Substance abuse treatment providers in the Hudson Valley say COVID-19 has created a "perfect storm" for addiction and is continuing to prevent people from getting lifesaving help.

The pandemic shut down many outpatient resources like detox and mental health facilities and has limited in-person meetings for months – a time when treatment providers say addiction is at an all-time high.

Inpatient facilities also have new restrictions - with patients needing a negative COVID-19 test before entering a program.

That's something providers say can take days when minutes count.

“We lost a lot of people. They’re not being tested and they’re still out there. We know there’s people dying every day and they’re going from drugs to alcohol," says Villa Veritas director Sue Cusack.

If you or someone you know is suffering from substance abuse, help is available by calling 311.