The short answer to that question is “yes.” A piece that ran on National Public Radio’s “Morning Edition” in early September described alcohol sales as an “economic brightspot” while so many industries have been hurt. Alcohol sales outside of bars and restaurants have increased 24% over the same time period last year. In many places, restaurants have been allowed to include alcohol with carry-out orders. Drizly, an app-based alcohol delivery service, reports that sales are up 350% over what they were last year.
A recent article in The Economist reported on an annual survey that looks at global drug-use. This year, slightly more than 55,000 people from 11 wealthy countries participated in the survey. Almost two out of five survey respondents reported that they were using cannabis more often. In addition, the use of benzodiazepines and opioids had increased. Participants in this study reported that their use of “party drugs”–ecstasy, cocaine, and ketamine–had decreased. Experts speculate that the reason for that may be that nightclubs are closed and music festivals have been canceled.
What Is Fueling the Increase in Drug and Alcohol Use During the Pandemic?
Stress and uncertainty are fueling the increase in drug and alcohol use during the COVID-19 pandemic. Businesses have closed. People have lost their jobs, been laid off, or furloughed. If they are still working, their hours may have been cut, or they are working from home while they are trying to supervise their children, who are attending school from home. Other people with jobs are working on the front-lines: they are doctors, nurses, grocery-store clerks, and delivery people. Depending on where you live, restaurants are allowed to serve patrons inside, but the occupancy is limited to 25% of capacity. Schools have begun to reopen for modified in-person learning only to shut down again as COVID-19 cases increase. The pandemic itself is a source of division as some people think that the disease isn’t real or that it is no worse than the flu. People argue with neighbors about whether or not wearing masks is helpful in preventing the spread or is it a violation of civil rights.
Many traditional support systems have been disrupted. While some churches have opened for services, many houses of worship are holding services online or outdoors (weather permitting). People are discouraged from meeting in large groups. As we head into the holiday season, many families are considering whether gathering for Thanksgiving or Christmas with extended family and friends is a good idea. No matter what your personal opinion of COVID-19, this is a stressful time.
Why Is Increased Drug and Alcohol Use a Concern?
The increase in alcohol use during the pandemic is a concern because alcohol use increases the risk of respiratory infection and also increases the risk of complications from these infections, according to the above-mentioned piece on NPR’s “Morning Edition.” In addition, there is concern that the patterns of excessive alcohol consumption established during the pandemic may continue when the pandemic is over. According to the “Morning Edition” piece, alcohol-related illnesses kill 88,000 people in the United States annually.
Opioid use has also increased during the pandemic. An NPR piece that was aired on “All Things Considered” in August 2020 stated that drug overdoses from all drugs have increased 18% during the pandemic. In addition, street drugs have become more dangerous, as some drug dealers are “lacing” their products with fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that is said to be 50 to 100 times more powerful than morphine. In a recent interview that appeared on the National Institute of Health’s website, the strain on the overall health care system was cited as a concern, as was the increased social isolation due to the pandemic.
Treatment Facilities Taking Precautions in Response to COVID-19
The good news during COVID-19 is that drug and alcohol treatment programs are considered essential services and have not been forced to shut down during the pandemic. Treatment facilities are taking every precaution to ensure the health and safety of their patients and staff, many of which begin before a patient is admitted. Extensive health questionnaires and temperature screenings are routine. Services that can be offered via Telehealth or Zoom are being offered that way and patients and staff are wearing masks and social distancing. Cleaning and disinfecting routines are more important than ever, and protocols have been developed to follow in the event that a patient or staff member does become ill with COVID-19. Because of the health and safety precautions, if you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, now may be the best time to seek treatment.
Substance use disorders during COVID-19 have been described as the collision of two major public health issues. Because of the added risk for serious complications from COVID-19 to patients with substance use disorders, it is more important now than ever to seek treatment for those addictions. Treatment facilities, like Promising Outlook in Riverside, California, are taking every possible precaution to safeguard the health and safety of their staff and patients. Promising Outlook offers a comprehensive program that focuses on meeting the needs of the whole patient, not just his or her addiction. The program is rooted in the 12-Step philosophy and includes both one-on-one and group therapy. The ultimate focus of the treatment that is individually tailored for each patient is to address the patient’s underlying trauma and mental health issues that frequently cause the substance abuse. If you or someone you know is struggling with a substance use disorder, call (951) 783-2487.
