by IHR

The Massachusetts Substance Use Helpline

WellConnected Greater Lowell