By Jamelia Hand CEO
The wildfires currently raging in Los Angeles are devastating on many levels. Homeowners are grappling with lost homes, unhoused individuals are facing life-threatening conditions, and communities are dealing with significant health risks, particularly those with respiratory issues. However, one group which may be left unnoticed in these crises is individuals seeking/in recovery from substance use disorders or dealing with co-occurring mental health challenges.
For someone already navigating the difficult path of recovery, a natural disaster can present an overwhelming setback. Displacement may sever critical connections to support systems, disrupt routines, and make access to essential resources nearly impossible.
A Personal Reflection: Lessons from Hurricane Katrina
In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, I volunteered with a local church, which provided temporary shelter for displaced New Orleans residents. While offering substance abuse coaching and helping people access local resources, I noticed a critical gap: very few organizations in New Orleans had prepared their clients for natural disasters or similar large-scale crises. How could they? No one could have imagined the devastation that Hurricane Katrina would cause.
Many of the displaced individuals I worked with faced compounded issues. They didn’t just lose homes, they lost access to healthcare, medications, and support networks. Local Chicago providers faced challenges as well. Most weren’t equipped to receive large numbers of displaced clients or offer off-site services, despite having licenses that allowed for such flexibility (with permission).
This experience taught me an invaluable lesson: crisis management planning isn’t just important, it’s essential. Since then, i’ve incorporated disaster preparedness into every consulting engagement i’ve had with new outpatient opioid treatment providers.
The Reality for Individuals in Recovery During Disasters
Natural disasters present unique challenges for individuals in recovery, especially those without reliable access to phones, computers, or transportation. Many rely on daily or weekly touchpoints with their providers, support groups, or sponsors to stay on track. When a disaster strikes, these supports can disappear overnight.
Key challenges include:
• Loss of Access to Treatment: Without transportation or communication tools, many individuals cannot access their usual care providers.
• Severed Support Networks: Displacement often means losing contact with family, friends, sponsors, peer groups, and trusted counselors.
• Increased Risk of Relapse: The stress, uncertainty, and isolation caused by a crisis can heighten the risk of relapse.
• Basic Needs Overwhelming Recovery Efforts: When someone is struggling to find food, water, and shelter, recovery may understandably take a backseat. Conversely, the individuals that I spoke to were very interested in their recovery. They leaned on recovery principles to provide support during this difficult period.
Tips for Providers: How to Support Patients During Crises
1. Establish Emergency Protocols
Work with staff to create clear protocols for emergencies, including how to maintain contact with displaced patients and provide essential services off-site if needed.
• Partner with local shelters and disaster relief agencies to offer on-site services where displaced individuals may be staying. Additionally, if time permits, make patients or clients aware of federal resources as well.
• Ensure staff are trained in providing care under crisis conditions, including trauma-informed approaches.
2. Distribute Resource Kits
When possible, prepare resource kits for patients that include:
• Pocket-sized brochures with local emergency shelters, food banks, and clinics.
• Written instructions for managing withdrawal symptoms if access to medication is interrupted.
• Basic first-aid supplies and hygiene products.
3. Build a Network of Flexible Providers
Coordinate with other providers across regions to create a network capable of accepting displaced patients temporarily. Ensure your licensing allows for cross-regional care and work with regulatory bodies to expedite approvals if necessary.
4. Advocate for Crisis Policy Flexibility
Advocate for policies that allow providers to offer services outside of traditional clinic settings during emergencies. Ensure that temporary telehealth policies and mobile units remain an option during future disasters.
Tips for Individuals in Recovery
While it’s difficult to prepare for the unknown, there are steps individuals can take to increase their chances of maintaining recovery during a crisis:
1. Create a Personal Emergency Plan
• Identify a local shelter or trusted location where you can go in case of displacement.
• Memorize the phone numbers of key support contacts, including your provider and sponsor, in case your phone is unavailable.
2. Prioritize Connection
• Even without a phone or computer, try to connect with others in recovery at shelters or community centers. Shared experiences can provide emotional support and reduce feelings of isolation.
3. Focus on Small, Manageable Goals
In a crisis, staying sober can feel overwhelming. Focus on small, daily goals like staying hydrated, eating when possible, and finding a quiet moment to reflect or pray. These small acts can help maintain a sense of control.
4. Please Be Kind to Yourself
Recognize that disasters are extraordinary circumstances. If you experience setbacks, approach them with self-compassion. Seek support as soon as you can, and remember that it’s NEVER too late to get back on track.
The Need for Crisis-Ready Treatment Systems
The wildfires in Los Angeles and other natural disasters underscore the urgent need for crisis-ready treatment systems. Providers must be equipped to continue offering care during emergencies, whether through mobile units, off-site services, or temporary shelters. Patients need clear guidance, compassionate support, and access to basic resources to maintain their recovery in these extreme circumstances.
At Vantage Clinical Consulting, we specialize in helping treatment providers develop and operationalize crisis management plans. Whether it’s creating flexible service delivery models, offering staff training, or building partnerships with local emergency services, we help organizations stay prepared so they can continue supporting their patients, no matter what challenges arise.
Final Thoughts
Disasters like the Los Angeles wildfires remind us that recovery doesn’t happen in a vacuum. It’s a journey fraught with challenges, and in times of crisis, those challenges can feel insurmountable. But with proactive planning, compassionate care, and strong community support, both providers and individuals in recovery can navigate these difficult times and emerge stronger.
Please do your part to build systems that don’t just react to crises but are ready for them because recovery can’t wait.
Resources for Providers and Individuals
• SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline: 1-800-985-5990
• Substance Use Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
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