One way some Americans are trying to cope with the new coronavirus? Alcohol. But there are definite risks.
U.S. sales of alcoholic beverages rose 55% in the week ending March 21, according to market research firm Nielsen. Spirits like tequila, gin and pre-mixed cocktails led the way, with sales jumping 75% compared to the same period last year. Wine sales were up 66% while beer sales rose 42%. And online sales far outpaced in-store sales.
Nielsen said online alcohol sales were up 243%.
But a health care expert warns that lockdowns may reveal undiagnosed narcotic and alcohol addictions.
- Isolation and loneliness could trigger a surge in relapses.
- Boredom identified as one of the main triggers.
- Information for people who are suffering withdrawal symptoms, or who are concerned about relapse
Dr. Lawrence Weinstein, Chief Medical Officer of American Addiction Centers, explains that “as our social lives have come to a standstill in terms of physical interactions, some people might discover they have an underlying substance dependency during self-isolation, which may have previously been camouflaged by an external social life.
For example, in the past these people may have partaken in regular excessive drinking or drug consumption in the company of their social group. Because social gatherings are now prohibited during this time, they may discover that when they are alone, their dependency on alcohol or drugs might become more apparent.”
As many of us have been instructed to remain isolated in our homes for the foreseeable future, some have to deal with recovering from substance addictions on top of the additional panic over the COVID-19 pandemic.
American Addiction Centers, the leading provider of substance abuse resources, has warned how isolation and therefore loneliness could trigger a surge in relapses for those in recovery. Moreover, they say that for people who regularly drink alcohol or partake in drug use as a social activity, being unable to do so may also bring to light underlying substance addiction problems, which is a real challenge to face while self-isolating.