use street drugs to self-medicate through withdrawal symptoms.
Additionally, routines and schedules — both of which can be integral in stable addiction recovery — can be interrupted by a natural disaster, placing a strain on recovery for some patients. In addition to other challenges, storms can make it difficult for people to attend scheduled 12-step meetings, while power outages can hamper both access and services at addiction recovery centers.
Experts advise those struggling with addiction during natural disasters to reach out and ask for help rather than attempt to face their problems alone.
