How one drug and alcohol rehab center in Costa Rica has responded to the coronavirus

The coronavirus pandemic has changed the lives of people and businesses across the world.

The Costa Rica Treatment Center, an alcohol and drug rehab facility located in the upscale San José neighborhood of Rohrmoser, is no different. Ever since the Costa Rican government issued its first coronavirus guidelines in mid-March, the Costa Rica Treatment Center has worked to ensure the safety of all its clients without sacrificing its high level of care.

“We are committed to helping Costa Rican public health leaders contain this pandemic while not slowing down our daily efforts in order to meet the urgent needs of those affected by the addiction and mental health crisis,” the CRTC team said in a statement.

As part of its efforts to limit the spread of the coronavirus, the Costa Rican government has banned the entry of all tourists until at least June 30. However, anyone already in Costa Rica is permitted to stay. The Costa Rica Treatment Center is welcoming clients for its affordable rehab programs, including foreigners who are already in the country on a tourist visa.

In addition, Costa Rican citizens or permanent residents can enter the country and be admitted to the Costa Rica Treatment Center after completing a government-mandated 14-day home isolation order.

And when international travel bans are lifted, the Costa Rica Treatment Center will be ready.

“We intend to continue serving the community of those desperately wanting to engage in our program,” the treatment team said.

In the meantime, the Costa Rica Treatment Center has adopted protocols to help minimize the risk of coronavirus spread.

The medical team has been trained on COVID-19 symptoms and regularly checks patients, staff and volunteers for fever. The staff are also limiting contact with others so as to reduce the risk of contracting SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.

CRTC has also adopted rigorous disinfection standards and is following all recommendations issued by Costa Rica’s Health Ministry — which has been among the most successful in the world at controlling the spread of the coronavirus.

“Costa Rica has maintained a favorable situation but we need for everyone to keep doing their part,” said Health Minister Daniel Salas.

Even as international travel remains restricted, the Costa Rica Treatment Center continues to attend to its current and prospective clients and is helping them achieve recovery in Costa Rica.

If you or a loved one is suffering from substance use disorder (SUD), contact the Costa Rica Treatment Center for a free and confidential conversation about next steps. They can be reached toll-free at 1-800 708-3656, via email at [email protected], or online at costaricatreatmentcenter.com/contact-us/.

Every person is different, and each person’s road to recovery and “get clean” should be developed in accordance to their individual needs. That’s why treatment programs like the ones offered at Costa Rica Treatment Center are designed on a person-by-person basis utilizing evidence-based practices and methods.

That commitment remains today, and it will continue after the coronavirus pandemic has passed.

This story was sponsored by Costa Rica Treatment Center. Learn more at CostaRicaTreatmentCenter.com.