COVID-19 is a deadly time for addicts and those with mental illnesses. The intense stress that the pandemic is causing the world has had harsh effects on the mental wellbeing of people. The feelings of isolation, uncertainty, and despair are heavily present in many areas of the world, and the USA’s situation does not help.
Knowing that going outside has plenty of risks has made bunkering down at home an everyday thing. Additionally, many work situations remain precarious as the economy is slowly collapsing. Without proper work and the threat of the virus at large, it makes for a prime equation that equals stress.
The Increasing Incidence of Alcoholism
With so much idle time, people who are working jobs that have fewer things to do or those who are recently unemployed are seeking comfort in different things. One thing that many have done during this quarantine period is buying a ton of alcoholic beverages to pass the time and ease the stress.
Drinking moderately is defined by the CDC as up to a drink per day for women and two for men. If you find yourself overdoing these numbers daily to escape the stress you see on the news, the fears of losing your job, or just to overall numb the pain, this spells trouble. Too much alcohol gets you intoxicated, but it starts to create a point wherein a dependence develops, creating the thirst for more.
This incidence of alcoholism likely explains the skyrocketing number of liquor sales in the United States. Nowadays, those working from home enjoy flexibility, and the lines are blurred for office etiquette since this is relatively new to many workplaces. Some people even drink during working hours as they’re just at home and not physically in the office. Additionally, it becomes easier to isolate because of stay-at-home orders.
What To Look Out For With Drinking
While COVID-19 is a temporary thing and people can be confident that they are functioning well despite drinking during the day or overdoing it after work, it is still not advisable to overdo things. Many times have shown that those who continue to drink increasing amounts each time are at risk of developing alcoholism. This risk is genuine because the more humans consume substances, the more they develop a resistance to these. Eventually, they’ll require more and more to achieve the desired effect.
Once it gets past a certain level, withdrawals start to kick in and will require more of the substance to be able to function, and this is when you know you are addicted to alcohol or drugs. The worst happens when a person does not have their mental health adequately analyzed or diagnosed because those with depression often experience worse crashes with alcohol. As a downer, this will send alcoholics into a downward spiral that includes plenty of violence, irresponsibility, impulsivity, and even suicidal tendencies.
Curbing the Drinking Habit
If you think you are starting to develop a drinking habit, it is always best to nip things in the bud. One way that helps people prevent relapsing during these difficult times is to find a productive hobby and stay away from boredom. Your hobby can be exercise and being active, painting, playing video games, or meditating practices. Another great way to prevent falling into the perils of alcoholism is to join group video call sessions from your local treatment center. Like-minded people will always be ready to assist and help you find your pacing in life.
Conclusion
COVID-19 has brought so much stress into people’s lives, and it has increased the incidence of alcoholism in America. It has also put plenty of recovering addicts on the line. However, staying productive and away from boredom and stressful news is a great way to maintain sobriety and live a peaceful life. Staying connected with friends and family can assist in the journey of recovering addicts to continue being clean and serene.
California Addiction Help is a medication-assisted drug treatment center that assists drug-addicted individuals to find peace and sobriety. With services for both residential inpatient and outpatient therapy and substance detoxing, there are plenty of options for people who wish to live a life clean. Contact us today to discover more about life without drugs and alcohol and why it is incredible.