Unfortunately, drug and alcohol use has increased during this scary time. COVID-19 has only exacerbated our opioid problem, and we are losing more people to overdose than ever before. Even those who only occasionally drank are picking up the bottle more than ever.
So, Why Is This Happening?
Many single people who live by themselves are finding out how lonely it can be to live that way. They aren’t allowed to go to work or to meet up with friends, so they are spending weeks and even months with no one to talk to. Alcohol sales are up. Drug use is on the rise because people don’t know what to do with themselves. They need to do something to make them forget their loneliness. Here are some reasons why we have seen increased drug and alcohol use during this COVID-19 outbreak.
People in Recovery Are Unable to Get the Help That They Need
Whether you need to join a recovery program or have been in one for a while, everything has been shut down to try to keep everyone safe. However, this only means that people can’t go to meetings or get professional help because they are also closed during this pandemic.
This Also Applies to Those With Mental Illness
For those who are struggling with mental illness, they can’t get the help that they need either. They may not be able to see their therapist to keep them on the right path. They may be scared to leave their home, even just to get their medication (or other things that they need to survive).
Keeping a Routine Is Hard
For those in recovery, a routine is key. People need to wake up a certain time every day, get ready, and have a purpose. Working and having things to do after work is key to staying busy and productive, without drugs and alcohol use. Unfortunately, many people are not working, so they may be sleeping late. They may be bored from staying home for all of these weeks and months. This leads to more drug and alcohol abuse.
It Is a Very Stressful Time
Many people are extremely stressed during this time. They may be working from home while trying to homeschool their kids. They may be laid off and worried about their finances. Alternatively, they may be worried about their marriage. They may be exhausted from everything. Stress leads to increased drug and alcohol use.
So What Can You Do If You Are Struggling During This Time?
- Don’t be afraid to get help. Drug and alcohol addiction is a physical and mental disease and it often takes professional help to get your life back. You may need to find a different way to do so, but your recovery needs to be important. Talk to a therapist through video chat. Find support systems online instead of in person.
- Reach out to others who may be going through the same thing. If you are overwhelmed, you probably know a lot of others who are going through the same thing. Make a point to talk on the phone as often as you can to help each other get through it. Not only will you feel less alone, they will too.
- Find new hobbies (and things to keep you busy). If you are struggling through this time and feel like turning to drugs and alcohol, you need to stop. Find other hobbies that you can do. Take walks around the park. Read some books that you have always wanted to. Try some new exercises by watching them on YouTube. Take up a new craft. Try your hand at woodworking. There are many things that you can do to keep yourself too busy to drink or seek out addictive drugs.
Concerned About Your Increased Drug & Alcohol Use?
If you are struggling with drug or alcohol abuse during COVID-19, we are here to help! Here at Fairwinds Treatment, we will be glad to get you started on your journey to a new and better life. Even if you have just hit a roadblock, we can help you to get back on track. Don’t hesitate to contact us today!
