How COVID-19 Plus Drug and Alcohol Addiction Creates A Perfect Storm

The pandemic rages on.

In fact, COVID-19 cases are higher throughout the United States than ever before, and many cities across the country are currently experiencing a second wave of mandatory shutdowns. According to a New York Times article published on Dec. 28, the coronavirus pandemic has killed over 1.7 million people and sickened well over 80 million thus far. Since China reported its first death on Jan. 11, the pandemic has swept through numerous other countries, wreaking immense havoc and leading to an outstanding amount of controversy and division. As it stands, some believe that the country should be immediately reopened for business – that shutdowns do nothing to protect the American people and everything to hurt the economy. Others believe that restrictions should be more severe in order to stop the spread more effectively.

While the country remains divided, one fact is unarguable – rates of substance abuse have been skyrocketing over the course of the past year.

The Link Between COVID-19 and Substance Use

Extensive scientific and medical research points towards the fact that the current pandemic has been throwing fuel on the fire of nationwide addiction cases, resulting in what can be considered “a perfect storm.” Here are several examples:

• Mandatory social distancing and widespread closures have led to increased feelings of loneliness and isolation – Not only have stay-at-home orders led to an exacerbation of pre-existing SUDs, but the boredom of being isolated at home coupled with job loss and financial insecurity has led to an increase in new cases of SUD throughout the country. Many people do the majority of their socializing in the workplace – being stripped of all social outlets has taken a widespread negative toll.
• Many men and women who suffer from substance use disorders also suffer from mental health concerns (like anxiety and depression), which can be amplified during such a stressful and uncertain time – It is also more difficult for people with underlying mental health conditions to receive psychiatric care, and access to necessary medications has also been widely compromised. According to the World Health Authority, “67% [of countries] saw disruptions to counseling and psychotherapy; 65% to critical harm reduction services; and 45% to opioid agonist maintenance treatment for opioid dependence.” The study was conducted from June to August, 2020.
• Many individuals throughout the country are turning to alcohol and drug use as a means of self-medication – There are many underlying factors when it comes to an increase in self-medication, according to an article published by the US National Library of Medicine. (4) Not only are people turning to alcohol and drugs as a means of coping with high stress levels, loneliness and other uncomfortable feelings, but many Americans are attempting to self-medicate in order to avoid seeing a medical professional or prevent further overwhelming the healthcare system. For example, someone who experiences severe back pain while quarantined at home might turn to an unused pain medication before consulting a prescribing physician, which could lead to a substance abuse issue down the line.
• Daily schedules (and recovery programs) are disrupted by closures – Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous meetings have predominantly moved online, making it more difficult for some to maintain a sense of personal accountability. Many recovering addicts and alcoholics rely on the consistent structure of their day-to-day lives, making it more difficult to maintain sobriety.